Wednesday, May 29, 2013

GAME 52 – 5/27/2013 – at Home vs. Philadelphia Phillies


RESULT – WIN 9-3

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!  Never forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

There was no need for heroic late inning comebacks in this one as the Sox had it in cruise control early and pounded Philly pitching for 15 hits and 9 runs.  The walk-off from the day before still seemed fresh in the player’s minds as they looked like they were having a blast out there.

The Sox wasted no time with 3 runs in the 1st when Dustin Pedroia hit a 2-run homer and Mike Napoli unloaded a solo shot to right field.  The rout was on as the Sox would add 5 doubles to the mix and go 5 for 11 with runners in scoring position.  The offense was firing on all cylinders and runs were no problem for them on Monday evening.

Jacoby Ellsbury followed up his walk-off win with a 3 hit performance going 3 for 5 with a run scored and a run driven in.  David Ortiz, Mike Napoli, Stephen Drew and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all had 2 hits in the effort.  Napoli and Drew both drove in 2 and Salty had an RBI as well.  Drew continues his hot streak getting 2 hits and also had 2 walks.

The only Sox starter without a hit was Daniel Nava who went 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.  Jose Iglesias continued his hot hitting since being called back up to the bigs with another hit.

The story of the day was not the Sox bats though.  Alfredo Aceves was the story as he pitched 6 strong innings and got a win in his first appearance back from his demotion.  He looked focused and looked like someone with something to prove.

His final line was 6 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.  He was confident and delivered a good performance in a pinch for the Red Sox.  It was night and day from the last time we saw Alfredo back in April when he was shelled for 8 runs in a little over 3 innings.  While Alfredo pitched well it didn’t matter as the Sox optioned him back to Triple-A after the game as lefty Franklin Morales is finally off the disabled list.  The Sox likely want to see how Aceves takes this trip back to Pawtucket and will continue to monitor his progress down there.

The Phillies finally got something going in the later innings of the ball game as they got to the Sox relievers.  Clayton Mortensen and Andrew Miller both allowed a run in their 1 plus innings of work.

Dominic Brown had a two-run homer and Ben Revere, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and John Mayberry all had 2 hits apiece.  Erik Kratz had a solo homerun in the effort as well.  The Phillies banged out 11 hits but were only able to get 3 runs as they were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

The Sox will go at it again with the Phillies at Fenway tonight with Ryan Dempster taking the hill against the tough lefty Cliff Lee.  Dempster has struggled lately and he’s going to need to be sharp as Cliff Lee has been tough in his last 4 starts.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
Alfredo Aceves.  It was a nice comeback for Alfredo and he provided the Sox with the depth they envisioned at the beginning of the year with a strong start on the mound.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Daniel Nava.  The only Sox starter without a hit on the night in a great offensive showing by the team.

PLAY OF THE GAME
Dustin Pedroia’s 2-run homer to start things off in the first.  There would be no need for heroics as the Sox scored early and often.

NEXT
Today, Tuesday 5/28 vs. the Phillies.

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