RESULT – LOSS 12-3
As I always say, if you’re going to lose, then
lose big! The Sox were pummeled by
former manager Terry Francona’s new team, the Cleveland Indians. They scored 12 runs on 16 hits and made the
former manger’s return to Fenway a welcome one.
Ryan Dempster again struggled and has now pitched
poorly in 3 straight starts. His outing
lasted only 3 innings and he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits. The most discouraging statistic though is the
4 walks and the pitch count of 85 in only 3 innings. His last outing he walked 6 batters and he
doesn’t seem to be commanding his sinking stuff well at all. He did strike out 4 but the Sox have to be a
little worried that Dempster is struggling right now.
The bullpen wasn’t much better as nothing could
calm the Indians bats last night.
Clayton Mortensen was touched up for 5 runs on 5 hits in only 2
innings. He walked 3 and stuck out none. Alex Wilson only pitched 1 inning but gave up
3 runs (only 2 were earned) on 4 hits.
Craig Breslow, Junichi Tazawa and Andrew Miller finally came in to put
out the fire pitching the last 3 innings giving up only 2 hits and no runs but
by then the damage had been done. The
Sox pitching staff had been torched and we got to see an upfront view of the
potent Indian lineup.
Leading the charge for the Indians was Michael
Bourn, Mark Reynolds and Drew Stubbs who each had 3 hits on the night. Reynolds drove in 3 runs and Stubbs had 2
doubles and a triple while driving in 3 as well.
Every Cleveland starter had a hit and everyone
except second baseman Jason Kipnis scored a run. Carlos Santana walked 4 times on the night as
the Sox seemed to try and work around arguable the Indians best hitter. It backfired though as the next hitter, Mark
Reynolds, torched them every time.
Offensively the Sox managed only 3 runs on 7 hits
and walked 3 times. They also struck out
11 times and were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The 6 through 9 hitters were truly terrible
going a combined 0 for 15 with 5 strikeouts.
The bottom of the order again, gave the Sox no production and continues
to struggle.
Daniel Nava was on base 4 times with 2 hits and 2
walks and Big Papi had a three-run homerun, his 8th of the
season. Ryan Lavarnway chipped in with a
pitch hit double and Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli each had a
hit apiece.
Will Middlebrooks left after 2 at bats (both
strikeouts) and is now heading to the DL as well as Shane Victorino. The Sox called up Alfredo Aceves (good grief)
and Jose Iglesias who will play 3rd in Middlebrooks absence. They get back David Ross from the 7 day
concussion list but 2 injuries to everyday starters hurts a lot.
It wasn’t a good night at Fenway Park but the
good thing about baseball is they’ll play again tonight and the score will be
0-0. The Sox will send John Lackey who
has been on an absolute roll lately and I hope he can continue it tonight to
get the Sox back on track. The Indians
will send their ace Justin Masterson, a former Red Sox pitcher, to the
mound. He too has been on a roll as he has
a consecutive scoreless innings streak of 20.
Hopefully the Sox will get to him early because if he gets in a groove
he’ll be tough to beat.
SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
Daniel Nava.
Nava went 2 for 2 with a double and also walked 2 times. He was the lone bright spot of an otherwise
terrible night at the ballpark.
ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Ryan Dempster.
His pitch count was 85 pitches and he only got through 3 innings of
work. He walked 4 and didn’t have any
command over his breaking stuff. It’s
alarming because his last 3 starts have been terrible and the Sox will need to
get him turned around soon.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Yan Gomes’ double in the top of the 6th
to drive in 2 runs to make it a 9-3 and out of reach for the Red Sox.
NEXT
Today, Friday 5/24 vs. the Indians.
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