GAME 81 - 6/27/2013 – at Home vs. the Toronto Blue Jays

RESULT – WIN 7-4

On a misty-rainy night at Fenway Park, the bats stayed hot, well at least for one inning anyway and Jon Lester looked like Jon Lester as the Red Sox take the first game of the series from the Blue Jays 7-4.

The Sox scored all 7 of their runs in a big 2^nd inning.  In fact, 7 of their 9 hits on the night came in the 2^nd inning and it proved all they would need on the night.  Every Sox starter had a hit except for Mike Carp.  The team was 6 for 9 with runners in scoring position and only left 4 men on base.

Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI and a walk.  His only hit was a 2-run homer in the 2^nd to knock Jays starter Chien-Ming Wang out of the game.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2 for 4 with an RBI and his 19^th double of the year.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Daniel Nava, Stephen Drew and Jose Iglesias all had a hit and an RBI on the night.  David Ortiz went 1 for 3 with a walk and Shane Victorino went 1 for 4.  Mike Carp didn’t get a hit but he did reach base safely with a walk.

The big 2^nd inning proved to be enough because Jon Lester actually looked like the Jon Lester of old for most of the night.

Lester went 7 strong innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.  He walked 3 and struck out 5.  He left in the 7^th when he felt a “zinging” sensation in his hip.  After the game he was walking fine and the Red Sox have stated they don’t expect him to miss a start.  The numbers weren’t outstanding but 2 runs came in after he left in the 7^th as Junichi Tazawa couldn’t leave them there.

While the numbers don’t look great, he pitched really well.  He got himself out of jams and his fastball looked great.  In the past couple of starts, his fastball has been mediocre and he’s had absolutely no command of it.  Last night you could tell he had a better feel for it and it showed.

It didn’t look good when he started the game off by walking speedy Jose Reyes, and then went to a 3-0 count to Jose Bautista.  But he settled down and got Bautista to fly out and then next batter Edwin Encarnacion to ground into an inning ending double play.  He would then cruise through the next 2 innings.  In the 2^nd, he needed only 9 pitches to retire the side and in the 3^rd only 7 pitches.

Hopefully this will be a stepping stone for him in the right direction.  The Sox need their starters healthy and performing well to compete in a tough AL East.

They’ll be back at it again on Friday night with rookie Allen Webster (0-2, 11.25) getting another start.  Webster had a rough 1^st inning in his last outing but settled down to pitch pretty well the rest of the way.  This is a tough lineup to face but I’d like to see young Webster give a good pitching performance tonight.  If he doesn’t I fully expect the Sox to go in a different direction for future spot starter situations.

He’ll be opposed by Josh Johnson (1-2, 4.60) who is coming off a tough outing last week against the Baltimore Orioles in which he went 6 innings giving up 4 runs on 7 hits.  The start before that however, he was nasty going 7 and 1/3 giving up 0 runs on 5 hits while striking out 10.  Let’s hope we see the Johnson of last week, not the one before that.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Dustin Pedroia.  Pedroia was on base twice with a homer and a walk and drove in 2 runs.  It was his 5^th homer of the year and 47^th RBI.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Mike Carp.  The only one without a hit on the night gets the elbow to the face.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The Dustin Pedroia homer in the bottom of the 2^nd.  It came after the Sox had already scored 5 runs and Shane Victorino grounded into a double-play.  Just when you think the Jays will stop the bleeding, Pedroia sends one over the Monster for the back-breaker.

NEXT

Today, June 28th, vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.

GAME 80 - 6/26/2013 – at Home vs. the Colorado Rockies

RESULT – WIN 5-3

John Lackey was stellar yesterday as the Red Sox completed a mini sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 5-3 win at Fenway Park.

It really shouldn’t surprise people anymore because John Lackey has been doing this all year but yesterday was something special.  Lackey tied a career high with 12 strikeouts as the big righty went 7 strong innings.  He gave up 2 runs on 8 this but didn’t walk anyone.  It was his 9^th quality start in 13 appearances this year.  With Buchholz down with an injury and Jon Lester struggling right now, Lackey has been their most consistent and reliable starter.

John Lackey’s fastball looked the best I’ve seen it all year yesterday.  He continually hit 95 and attached the strike zone with it all night.  He had 73 strikes on 98 pitches.  His 12 strikeouts was the 14^th time he’s struck out double digits in a game and first since October of 2010.  He struck out the side 3 times in the game.

Offensively, the Sox stayed hot with 5 runs on 10 hits.  Shane Victorino went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.  Dustin Pedroia continued his to be red hot going 2 for 4 with a run scored.  Big Papi went 1 for 2 with a runs cored an RBI and also walked twice more.

Mike Napoli had 1 hit and 1 RBI and Jacoby Ellsbury was 1 for 4 with a run scored out of the leadoff spot.  Daniel Nava went 1 for 3 but drove in 2 runs and Stephen Drew continued with his triple power going 1 for 4 with his 5^th triple of the year.  It was his second consecutive day with a triple.

The Sox did go 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left 7 men on base but did enough to secure the win for John Lackey.

Koji Uehara closed out the game in the 9^th with his 2^nd save of the year but 1^st since being given the role last week.  He pitched a perfect 9^th inning, striking out 2 and then bruising everyone’s hand with his high-five assaults.

The Sox will welcome in the all of a sudden relevant Toronto Blue Jays.  The Jays have been great as of late and are now a game over .500 (39-38) and have been scorching hot as of late.  Chein-Ming Wang (1-0, 2.18) will take the hill for them tonight.  Wang’s been good for them in 3 appearances so far this year and he used to kill the Sox when he was with the Yankees.

The struggling Jon Lester (7-4, 4.57) will take the mound for the Sox.  He has been struggling as of late so hopefully the bats will stay hot and give Lester some run support so he can work on getting out of the funk he’s in.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

John Lackey.  12 K’s and dominant all day against a tough Rockies lineup.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  Salty was bad again yesterday going 0 for 3 with 3 strikeouts.  He did walk once but it may be time for the Sox to let Lavarnway get some time in behind the plate.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Top of the 6^th, Lackey struck out Tyler Colvin and then got Yorvit Torrealba to line out to end the inning.  The Rockies had homered to cut the lead to 5-2 and had runners on 1^st and 3^rd with only one out.  Lackey bared down and got the Sox out of the inning.

NEXT

Today, June 27^th, vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.

GAME 79 - 6/25/2013 – at Home vs. the Colorado Rockies

RESULT – WIN 11-4

The Sox welcomed the Colorado Rockies to town for a brief 2 game series last night.  It was the first time the Rockies have been back at Fenway since the 2007 World Series.  Though not many players are still around for either team, it was still a cool feeling seeing these two teams square off.  Hitting was the name of the game last night as the Sox took the first game of the series in a rout.

Boston had a season-high 20 hits including 12 in the first 3 innings alone.  The Rockies had 11 hits on the night as well but couldn’t capitalize as much as the Sox did.

Every Sox starter had a least one hit with 7 of the 9 having multiple hits.  Dustin Pedroia went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 4 RBI.  Daniel Nava and Jose Iglesias each went 3 for 5 with an RBI and Jacoby Ellsbury went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored.

Shane Victorino went 2 for 5 with an RBI and Stephen Drew went 2 for 5 with another triple, his fourth of the season.  Mike Napoli went 2 for 4 with2 RBI and a walk.  David Ortiz only had one hit on the night (1 for 2) but walked 3 times and drove in 1 run.  Salty struck out 3 times in the game but had a hit and run scored as well.

It was an offensive night as the Sox had 6 extra base hits and were 9 for 20 with runners in scoring position.  Believe it or not it could have been a lot worst as they also left 13 men on base.  5 of the runs driven in came with 2 outs and that’s a back breaker for an opposing team.  You have a team on the ropes with 2 outs and you let up runs.  Sox have had that happen to them all the time and it is so frustrating.

On the mound, Ryan Dempster looked pretty good.  He went 6 innings, let up 2 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4.  Dempster usually doesn’t get a lot of run support from his hitters but last night the Sox stoked him to a nice lead and he delivered a really good performance.  He earned his 5^th win of the season and lowered his ERA to 4.15.

The bullpen only allowed 2 unearned runs as the Sox uncharacteristically committed 3 errors.  Alex Wilson pitched only 2/3 of an inning and let up 1 hit, 2 unearned runs but struck out 2 hitters as well.  Craig Breslow who’s been lights out lately went an inning and a third giving up only 3 scattered hits.  Newly brought up Pedro Beato went the last inning giving up only 1 hit.

It was a fun game to watch as the Sox hitters put on a show last night.  They’ll go for the mini sweep today as John Lackey will take the mound against Roy Oswalt in the mid-day game.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Dustin Pedroia.  Pedroia stayed hot with 3 hits and 4 RBI on the night.  He also stole a base, his 14^th of the season.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  He was the one that struggled the most in the Sox lineup last night.  He had 1 hit but also struck out 3 times.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Mike Napoli’s RBI single in the bottom of the 2^nd that put the Sox up 5-1.  It was the 4^th straight hit and 3^rd straight run driving in for the team that inning.

NEXT

Today, June 26^th, vs. the Colorado Rockies.

GAME 78 - 6/23/2013 – in Detroit vs. the Tigers

RESULT – LOSS 7-5

I usually don’t like to say that an umpire caused a loss but yesterday a catch, ruled a drop directly led to the Tigers winning 7-5 on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park.

With the game dead locked at 4, Avisail Garcia led off the bottom of the eighth with a deep fly ball that took Daniel Nava back to wall.  Nava drifted back, settled under it and looked like he made the catch.  As he reached to his glove to throw the ball back in, the ball squirted out and second-base umpire Mike DiMuro ruled that he dropped it.

I saw the play in question and to me it looked like it was on the transfer.  The umpires did get together but still ruled it a drop and I can’t see how they did it.  I’m for instant replay and this is one of those instances where if you looked at the video it could have easily been corrected.  When will Major League baseball get replay?  It needs to happen!

John Farrell was ejected for arguing and he had a point.  It was his first ejection of the season.  How 3 umpires didn’t see that it was on the transfer baffles me.

Things predictably got worse after that as Andrew Miller pulled Pedroia off the bag with a throw to first on a Holaday sacrifice bunt attempt.  Miller then walked Jackson to load the bases and Alex Wilson came on to relieve Miller.  Torii Hunter then hit a sacrifice fly to plate a run and after an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera, Craig Breslow came on and Prince Fielder plated 2 more with a single up the middle.  Breslow would get Victor Martinez to ground into the inning ending double-play but by then it was over.  3 runs that probably shouldn’t have happened.

Felix Doubront started for the Sox and wasn’t sharp.  He was back to his normal ways only pitching 5 innings and throwing 104 pitches.  He walked 4 and struck out 2 while giving up 3 runs (only 2 were earned) on 4 hits.  He didn’t have much command on his fastball and got into some deep counts with a lot of hitters.

Opposing starter, Justin Verlander wasn’t much better.  He went only 5 innings as well throwing 112 pitches.  The Sox got to him for 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.  Too bad the Sox couldn’t hold the lead as the offense did their job against the tough righty.

Junichi Tazawa pitched an inning of no run baseball but Andrew Bailey couldn’t do the same.  Bailey went 1/3 of an inning giving up 2 hits and 1 run.  He was replaced by Miller but by then the game was tied.  Bailey just can’t find it right now.

Offensively the Sox banged out 12 hits but again didn’t hit with runners in scoring position.  They were 2 for 14 and left 11 men on base.  This game shouldn’t have even been close but the Sox continue to struggle hitting with runners in scoring position.

Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with an RBI and his 32^nd stolen base of the year.  Pedroia and Ortiz both had 3 hits with Pedroia getting on base 4 times.  Mike Napoli and Jonny Gomes both had 1 hit and 1 RBI and Stephen Drew chipped in with a 1 for 4 day and a walk.

Ryan Lavarnway went 1 for 3 with an RBI and walk as well.  The only 2 Sox starters without a hit were Shane Victorino (0 for 4 with an RBI) and Jose Iglesias (0 for 3 with a HBP.).

It was a tough loss and tough series for the Sox were they lost 3 of 4 and probably should have won 3 of 4.  They’ll get a much needed day off before coming home for a 9 game home stand that begins with Colorado on Tuesday.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Dustin Pedroia.  Pedey was on base 4 time (3 hits and a walk) and seems to be coming out of the little slump he’s been in.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Andrew Bailey.  Bailey can’t even do middle relief well.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The catch/drop by Nava in the eighth that changed the direction of the game.

NEXT

Tuesday at home vs. the Colorado Rockies.

GAME 77 - 6/22/2013 – in Detroit vs. the Tigers

RESULT – LOSS 10-3

Sometimes I hate being right.  Max Scherzer did what he’s been doing all year long so far and pitched very well to get his 11^th victory of the year.

After a rough first inning where David Ortiz took him deep and the Sox scored 2 runs, Scherzer settled down and went 7 strong innings giving up only those 2 runs and 6 hits.  He struck out 6 and walked none.  I love watching Scherzer pitch because he has so much movement on all of his pitches.  It’s like he’s out there throwing wiffle balls to batters.

The Sox had 10 hits but as always couldn’t string anything together and were terrible with runners in scoring position.  They were 1 for 10 and left 5 men on base.  They hit into 2 double plays that killed some rallies.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with an RBI and David Ortiz did the same with his 16^th homer of the year.  Jose Iglesias again had 2 hits and is now batting .438.  He was starting at 3^rd again and he should be.  The guy just keeps hitting.

Shane Victorino, Mike Carp, Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all had a hit in the game with Salty driving in a run.  Pedroia went 0 for 4 and Stephen Drew went 0 for 3 with a walk.

The Sox called up Allen Webster to make the start with Clay Buchholz on the DL still.  He didn’t’ pitch as poorly as he did the last time he was up but he didn’t pitch well by any means.  Webster went 4 and 1/3 innings giving up 8 hit and 5 runs.  He walked 2 and struck out 5.  I see some promise in the 24 year old but against this tough lineup he just didn’t have it.

Franklin Morales was just as bad going 2 and 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.  He walked 2 and struck out 4.  Morales has had a Jekyll & Hyde type of year so far with one outing looking great then having a terrible one.

Alex Wilson, fresh up from the farm, went 1 and 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 2 hits.

Former Sox player Victor Martinez had a big day going 2 for 3 with 5 RBI and 2 walks.  He hasn’t been doing all that well this year so I’m sure the Tigers have to be encouraged by this break out day.

Sunday, the Sox will go for the split but face Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.  When Verlander’s on, usually the opposing team is in big trouble.  Let’s hope the Sox can get the bats going and get to him early.  The Sox will start Felix Doubront who’s been pitching well as of late.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

David Ortiz.  Ortiz went 2 for 4 with his 16^th homer of the year and is continuing to punish the baseball this year.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Franklin Morales.  I was debating here with him and Allen Webster in this spot but since he’s a rookie, he’s going to have these types of games.  With Webster leaving early, the Sox needed Morales to come in and settle the fire but instead he added to it but giving up 4 runs in only 2 and 1/3 innings of work.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Bottom of the first when Victor Martinez hit a grand slam to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead.  A lead they wouldn’t surrender.

NEXT

Today, Sunday, June 23rd in Detroit vs. the Tigers.

GAME 76 - 6/21/2013 – in Detroit vs. the Tigers

RESULT – WIN 10-6

Jon Lester again was subpar but the bats were on fire and bailed him out to get him the victory.  Shane Victorino single handedly gave the Sox offense a huge shot in the arm.

Victorino went 4 for 5 and tied a career high with 5 RBI and hit his 3^rd homer of the year.  He was an offensive force on Friday night and it was fun to watch.  Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5 with a walk and 2 RBI.  Between him and Victorino they combined to drive in 7 runs at the top of the lineup.

Stephen Drew went 3 for 5 and scored 3 runs and Jose Iglesias went 3 for 5 and scored 2 runs hitting his 2^nd triple of the year.  He remains red hot and I don’t see how you can’t start him everyday.  The odd man out lately is Middlebrooks because he simply can’t hit right now.

Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 5 with an RBI and Mike Napoli had 2 hits on the night.  David Ortiz didn’t have a hit but was on base twice with 2 walks (both intentional).  Jarrod Saltalamacchia was on base twice with a walk and a hit.  The only one that couldn’t get anything going was Daniel Nava who went 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

The Sox needed every bit of offense because Jon Lester was not very good again.  He went 5 and 2/3 innings giving up 5 run on 9 hits.  He walked 3 and struck out 3 but gave up 2 homers.  His pitch count was at 102 in only 5 and 2/3.  He came away with the win (his 7^th of the year) but it was an ugly win and although I’m not panicking yet, he needs to get out of this slump very quickly.

Junichi Tazawa and Craig Breslow pitched well in relief but Andrew Miller was touched up for a run in his one inning of work.  He’s been so lights out lately that I guess he was due for a bad outing.

It was a much needed win coming off a bad game the night before and facing two of the best pitchers in the league on Saturday and Sunday (Scherzer and Verlander).  I hope that bats can stay hot but those pitchers are very tough.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Shane Victorino.  4 for 5 with a homer and 5 RBI will get you the game ball every day.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jon Lester.  Lester got the win but it was ugly!  He’s in a rough patch right now but the Sox are saying he’s healthy.  In his last 7 games he’s got a 7.30 ERA and given up 9 homers.  Opponents are batting .331 against him.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Shane Victorino’s 2-run single in the top of the 4^th to put the Sox up 6-1.

NEXT

Tonight, Saturday, June 22nd in Detroit vs. the Tigers.

GAME 75 - 6/20/2013 – in Detroit vs. the Tigers

RESULT – LOSS 4-3

This may be the straw that breaks the camels back for Andrew Bailey and his closer role.  Bailey blew his 4^th save of the year and cost the Sox a game they simply couldn’t lose.  As I stated yesterday the Tigers have 2 of the best pitchers in the league (Scherzer & Verlander) going Saturday and Sunday so they needed to win Thursday and Friday’s games.  With a 1-run lead and a win in sight, Bailey blew it yet again and I think it’s time to let Andrew Miller or Koji Uehara take a shot at the closer position.

Bailey started the bottom of the ninth with a walk to Victor Martinez then gave up a home run to Jhonny Peralta on a 1-2 pitch to lose the game.  It was his second consecutive blown save and in his last three appearances he’s been atrocious.  His line in his last 3 outings is 2 innings, 5 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 walks and 3 home runs allowed.  His ERA over that span is 22.50 and opponents are batting .500 against him.  It’s time to make the switch John Farrell!  He simply doesn’t have it right now.

John Lackey plays the hard luck loser as he pitched very well against a very tough Tigers lineup.  Lackey went 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5.  He needed only 98 pitches in his outing and seems to be getting stronger as the season progresses which bodes well for the Red Sox.  It was his 5^th quality start in his last 6 outings and his ERA is down to an impressive 3.03.

Koji Uehara pitched a perfect 8^th inning getting one strikeout and I think he’ll be the first one John Farrell turns to for the new closer.  He has some experience as he was a closer for Baltimore back in 2010 briefly but we’ll see what the manager does.

Offensively, the Sox couldn’t get much going against the rookie Jose Alvarez and stingy Tigers bullpen.  They had 3 runs on 7 hits but left 9 men on base and were only 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Big Papi continued his great season by going 2 for 4 with his 15^th homer of the year and an RBI single to put the Sox up 3-2 late in the game.  He’s up to 54 RBI on the year.  Jacoby Ellsbury went 1 for 4 with an RBI and a walk.  Leading off the game, Ellsbury hit a bomb to right that was tracked down by Torii Hunter that would have easily been gone in any other ballpark.  He seems to be hitting the ball well lately and hopefully he’ll continue his recent streak.

Shane Victorino was also on base twice with a double and a walk.  He also stole his 8^th base of the year.  Mike Napoli went 1 for 4 and Jose Iglesias went 1 for 3 with a triple and a walk.  Recent call-up Ryan Lavarnway had a double in the game as well.  Lavarnway is a guy I’d love to see start hitting.  The guy rakes in the minors and I would love to see him get in a groove and stick around for awhile.  He has tremendous power and has worked so hard to become a good catcher; I’m definitely pulling for him.

The Sox look to bounce back after a tough loss with Jon Lester (6-4, 4.37) on the mound tonight.  Lester has been down right terrible as of late and the Sox need to have him get out of this slump.  The Tigers will counter with Doug Fister (6-4, 3.21) who’s had a really good season so far.  He’s been pitching great as of late with 5 straight starts of going at least 7 innings and letting up 3 runs or less.  In his last start against Minnesota, he went 7 and 2/3 giving up only 2 hits and 2 runs while striking out 7.  Sox need a big win tonight.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

David Ortiz.  Ortiz continues to rake and went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.  He put the Sox on the board with a solo shot in the 4^th then put them ahead in the eighth with a RBI single.  He did all he could to get the Sox the win.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Andrew Bailey.  Bailey did all he could to lose the game for the Sox and is struggling mightily right now.  Farrell has to demote him and let him build some confidence up in a set-up role.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Jhonny Peralta’s game-winning walk-off 2-run homer to win the game in the bottom of the ninth.

NEXT

Tonight, Friday, June 21st in Detroit vs. the Tigers.

GAME 74 - 6/19/2013 – at Home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

RESULT – LOSS 6-2

Ryan Dempster deserved a better fate in last night’s game as he pitched his fifth straight quality start at Fenway Park.  Dempster kept it close through 6 innings waiting for the Sox bats but the hits never came and the pen faltered.  The Sox drop the third game of the series 6-2.

Every year there’s one pitcher that seems to not get the run support or wins he deserves and it seems like this year in the Sox rotation it’s Dempster.  His record fell to a very misleading 4-8 and the Sox are 6-9 in his 15 starts this year even though he’s been pitching pretty well all year.

Last night, Dempster went 6 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits.  He walked 2 and struck out 3 while throwing 108 pitches.  After a rough first inning in which he allowed 2 runs he settled in nicely to keep the Sox in the game.  When he left in the 6^th, the game was 3-2 in favor of the Rays.

The usually dependable Craig Breslow and Alex Wilson came out of the pen and did not do their job.  Breslow came in and gave up a single to Desmond Jennings and then an RBI single to Evan Longoria.  James Loney then followed with a double to put runners on second and third.

Alex Wilson was summoned to put out the fire but Wil Myers hammered a 0-2 pitch for a 2 run double that put the game out of reach with the bats cold on Wednesday night.  Wilson would get out of the inning but the damage had been done as the lead was increased to 6-2.

Breslow was charged with all the runs and his line was ugly with just 2/3 of an inning pitched, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits.  It was his worst outing of the season and Alex Wilson could not put out the fire that he started.

Franklin Morales pitched the 8^th and gave up one hit and no runs while striking out 2.  Pedro Beato pitched the ninth and worked around 2 hits and struck out 1.

But the damage was done in the 7^th and the bats could not recover.

The Sox only left 5 men on base and were a decent 2 for 6 with runners in scoring position but the problem was that they didn’t have many runners in scoring position.  They managed just 7 hits on the night and only 2 went for extra bases (doubles, one by Ortiz and one by Salty).  They struck out 9 times as a team and couldn’t string anything together.

Jacoby Ellsbury had 2 hits and Jonny Gomes also had 2 hits and chipped in 2 RBI as well.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia and David Ortiz both went 1 for 4 with a run scored but Salty also struck out 3 times on the night.  Stephen Drew had the only other Red Sox hit.  Jose Iglesias walked once but did not get a hit and his hitting streak of 18 games comes to an end.

Napoli, Nava and Pedroia all went 0 for 4 with a strikeout each.  It was that kind of night at Fenway yesterday.

The Sox go on the road for a 4 game set to the tiger den at Comerica Park that starts tonight.  John Lackey (4-5, 3.08) will take the hill for the Sox and he’s coming off one of his best outings of the year last week against Baltimore.  He went 7 innings giving up only 2 hits on 7 hits.  He got the win and will look to keep it going tonight in a spacious pitchers park.  It will be no easy task as the Tiger lineup has some menacing hitters in it such as Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez.

He’ll be opposed by rookie Jose Alvarez (1-0, 1.50) who’s fresh off his first start of his career against the Cleveland Indians.  He’s a tough lefty who went 6 innings in his debut giving up only 3 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 7.  The Red Sox have hit rookies very well this year but do struggle against lefties.  It will be interesting to see what happens tonight.

Hopefully they can get a win tonight because they’ll face the Tigers best pitchers on Saturday and Sunday in Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to close out the series.  They’ve been lights out this year so the Sox need to get wins tonight and tomorrow night.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jonny Gomes.  Gomes was the entire offense on the night for the Red Sox.  He followed up his walk-off the night before with a 2 for 4 outing and 2 RBI.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Craig Breslow.  Breslow wasn’t able to keep the game close for the Sox and ended up putting the game out of reach.  He went just 2/3 of an inning and gave up 3 earned runs.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Young Wil Myers back-breaking 2-run double in the top of the 7^th that put the game at 6-2.

NEXT

Thursday, June 20^th in Detroit vs. the Tigers.

GAME 73– 6/18/2013 – at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays – Game 2

RESULT – WIN 3-1

Jonny Gomes bailed Andrew Bailey out with a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth in the night-cap of a day-night double-header last night.  Andrew Bailey spoiled Felix Doubront’s best outing of his career by giving up a run in the top of the ninth but big Jonny Gomes came up big with a blast over the Green Monster to win the game.

Felix Doubront pitched the best game of his young career.  He had never gone more than 7 innings in a start before last night when he turned in an absolute gem.  Doubront went 8 innings giving up 0 runs and only 3 hits while walking none and striking out 6.  It was his fifth quality start in his last six outings and he looked very impressive last night.  Last time he started, I believe I was ready to give up on him but after his outing last night, I think we can hold off on that.  His command and pace were outstanding and whatever he did last night, he needs to review and bring that every outing from here on out.

One thing I noticed was that he was staring way to the right of the rubber (left if you’re the batter).  It was quite extreme and I don’t remember him doing that in past starts.  That was the only thing I noticed that was different.  His velocity was actually quite low (89-91) and his curveball wasn’t as good as I’ve seen in the past but his control was spot on.

I wish the same could be said about Andrew Bailey who blew his third save of the year and vultured a win from Doubront.  Bailey came on in the top of the ninth to close out the Rays and promptly gave up a home run to Kelly Johnson on the second pitch he threw.  After getting the next 2 guys out, he walked Ben Zobrist and brought up the very dangerous Evan Longoria.  Thankfully Bailey settled down and got Longoria to ground into a fielder’s choice to end the inning but the damage was done.  Doubront’s special night was ruined.

I’m not quite sure why the Sox didn’t let Doubront go out for the ninth as he only had 93 pitches logged.  I would have liked to see him try and finish off the game but John Farrell opted to bring in Bailey and it almost didn’t work out so well.

Jonny Gomes to the rescue.  Joel Peralta started the bottom of the ninth with a lead-off walk to Daniel Nava.  Gomes then crushed the first pitch he saw over the signs on the Green Monster for the walk-off win.  It was Gomes’ third walk-off homer of his career and first since April 8^th of 2010.  It was Jonny’s only hit on the night and was redemption for his 2 strikeouts earlier in the game.

The Sox didn’t do much else offensively as they were 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position and had only 7 hits on the day.  David Ortiz went 2 for 4 with his 14^th double of the year and Stephen Drew also had a double and was 1 for 3 on the night.  Jose Iglesias was 1 for 3 and extended his hitting streak to 18 games which is tied for the longest in the American League this year.

Daniel Nava was 1 for 3 on the night with a walk and 2 runs scored.  He also knocked in a run with his 10^th homer of the year.  He continues to hit the ball well this year.  Salty took a 0 for 2 night but walked once.

The top of the order which was so good in the day game went a combined 0 for 8 with 1 strikeout.  Ellsbury and Victorino hit the ball hard in half of their at bats but couldn’t find any grass out there.

Tonight, the Sox will go for the sweep as they’ll send Ryan Dempster (4-7, 4.21) to the mound to face Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 5.67).  Dempster was the hard luck loser last outing but pitched great as he went 7 and 2/3 innings giving up only 2 runs.  He’s had quality starts in each of his last four outings but has only won 2 of them.  Let’s hope he continues his current trend.  Hellickson was hit around badly in his last outing going only 5 and 2/3 innings giving up 10 hits and 8 earned runs.  The Sox need to jump on him early because he does get rattled pretty easily.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Felix Doubront.  I know Gomes had the walk-off homer but Felix was simply fantastic last night and deserved more than a no-decision.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Andrew Bailey.  Bailey gave up yet another homer in a save opportunity.  He seems to not have any confidence or command on his fastball right now.  It’s getting hit hard and far every outing.  Let’s hope he can figure it out soon or maybe it’s time to audition Andrew Miller in the closer’s role.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Jonny Gomes’ walk-off homer to win the game in the bottom of the ninth.

NEXT

Wednesday, June 19^th vs. the Rays.  Let’s get that sweep!

GAME 72– 6/18/2013 – at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays – Game 1

RESULT – WIN 5-1

In the first game of a day-night double-header, Alfredo Aceves continued to show that he has restored himself into the pitcher the Red Sox can count on.  For the third time in a row, Aceves pitched great in a spot start.  It was the 3^rd time in a span of just 22 days.  The Red Sox have won all 3 games he has started for them in a pinch.

Afredo went 5 innings giving up just 1 run on 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 2.  He most likely would have gone longer but the game was delayed by rain for 2 hours and 59 minutes.  With just 75 pitches, I think he was a lock for another inning or two if it weren’t for the rain.

In these three spot starts, Aceves has gone 17 innings and has only allowed 3 runs.  The biggest change I’ve seen since his demotion to Triple-A and these 3 starts is that he doesn’t shake off the catcher (Saltalamacchia) anymore.  He’s throwing what the catcher tells him to do and staying a lot more focused on the mound.  It’s great for the Sox that Aceves has figured it out again as it provides some much needed rotation depth going forward.

Due to the rain delay, the bullpen had to finish off the last 4 innings and they did a fantastic job.  Junichi Tazawa was the first out and he had a perfect inning striking out 2.  Next was Andrew Miller who went 1 inning giving up 1 hit and striking out 2.  Koji Uehara was next and he was barely able to get out of a tough inning.  He worked around a lead-off double and a one out walk.  With 2 on he finally struck out James Loney on a 9 pitch at bat to escape unscathed.  Craig Breslow finished off the game giving up 1 hit in his inning pitched.

All in all, the bullpen was fantastic going 4 innings with no runs and only 3 hits.  They struck out 5 and walked only 1.  The rain delay forced the Sox to use more arms than I’m sure they wanted so they’ll be looking for a good start from Doubront in game 2 to give the bullpen a little rest.

Offensively, Jacoby Ellsbury was the catalyst and table setter.  He went 3 for 5 with a double and a triple and 3 runs scored.  His triple came in the bottom of the sixth and was followed by a triple from Shane Victorino.  It was the first time Boston players have went back-to-back triples since Coco Crisp and Ellsbury did it back on September 5^th, 2008.

Big Papi went 2 for 4 driving in 3 of the 5 Red Sox runs as he continues to be an RBI machine.  He’s up to 52 now on the year.  Shane Victorino went 2 for 4 with 2 runs, an RBI and a stolen base.  Mike Napoli, who returned from missing a couple days due to an illness, went 1 for 3 with a walk.  Dustin Pedroia went 0 for 2 but walked once and had a sacrifice fly.

The bottom of the order didn’t do much of anything.  Daniel Nava went 0 for 2 with 2 walks and Will Middlebrooks went 0 for 3 with one walk. Salty went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts and Stephen Drew went 0 for 4 with 1 strikeout.  As a team the Sox struck out 10 times and left 8 men on base.  They were 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

It was nice to get a win after such a long delay and another game to play later in the night.  The Sox taxed their bullpen pretty bad and with Felix Doubront starting that makes me a bit uneasy.  Doubront rarely goes past 5 innings and the Sox will need him to really be on point in the night cap to get the sweep.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jacoby Ellsbury.  Ellsbury was the table setter as he was on base 3 times from the leadoff spot and scored 3 runs.  He finished a home run shy of the cycle and is hitting the ball really well.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 0 for 4 on the day and he struck out 3 times in the ballgame.  Not a good outing for Salty who’s been hot as of late.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Top of the 2^nd inning after the Rays had scored their first run to tie the ball game, Aceves walked Jose Molina to load the bases with only one out.  Aceves got Yunel Escobar to ground into a 6-4-3 double-play to end the inning and the threat.  It would be the last threat of the game for the Rays.

NEXT

The night-cap vs. the Rays.

GAME 71– 6/16/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – LOSS 6-3

Jon Lester’s recent struggles continued Sunday as the Sox dropped the last game of the series 6-3 to the Baltimore Orioles.  The O’s are now just 1 and ½ games out of first and are proving that last year was no fluke.

Lester lost for the first time in 10 career starts at Camden Yards.  It was yet another shaky outing as he allowed 5 runs on 9 hits in only 5 innings of work.  He didn’t allow a walk and struck out 8 but left a lot of pitches over the middle of the plate and the O’s hitters made him pay.  Jon hasn’t won a game since May 15^th and the Sox desperately need him to get his groove back.

Pedro Beato, fresh up from Triple-A Pawtucket pitched a perfect 6^th inning striking out 1.  Junichi Tazawa wasn’t sharp and allowed 1 run on 3 hits in the 1/3 of an inning he worked.  Andrew Miller finished the final inning and 2/3 giving up only 2 hits and 0 runs.  He struck out 2 and continues to be impressive out of the bullpen.

It was a dismal offensive day again for the Sox with all 3 runs coming on a Will Middlebrooks 3-run homer in the 7^th.  It was Middlebrooks’ only hit on the day and he’s still batting below the Mendoza line at .199.  The Sox mustered only 6 hits on the day and left 5 men on base.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 and Shane Victorino, Mike Carp and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all had one hit.  Carp and Salty each had a walk as well.

The Sox didn’t strike out all that much, only twice on the afternoon but couldn’t find a lot of green out there either.

To add insult to injury, Mike Carp left the game in the 7^th after his right hamstring tightened up on him while legging out a double.  The Sox are optimistic that he’ll be ready for Tuesday with an off day on Monday to rest.  Let’s hope he’s not out as Napoli is already out and no word on his return date yet.

On Tuesday the Sox will return home for a day-night double header against the Rays.  Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.91) will start the first game and was roughed up his last outing against the Rays.  Alfredo Aceves (3-1, 5.58) will have the night cap and stifled the Rays last week.  Hopefully a return home will get the Sox bats in motion.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Will Middlebrooks.  Though he only had 1 hit on the afternoon, it supplied all the Sox runs with his 3-run homer being the only offense on the day.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jon Lester.  Another bad outing and the Sox have to be wondering what the heck is wrong with Lester.

PLAY OF THE GAME

J.J. Hardy’s RBI single in the bottom of the 7^th to put the O’s back up by 3.  The Sox had cut the game to 2 runs in the top half of the inning but Tazawa gave it right back.  It was a back-breaker.

NEXT

Tuesday the 18^th vs. the Rays at home.

GAME 70– 6/15/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – WIN 5-4

John Lackey had a bad first inning and Andrew Bailey had a bad last inning but the Sox held on to beat the O’s 5-4 on Saturday.

By the time Lackey had his first out of the game the Sox were already down 2-0 as he allowed 4 straight hits to open up the game.  It looked like it was going to be a rough outing but he settled down and only allowed 3 more hits the rest of his outing which last 7 innings.

Lackey (4-5, 3.08) shut down the O’s after that bad first innings.  He needed 24 pitches in that frame alone but was efficient after that as he only threw 101 pitches on the day.  His final line ended up looking really good as he went 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 7 hits.  He walked only 1 and struck out 4.  Lackey again gave the bullpen some much needed rest.

Koji Uehara was impressive yet again striking out all 3 batters he faced in the eighth inning.

Andrew Bailey came on in the 9^th to close out the game but had a shaky outing.  He gave up a lead-off single to Adam Jones but got Chris Davis swinging for the first out.  Matt Wieters followed with a 2-run homer to cut the lead to 1 run at 5-4.  J.J. Hardy then followed that up with a single to right and was lifted for pitch hitter Alexi Casilla.  Ryan Flaherty then lined out to right field but Casilla kept running and was doubled off at first to end the game and give Bailey his 8^th save of the year.  It wasn’t pretty but it got the job done.

Offensively, the Sox were good enough as they recorded 5 runs on 9 hits and walked twice.  They were again terrible with runners in scoring position going 1 for 7 but only left 4 men on base.  Jonny Gomes went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.  He also hit his 4^th homer of the year.  Mike Carp went 1 for 3 with a homer, his 8^th of the year.

Big Papi had one hit on the night, his 2^nd triple of the year.  Drew added a big 2-out RBI double for his only hit on the day.

The only Sox starter without a hit on the afternoon was Jarrod Saltalamacchia who went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Ellsbury stole his 31^st base of the year and Jose Iglesias continues to be red hot as he went 1 for 3 with a walk.

The Sox will go for the series split on Sunday with their ace Jon Lester taking the mound.  Lester has had a tough go at it lately and I’m hoping he gets out of it very soon.  Mike Naploli who came out of the game Thursday was sent back to Boston for tests as he is experiencing nausea and dizziness.  Let’s hope it’s not serious as he’s a big cog in the Sox offense.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Mike Carp.  Carp continues to be a big part of the Red Sox offense.  He hit his 8^th homer of the year and drove in 2 runs.  If Napoli is out for an extended period, I have faith Carp can get the job done at 1^st.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Andrew Bailey.  We don’t need heart attacks at the end of ball games and Bailey almost blew the game for us in the 9^th.  He gives up a lot of homers and for fans that’s not what you want your closer doing.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The double-play to end the game.  I’m not sure if Alexi Casilla thought there were 2 outs or thought the ball was dropping in but you can’t make the last out of the ball game on a play like that.  There will be some fines in kangaroo court for that bone head move.

NEXT

Today, Sunday, June 16^th in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 69– 6/14/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – LOSS 2-0

Ryan Dempster did his job Friday night as not only did he put in a solid outing but also went 7 and 2/3 innings to give the bullpen some much needed rest after a long 13 inning contest the night before.  The Sox bats however weren’t able to do anything all night and they took a tough 2-0 loss.

Dempster struggled early giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in the first 3 innings but then he settled down and allowed only 1 hit in the final 4 and 2/3 innings.  His final line on the night was 7 and 2/3 innings, 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 5 and striking out 4.  His walks were a bit high but getting into the eighth is what John Farrell needed him to do and he gave the Sox an opportunity to win the game.

Koji Uehara faced one batter and threw only 3 pitches to strike out the only man he faced.

The Red Sox managed only 3 hits on the entire night and left 7 men on base and were only 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  The best chance they had all night to score came in the 4^th when Mike Carp led off the inning with a walk and later reached third on a picture perfect one-out single by Jose Iglesias.  Chris Tillman settled down though and got Will Middlebrooks to fly out to shallow right and then struck out David Ross to end the threat.

Boston’s offense was terrible late as the O’s pitchers sat down 16 of the final 18 batters they faced.

Jose Iglesias continued his torrid pace going 2 for 4 with a double.  The only other hitter that had a hit was Shane Victorino who also was on base with a walk.  Ortiz and Carp both walked once each and Daniel Nava was on base twice with a hit and a hit by pitch.  Offensively the Sox were down right offensive and couldn’t do anything all night.

They’ll go at it again Saturday as John Lackey will take the hill hoping to get the Sox back in the win column after 2 straight losses to a tough Baltimore team.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jose Iglesias.  He went 2 for 4 with a double and was the only offensive threat all night for the Sox.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

David Ross.  Ross went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts in the loss.  He’s not down to .185 on the year and is a strikeout machine.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Chris Davis’ 22^nd homerun of the season in the bottom of the 2^nd.  The O’s would add another run later on but they really didn’t need it last night.

NEXT

Today, Saturday, June 15^th in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 68– 6/13/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – LOSS 5-4 (13 innings)

The Red Sox battled back but did not have enough magic to win the game in extra innings.  The Orioles were able to capitalize on a big 2-out walk and bloop single in the bottom of the 13^th inning to take the first game of the 4 game series 5-4.

Alex Wilson gave up the winning run in the bottom of the 13^th but if you look at his final line, he actually pitched pretty well.  He was just recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket Thursday morning and thrown into the game with it tied 4-4 in the bottom of the 11^th.  He had a perfect 11^th and worked around a two-out double in the 12^th.  The 13^th started well as he got the first 2 batters of the inning out but then gave up a walk to Nick Markakis.  Adam Jones then followed with a single to get Markakis to 2^nd base.  Chris Davis then won it on a bloop single to left that no one could get to.  It was a tough ending to an otherwise good outing for Wilson who pitched 2 and 2/3 innings giving up 3 hits and struck out 2.

The bullpen was very good on a night that Felix Doubront couldn’t even get out of the 5^th inning.  Franklin Morales went 1 and 1/3 innings giving up only 1 hit and striking out 1.  Andrew Miller was spectacular on the night going 2 innings, allowing no hits, no runs, walking 2 and striking out 4.  Junichi Tazawa pitched an inning and a third giving up only 1 hit and Craig Breslow pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up no hits.  They did their part keeping the game tied after their starter couldn’t get a quality start.

Felix Doubront pitched only 4 and 2/3 innings and gave up 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk and 5 strikeouts.  He needed 103 pitches to get through his outing and continually got into long at-bats with the Oriole hitters.  He started great getting the first 6 Oriole hitters out with only 22 pitches.  In the bottom of the third however, he ran into trouble and let up 3 runs on 5 hits.  It was all down-hill after that as he labored through the bottom of the fourth and couldn’t get out of the fifth.

While Felix certainly had his troubles, the Red Sox offense also is to blame as they didn’t hit all that well Thursday night.

They went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and truthfully couldn’t get any runners in scoring position all night.  The Orioles bullpen was lights out against them as they only allowed 3 hits (all off Brain Matusz) in 6 innings while striking out 6.  Even the rookie Orioles starter who has struggled as of late, Kevin Gausman, pitched pretty well going 5 and 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits, walking none and striking out 5.  They just couldn’t string hits together and were stifled all night by the Orioles pitchers.

David Ortiz and Mike Carp hit back to back homers in the top of the 4^th for their only hits on the night.  Mike Carp came in after Mike Napoli left the game after his first at bat feeling ill.  Napoli had doubled in his only at bat.  Shane Victorino went 1 for 6 but struck out 2 times, once in the top of the 10^th with the go-ahead run on 2^nd base.

Dustin Pedroia, Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all went 1 for 5 in the loss.  Will Middlebrooks went 2 for 5 with a double.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 0 for 5 but reached on a catcher’s interference and stole his 30^th base of the season.  Stephen Drew went 0 for 4 but did have a big sacrifice fly.  Drew is now down to .218 on the year.  Where is Jose Iglesias again?

The Sox couldn’t pull off some magic that they had back on Monday vs. the Rays.  The bullpen was gassed again and they’ll be looking for starter Ryan Dempster (4-6, 4.40) to give them a quality start tonight in the second game of the series.  Dempster had a decent outing last time vs. the Angels going 6 innings and giving up only 3 runs in a rout.  He’ll have to give them at least 6 and hopefully more on Friday night.

He’ll be opposed by Orioles starter Chris Tillman (6-2, 3.89) who has been really good this year for the O’s.  He’s coming off two really good starts on the road and looks to keep the Sox bats silent.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Andrew Miller.  Miller gave the Sox 2 quality innings of relief striking out 4 and giving up no runs.  He did walk 2 but worked around both of them.  His stuff was downright nasty last night and you can tell that hitters from both sides of the plate do not feel comfortable in their against him.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Felix Doubront.  Doubront yet again needed a ton of pitches to get through minimum innings.  I think I’ve had just about enough of Doubront.  I don’t see him as a good pitcher.  I think I’m ready to give Aceves or Morales a full time shot in the rotation with Doubront relegated to the bullpen or the minors.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Chris Davis’ bloop single in the bottom of the 13^th to win the game for the O’s.

NEXT

Tonight, Friday, June 14^th in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 67– 6/12/2013 – in Tampa Bay vs. the Rays

RESULT – WIN 2-1

It seems like Alfredo Aceves’ time in the minors has done wonders.  For the second time, Alfredo has come up and given the Sox a quality start in a key situation.  With Clay Buchholz nursing a neck injury the Red Sox called up Alfredo Aceves again for a spot start and he pitched well enough to record the 2-1 win.

The start was eerily similar to the one he had back on May 27^th against the Phillies.  Aceves allowed just 4 hits and 1 run through 6 innings while walking 4 and striking out 3.  Though he walked 4 batters his pitch count through 6 was only 84 pitches with 50 being for strikes.  With 2 of these starts in a row, Aceves is making his inconsistency from early this season and most of last season a distant memory.  We’re seeing the Aceves we fell in love with in 2011.

With a day-night double-header coming up at Fenway Park on Tuesday, Aceves’ last 2 starts make him a prime candidate to come up and start one of those games.  MLB rules allow an extra 26^th roster spot for day-night double headers and I’m willing to bet the Sox will use it on Aceves and have him start one of those games and for once, I’m actually ok with that.

Alfredo also got some help from his bullpen which was rock solid last night allowing only 2 hits in 3 innings while striking out 7.  Junichi Tazawa pitched the 7^th and had a perfect inning striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced.  Craig Breslow and Koji Uehara pitched the 8^th and the 2 combined to strike out the side.  Andrew Bailey came in to nail it down in the 9^th getting his 7^th save of the year.  He struck out 2 in the inning and worked around a leadoff single by James Loney.

With great pitching, you still need your offense do put up some runs and last night the Sox put up just enough to get the win.

The Sox managed only 5 hits and 2 runs but it was enough on this night.  Daniel Nava had a big 10-pitch 2-run homer in the top of the 3^rd which would wind up being the only runs the Sox would put up.

Jacoby Ellsbury was on base 3 times with a hit and 2 walks.  He stole 2 bases in the game and is now up to 29 on the year.  Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 4 and Mike carp went 2 for 4 and that was it for the hits.  David Ortiz walked once as did Will Middlebrooks but that was the extent of their offense last night.  Mike Napoli was hit by a pitch and then stole his 1^st base of the year.

Hitting wasn’t the strong point in the game as they were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 8 men on base.  They didn’t have many opportunities and that is because the opposing starting pitcher Chris Archer and the Rays bullpen was good last night.  It was my first time seeing Archer and save for his antics on the mound which were borderline bush league, he has fantastic stuff out there.  The Sox made him work and he had to throw 103 pitches through only 4 innings while walking 4 but he did strike out 7 on the night.  The Rays as a team struck out 11 Red Sox hitters on the night.

It’s nice to get a close one-run win and get another series win against a division foe.  So far ½ way through this tough month the Sox have won every series they’ve had.  It doesn’t get any easier as the Sox travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in a four game set that starts tonight.

Felix Doubront (4-3, 4.84) will take the hill for the Red Sox.  He has pitched so-so lately with a sub-par outing against the Angels last weekend but a great outing against the Yankees back on June 1^st.  He’ll be opposed by Kevin Gausman (0-3, 8.84).  Gausman was roughed up badly in his last outing against Tampa Bay going only 4 and 1/3 innings giving up 8 hits and 7 runs.  He’s a rookie and the Sox track record against rookies this year has been good.  The O’s hit the ball very well so it’ll likely be a great offensive series.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Alfredo Aceves.  Aceves again gave the Sox a great spot start going 6 strong innings giving up only 4 hits and 1 run.  He’s slowly showing that he’s a dependable pitcher again.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Will Middlebrooks.  Middlebrooks has only 1 hit since his return from the DL.  He went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts yesterday and still is having trouble with his plate discipline.  With the hot hitting and slick fielding Jose Iglesias sitting on the bench, Will better find it soon or he could find himself back down in Triple-A.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Daniel Nava’s 3^rd inning 2-run homer that was the game winner.  Nava’s 10 pitch at bat ended with a 2-run homer.

NEXT

Tonight, Thursday, June 13^th in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 66– 6/11/2013 – in Tampa Bay vs. the Rays

RESULT – LOSS 8-3

When the Red Sox needed him most, Jon Lester couldn’t get it done.  After a long 14-inning affair in which the Sox depleted their bullpen, Lester needed to put in a quality start to give the pen some rest.  Unfortunately Jon suffered his worst outing of the season as the Rays evened up the series at 1 with an 8-3 win on Tuesday night.

With absolutely no command of his pitches, Jon Lester tied a career high with 7 walks going just 4 and 2/3 innings giving up 8 hits and 7 runs.  He struck out 3 and needed 98 pitches to get through the short outing.

This is becoming a trend as in his last five starts he is 0-3 with a 7.50 ERA.  Opposing teams are hitting at a .314 clip against him over that span.  Every pitcher will go through rough patches during the season and Lester seems to be in a prolonged funk right now.  The good thing is that he and manager John Farrell insist nothing is physically wrong with him and he just needs to have better command with his pitches and just stop giving the opposing team free passes.

The good news is that the bullpen didn’t have to be exhausted for the 2^nd straight day as Triple-A call-up Jose De La Torre gave the Sox 3 and 1/3 innings of relief allowing only 2 hits and 1 run.  He did walk 3 batters but he also struck out 3 and was able to go the rest of the game when Lester was lifted.  This is a huge relief as the Sox did not want to use anyone in the bullpen with no off days until next week.

In this day and age, walking 10 batters in a game will never get you a win.  Lester just didn’t have it last night and we have to hope that when he takes the hill in 5 days he’ll have it figured out.

Offensively the Sox again started out hot with 3 runs in the first 3 innings but Roberto Hernandez (formally Fausto Carmona) settled down and with the help of relievers Joel Peralta and Jake McGee shut the Sox out the rest of the game.

Overall the Sox had 8 hits on the night but were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left a total of 8 men on base.  They grounded into double-plays twice in the game to kill rallies, once in the top of the 2^nd by Stephen Drew and then again in the top of the 7^th by Jacoby Ellsbury.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and stole his 27^th base of the season.  Jose Iglesias was back in the lineup at 3^rd and went 2 for 4 with a run scored.  Mike Napoli had one hit and 2 RBI.

The Sox will go for the series win tonight as the sox call-up Alredo Aceves (2-1, 6.57 ERA) to step in for injured Clay Buchholz.  Clay will miss 1 start with a neck strain, hopefully, but you never know.  Right now he’s on track to pitch Sunday in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.  Aceves is coming off a good start back on May 27^th vs. the Phillies but before that he was horrendous.  Let’s hope the good Aceves shows up tonight to get us that series win.

He’ll be opposed by Chris Archer (1-1, 4.91 ERA).  Archer is making his 3^rd start of the season and put it a very good effort last outing vs. the Orioles (7IP, 2H, 1R, 2K).  Sometimes the Sox have trouble with a pitcher they’ve never seen before but this season they seem to be beating up on rookies.  Let’s hope they can get to Archer early and often.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jose De La Torre.  De La Torre came in for Jon Lester in the fifth and was able to last the rest of the game and give the bullpen some much needed rest.  He went 3 and 1/3 innings but gave up only 2 hits and 1 run.  I was impressed how he attacked the strike zone and I don’t think it will be long before we see De La Torre back at the big league level.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jon Lester.  I went over just how bad Lester was above and how bad he’s been of recent.  The Red Sox need Lester to turn it around quick or they will not be going anywhere this season.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Matt Joyce’s 2-run homer in the bottom of the fifth that removed Jon Lester from the game.  It put the Rays up comfortably 7-3.

NEXT

Tonight, Wednesday, June 12^th in Tampa Bay vs. the Rays.