GAME 108 – 7/30/2013 – at Home vs. the Seattle Mariners

RESULT – WIN 8-2

The bats were on fire and rookie Brandon Workman was lights out against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Tuesday night as the Sox win big 8-2.  That’s not the headline however as a big trade deadline deal will be what Boston’s buzzing about today.

Jake Peavy is on his way to the Red Sox as the Sox complete a 3 team trade with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers.  The Sox get Peavy from the White Sox and reliever Brayan Villareal from the Tigers.  Jose Iglesias is on his way to Detroit as part of the deal.  Iglesias has been great with the glove and his bat came around a bit this year but the Sox have a bit of a logjam at shortstop and this paves the way for their number 1 prospect, Xander Bogaerts to be the shortstop of 2014 and beyond.  Three prospects were also included in the deal from the Red Sox (SS – Cleuluis Rondon, RHP – Francellis Montas & RHP – Jeffrey Wendelken).

Jake Peavy this year is 8-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 13 starts.  He missed about a month and a half this year with a rib injury but has looked healthy in his last two starts.  He is only 32 and under contract for 2014 and has a player option for 2015.

This means that last night’s starter Brandon Workman who pitched brilliantly again in his 3^rd start will likely head to the bullpen.  The bullpen desperately needs right handed pitchers and Workman could provide that help without a trade.

Workman was great yesterday going 6 strong innings giving up 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 9 and walking only 1.  The Sox have something in this kid and it’ll be fun going forward to see how he develops.  Craig Breslow and Matt Thornton both pitched 2 perfect innings of relief with Thornton striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced.  Pedro Beato closed out the game but was touched up for a run on 2 hits and a walk.

The story of the night besides the Peavy deal was the bats.  The Sox banged out 11 hits with 5 of them being extra-base hits and 3 long balls.  They were 2 for 4 with runners in scoring position and only left 3 men on base all night.

Shane Victorino went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 2 doubles.  Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI with his 7^th homer of the year.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and his 9^th homer of the year.  Ellsbury had only 1 hit but it was his 5^th homer of the year.

Big Papi added an RBI and a hit and Jose Iglesais in his last game as a Red Sox went 1 for 3 but was thrown out at 2^nd trying to stretch a single into a double.  I’ll miss Iggy but the prospect of having Peavy for a pennant run and playoffs is well worth the deal.

Mike Napoli also added one hit and scored a run.  The only 2 players without a hit in the game were Jonny Gomes who walked once and Stephen Drew who went 0 for 4.

They’ll go at it again today as the Mariners send Hisashi Iwakuma (10-4, 2.87) to the mound.  Iwakuma has been very good this year but his last start against the Red Sox was atrocious.  Back on July 9^th in Seattle, he went only 3 innings and gave up 6 runs on 8 hits.  Hopefully the Sox will get to him again tonight.

Pitching for the Sox will not be Jake Peavy.  Ben Cherrington, the G.M. said he will not pitch Wednesday which sets up John Lackey (7-8, 3.19) to make his scheduled start.  I expect to see Peavy either Thursday or Friday.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Dustin Pedroia.  Pedroia’s been in a bit of a slump since signing his contract extension but last night he broke out a bit going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI and his 7^th homer of the year.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Stephen Drew.  Drew went 0 for 4 with a strikeout on the night.  Now that Iggy’s gone, Drew will have to step it up as the primary shortstop.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Dustin Pedroia’s 2 run homer in the bottom of the 2^nd to put the Sox up 5-1 and start the rout.

NEXT

Wednesday, July 31st, at home vs. the Seattle Mariners.

GAME 107 – 7/29/2013 – at Home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

RESULT – LOSS 2-1

David Price once again was dominant as the Rays down the Sox 2-1 in the make-up game from last Thursday at Fenway Park.  However, that will take a backseat to the terribly blown call at home plate in the eighth inning that should have scored the tying run and continued the game.

In the bottom of the eighth, David Price finally came out of the game and the Sox started a mini-rally.  Ryan Lavarnway doubled to left off of Joel Peralta.  Daniel Nava came in to pinch run and the Sox were in business.  Stephen Drew then followed up with a double of his own to right field.  How Nava didn’t score on that hit baffles me.  Just terrible base-running by Daniel Nava on that hit.  The game technically should have been tied right there but whatever the case, Nava doesn’t score and up comes Brandon Snyder.

Brandon Snyder hits a deep fly ball to left-field which is caught by Sean Rodriguez.  Nava tags up and slides into home with his foot reaching home plate before Jose Molina could slap down the tag.  Tie game.  Hold on.  Nope.  Home-plate umpire Jerry Meals calls Nava out and both Nava and John Farrell go nuts.  Farrell ends up getting tossed from the game.

The call was so terrible that anyone watching in real time could see he was safe.  There was no question about it.  Yes, the ball did beat Nava to the plate, but his foot touched home before Molina got the tag down.  It seemed that Meals just had a bad angle on the play and plain missed it.

For what it’s worth, Meals did concede the call was wrong after the game.  It doesn’t do much for Boston after the fact but here is a perfect case where instant replay would have been good.  While I’ve been on the fence about instant replay in baseball, I’ve come around to it being needed for everything except balls and strikes.  It’s time for missed calls to stop deciding outcomes of ball games.  This game should have been tied with a runner at 2^nd and 2 outs.

The Sox would mount another comeback attempt in the 9^th, as Jacoby Ellsbury led off the inning with a single and after Victorino popped up for the 1^st out, Ellsbury stole 2^nd to get into scoring position.  Pedroia grounded out for the 2^nd out and Big Papi was intentionally walked.  A wild pitched moved Ellsbury 90 feet away at 3^rd base but Mike Napoli struck out to end the game.

It was another terrible offensive night for the Red Sox as David Price just owned them for the 2^nd time in 6 days.  Price allowed only 2 hits in his 7 and 1/3 innings.  A double by David Ortiz and a luck shot homer to Brandon Snyder down the right field line off Pesky’s pole.  He struck out 8 and was completely dominant.

Felix Doubront again did his job in keeping the game close.  His pitch count was a bit high as he needed 104 pitches to get through only 5 innings of work.  He allowed 2 runs on 8 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4.  More importantly he kept the game close just in case the bats would come around.  Unfortunately they never did.

The bullpen was brilliant as well.  Jose De La Torre started the 6^th inning giving up a leadoff walk and then a single.  He then struck out the next 3 batters (Jennings, Longoria & Zobrist) to get out of the jam.  His 2-seam fastball in to right hand hitters is ridiculous and I really see a good relief pitcher in him.

Drake Britton pitched 2 hit-less and scoreless innings striking out 2 and Koji Uehara had a perfect 9^th inning striking out 1.

It didn’t matter however as David Price just stifled the Sox bats.  They were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 4 men on base.  It seems that Price is back to his normal self and has shook off the rust he had at the beginning of the season.

The Seattle Mariners come in to start a series tonight at Fenway Park as Brandon Workman (0-1, 4.40) will take the hill for the Red Sox.  He seems to have grasped the role of fill-in for Clay Buchholz with his last 2 starts in which he’s allowed only 4 earned runs in 12 and 1/3 innings of work while striking out 9.  The Mariners will counter with Joe Saunders (9-9, 4.48).  He was touched up in his last outing against the Indians for 5 earned runs in just 4 and 2/3 innings.  He hasn’t pitched against the Sox yet this season.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jose De La Torre.  After Doubront exited the game early, De La Torre got the first call out of the bullpen and looked like he would throw gas onto the fire by allowing the 1^st 2 runners to get on base.  However, De La Torre would settle down and strike out the next 3 batters in order.  The hitters were the best on the Rays roster and he showed poise getting out of the inning.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Mike Napoli.  Napoli went 0 for 4 and struck out 3 times.  He looked lost up there against David Price and couldn’t catch up to Rodney in the 9^th with the tying run only 90 feet away.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The blown call at home plate in the bottom of the eighth.  I don’t know how umpires are taught to position themselves but that wasn’t good positioning by home plate umpire Jerry Meals.  Everyone in the stadium and on television could see plain as day that Nava was safe on that play.

NEXT

Tuesday, July 30^th, at home vs. the Seattle Mariners.

GAME 106 – 7/28/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – WIN 5-0

With help from Big Papi doing damage to the baseball instead of a dug-out phone, Jon Lester dominates the O’s for a series win and puts the Sox back in 1^st place in the AL East as they win 5-0.

Lester went out and put on a pitching clinic Sunday afternoon.  He went 7 innings, scattering 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 8.  There were hints that Lester may be getting back to his normal self in his previous 2 starts but there was no denying what was on display Sunday.  Lester was Jon Lester again and he dominated.

It was the best he’s pitched since way back on May 10^th vs. the Blue Jays when he threw a one-hitter.  With Clay Buchholz out likely til mid-August, Lester’s resurgence would be a huge jolt to the team.

The gem turned in by Jon Lester put them back into sole possession of 1^st place in the East as the Yankees were able to help the Sox out with a walk-off win against the Rays.  It was nice to win 2 out of 3 from the birds as they’ve been haunting the Sox as of late.

Not to be outdone by Lester was David Ortiz who had a rough night on Saturday killing a dugout phone.  After going deep in the 3^rd inning, Ortiz playfully “attacked” the repaired dugout phone but didn’t strike.  He would finish the day perfect going 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.  It was Ortiz’s 20^th homer of the season and he now has 12 straight seasons of 20 plus homers and 421 on his career.

Mike Napoli had a good day as well going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run and 2 more doubles to give him 28 on the year.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia also went 2 for 4 and drove in 2.  Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with a run scored out of the leadoff spot and Shane Victorino scored once as he reached base with 2 walks.

It wasn’t all that great offensively for the Sox as they left 7 men on base and were 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position.  They left a lot of runs out on the field but luckily Jon Lester wouldn’t need much support.

The bullpen nailed the door closed as Matt Thornton and Pedro Beato finished off the last 2 innings giving up only 1 hit and no runs.

Tonight, the Sox will go up against the Tampa Bay Rays with 1^st place on the line in a make-up from last week.  Felix Doubront (7-4, 3.78) will take the hill against David Price (5-5, 3.75) in a rematch of last Wednesday’s starters.  Price was downright nasty that game going the distance with 4 strikeouts.  Doubront wasn’t terrible going 6 and 2/3 with 5 K’s and only giving up 3 runs.  The Sox bats need to show up tonight to keep them in 1^st.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jon Lester.  A dominate Lester will go a long way this year, especially with the injury to Clay Buchholz.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jose Iglesias.  Iglesias went 0 for 4 and has seen his batting average steadily drop in the last month.  We all knew he wouldn’t hit .450 all year but he’s in a bit of a slump right now.

PLAY OF THE GAME

David Ortiz’s 3^rd inning homer to put the Sox up 3-0.  As he was going around the bases, the Baltimore crowd booed him heavily.  He put his finger to his lips to shush them and then added 2 more hits on the night.  Lesson, don’t mess with Big Papi.

NEXT

Monday, July 29^th, at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

GAME 105 – 7/27/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – WIN 7-3

The Red Sox needed someone to jump start the offense.  It’s been David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia all year but last night it was Stephen Drew who just went off and propelled the Sox to a 7-3 victory in Baltimore to stay a half game back in the AL East.

It was his most productive night in a Red Sox uniform as he went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBI.  He had 2 homers and 3 of his RBI on the night came with 2 outs.  When the Sox signed him this offseason, these are the types of games I was looking forward to.  Unfortunately it’s been and up and down kind of year for Drew but maybe this will get him jump started and he’ll get his hot streak.

Mike Carp also had 3 hits on the night including his 14^th double of the year.  Jacoby Ellsbury, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jose Iglesias also each had a hit in the game.  Shane Victorino homered, his 5^th of the year, and also drove in 2 runs.

Offensively, they broke out a bit but still were only 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left 6 men on base.  Hopefully this will be a start of a hot streak for the bats.

There was some drama late in the game as David Ortiz was ejected in the 7^th for arguing balls and strikes with home-plate umpire Tim Timmons.

Ortiz, who struck out in the at-bat, was upset on a 3-0 pitch that was called a strike that looked about 2 feet too high.  It was a late strike call and Ortiz had already tossed his bat aside.  The 3-1 pitch was on the outside corner and borderline and again, Ortiz was mad at Timmons who called another late strike.  Big Papi would swing and miss at the next pitch but then went off on Timmons.  After shattering a dugout phone with his bat in the dugout, just inches away from teammate Dustin Pedroia and other Sox players, Ortiz bounded back onto the field and had to be held back by manager John Farrell.  Pedroia did get into it a bit with Ortiz in the dugout.  They were fine and it was more of Pedroia settling down the big fella.

It was crazy and it shows how a player can easily snap in this game.

Ryan Dempster got his 6^th win of the season going 5 and 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits.  He struck out 4 and walked 2.  It wasn’t a great start but he did his part and grinding through a win.

The bullpen took care of the rest as Craig Breslow went 1 and 2/3 innings of no-hit, no-run ball.  Junichi Tazawa was touched up for 1 run in an inning of work but Koji Uehara nailed down the 9^th for the Sox win.

They’ll go for the series win Sunday afternoon as Jon Lester will take the hill and look to build off his positive performance in his last outing.  He’ll be opposed by Jason Hammel.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Stephen Drew.  Drew’s big night carried the Sox over the O’s Saturday evening.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Mike Napoli who went 0 for 4 and struck out twice on the night.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Stephen Drew’s 3 run homer in the bottom of the 4^th to put the Sox up 4-0.

NEXT

Sunday, July 28^th, in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 104 – 7/26/2013 – in Baltimore vs. the Orioles

RESULT – LOSS 6-0

The run is over.  After being in sole possession of 1^st place for 60 straight days, the Red Sox have been knocked off their perch.  The Baltimore Orioles were shut down by the Orioles in Baltimore to the tune of 6-0.  The bats have gone cold and the Sox are in need of some offense in a hurry.

This time it was Chris Tillman who had the outstanding pitching performance.  Tillman was fantastic on the night going 7 innings giving up only 2 hits while striking out 8 and walking 3.  It’s not like this is a surprise as he’s been pitching very well this year as this was his 13^th win of the season and his ERA is at 3.62.  He’s easily become the ace of their staff and he had it all working Friday night.

The Red Sox lead the Majors in a bunch of key offensive categories, so it’s not like they can’t hit, they’re just in a funk right now.  Hopefully there is a breakout coming soon because you can’t win ballgames when you don’t hit.

John Lackey, who’s been dominant in most of his starts this season, wasn’t all that sharp in this one.  Over 6 and 1/3 innings, Lackey gave up 9 hits and 5 runs while walking 1 and only striking out 2.  It was the lowest he’s struck out in a game since way back on June 10^th.  He also gave up 3 long balls including 2 to Adam Jones.

Drake Britton had a very nice outing out of the bullpen throwing one inning of no-hit, no-run ball.  He struck out 2 in his appearance.  Jose De La Torre didn’t fare as well as he pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up a long ball to J.J. Hardy.  It didn’t really matter though, as the game was well out of hand already and the Sox bats were ice cold.

They managed only 4 hits on the night with only 1 being an extra base hit.  With runners in scoring position, they were only 0 for 2.  Yes, you read that right.  They had only 2 opportunities all night with runners in scoring position.

Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with a double.  David Ortiz went 1 for 3 and also was on base with a walk.  Dustin Pedroia had the only other Boston hit.  The 5-9 hitters were a combined 0 for 15 with 7 strikeouts.

It was an ugly night at beautiful Camden Yards and the Sox could get no help from their most hated rivals in New York.  The Yanks were downed by the Rays to the tune of 10-6 and it allowed the Rays to leap frog the Sox in the standings for the first time in months.

With over 2 months left in the season, there is no reason to panic but the Sox need to find some offense soon.  They’ll send Ryan Dempster to the hill on Saturday to try and right the ship.  He’ll be opposed by Scott Feldman.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jacoby Ellsbury.  Ells had 2 of Boston’s 4 hits and the only extra base hit on the night.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

The 5 through 9 hitters who stunk up Camden Yards.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Adam Jones’ first inning 2-run homer.  It set the tone for the O’s and though they would get more runs, they didn’t need them.

NEXT

Saturday, July 27^th, in Baltimore vs. the Orioles.

GAME 103 – 7/24/2013 – at Home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

RESULT – LOSS 5-1

David Price wasn’t as sharp as his teammate Matt Moore was on Monday night but he was eerily similar.  The Sox simply had no answers for the Rays’ ace lefty as they took a 5-1 lost in game 3 of a pivotal 4 game series at Fenway Park.

Price pitched a complete game 5 hitter allowing only 1 run.  He only struck out 4 but pitched to contact and was able to down the Sox with only 97 pitches.

The only Sox batters that figured him out were Shane Victorino and Mike Napoli who each had 2 hits a piece.  Napoli’s 2 hits were for extra bases as he hit his 26^th double of the year and his 14^th homer.  He’s hot right now and hopefully he can keep it going.  David Ortiz had the only other Red Sox hit on the night.

They had only 3 opportunities with runners in scoring position all night and were 0 for 3 in those situations with 3 men left on base.  It was just a case of domination by the Rays lefty.

Felix Doubront wasn’t awful last night; he just wasn’t as good as his counter-part.  He gave up 6 hits and 3 runs in 6 and 2/3 innings.  He struck out 5 and walked 2 and on most nights that would have been good enough.  Not last night though as it was vintage David Price.

The bullpen wasn’t sharp last night either as Pedro Beato have up a run in 2/3 of an inning and Matt Thornton have up 3 hits and 1 run in his 2/3 of an inning.  They let the game get out of control instead of keeping it close but with Price going strong it really didn’t matter.  Drake Britton provided an inning of one hit no run ball as well.  He hasn’t allowed an earned run since his call up last week.

There were plenty of web-gems in this game from both sides.  Dustin Pedroia and Jose Iglesias both made outstanding defensive plays in the game.  The play of the night however came from Yunel Escobar who started a nifty 6-4-3 double play with one of the best shortstop plays I’ve seen in a long time.  Go to MLB.com or YouTube this instant to check it out.

This wasn’t a complicated loss for the Sox.  They were simply overmatched by a pitcher who had his best stuff.  It’s one of those games you just tip your cap to the opposing pitcher and get back it tonight.

The Red Sox saw their lead again drop to only a ½ game in the AL East.  They’ll try to salvage a split behind John Lackey (7-7, 2.95) tonight.  Lackey as you know has been good lately but didn’t have his best stuff in his last outing against the Yankees as he gave up 4 earned runs in 6 innings of work.  He’ll need to have his best stuff tonight to keep the Sox in first place.

He’ll be opposed by Jeremy Hellickson (9-3, 4.62) who I hope will not follow in Moore and Price’s footsteps.  He’s been up and down this year and seems to be rattled if you get to him early.  The Sox need to put pressure on him early and get a split out of this series.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Mike Napoli.  Naps is heating up getting 2 more hits tonight, both extra base hits.  I’ve heard all year how he heats up in the 2^nd half and once the summer approaches he goes off.  Well, it looks like that might be happening and the Sox really need that right now.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

I’d like to put the 6-9 hitters here as they all were atrocious last night.  Jonny Gomes, Stephen Drew, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jose Iglesias all combined to go 0 for 12 with 2 strikeouts.

PLAY OF THE GAME

James Loney’s RBI single in the top of the eighth to put the Rays up 4-1.  The Sox had just gotten closer with a Mike Napoli homer but the bullpen gave it right back.

NEXT

Thursday, July 25^th at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

GAME 102 – 7/23/2013 – at Home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

RESULT – WIN 6-2

I guess Jon Lester just needed a physical and mental break from it all.  Coming off 10 days of rest, the big lefty put together a great performance leading the Sox to a 6-2 win over the streaking Rays to increase their AL East lead to 1 and ½ games.

Jon Lester went 6 and 1/3 innings giving up just 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 8 and walking none.  In his previous 11 starts, Lester had gone 2-6 with a 6.27 ERA so it was nice to see a little vintage Lester last night.  He seemed to attack the strike zone more than he had been in his previous starts and got a lot of first pitch strikes.  His fastball was the best I’ve seen in since the beginning of the season continually touching 95 mph.

After giving up a one-out double in the top of the 7^th, John Farrell went out and relieved him with the Sox holding a one-run lead at the time.

New lefty Matt Thornton got Sean Rodriguez to ground out and righty Junichi Tazawa then struck out Desmond Jennings to strand the tying run on 2^nd base.  Tazawa would also throw a 1-2-3 8^th inning looking very sharp.

The Sox bats would open it up in the 8^th with an RBI single by Stephen Drew and a 2-run single by Jose Iglesias.  Koji Uehara then came on and threw a perfect 9^th inning striking out 2 in a non-save situation.

Offensively the Sox generated 12 hits and 6 runs but weren’t all that great with runners in scoring position and left a lot of opportunities on the bases.  They were 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left 7 men on base.

David Ortiz went 2 for 4 and Mike Napoli stayed hot going 2 for 4 with 2 runs.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2 for 3 and walked once as well.  Victorino went 1 for 5 with a run out of the lead-off spot giving Ellsbury a rest.  Nava went 1 for 4 with a run, Mike Carp went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Jonny Gomes had a pitch hit and scored a run.

Stephen Drew went 1 for 4 with a run and an RBI and Jose Iglesias had a big 2-run single.  Every Sox batter had a hit except for Dustin Pedroia who went 0 for 2 but did knock in a run on a sacrifice fly.  Dustin recently signed a contract extension of 7 years worth about 100 million that keeps him a Red Sox hopefully for the duration of his career.  He’s the face of the franchise and deserves to get the money.

Game 3 will be tonight and it will be a tough task as the Sox will face tough lefty David Price (4-5, 4.03).  Price recently came off the DL and has been nasty.  Save for his last start, he has been on a tear and the Sox will have to get their bats out tonight.  Some good news is that the last time they faced Price back on May 15^th; they got to him for 4 runs on 5 hits in just 2 and 1/3 innings.  That is the start that Price left early and headed to the DL.  Let’s hope they can get to him early again.

Felix Doubront (7-3, 3.76) will take the hill for the Red Sox.  Doubront as you know has been red hot as of late and I hope he can continue his trend.  Doubront faced the Rays back on June 18^th and pitched his best game of the season going 8 innings giving up just 3 hits and 0 runs while striking out 6 and walking none.  I hope he can do the same tonight.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jon Lester.  Lester looked the best I’ve seen him since the first month of the season.  He went 6 and 1/3 strong innings and didn’t walk anyone while striking out 8, getting his 9^th win of the season.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

There really is no one that did terrible last night.  Stephen Drew still looks over-matched in some of his at-bats but then came through with a big RBI single in the 8^th.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Junichi Tazawa’s strikeout of Desmond Jennings in the top of the 7^th to strand the tying run on 2^nd base.

NEXT

Wednesday, July 24^th at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

GAME 101 – 7/22/2013 – at Home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

RESULT – LOSS 3-0

The Red Sox lead the AL East by only a ½ a game after Matt Moore’s brilliant pitching performance.  Moore stifled the Sox bats pitching a complete game shut-out to start the four game series with a loss for the home team, 3-0.

Moore fired a two-hit shutout, the first of his career by the way, and Tampa stayed hot with its 18^th victory in 20 games.  He finished the night with only 4 strikeouts and 1 walk but never allowed a Red Sox player to even sniff home plate.

The Sox were 0 for 1 with runners in scoring position.  Yes, you read that right, only 0 for 1.  That’s how nasty Matt Moore was yesterday.  The only 2 with hits on the night were David Ortiz and Mike Napoli.  Napoli also scored the only walk of the night.  Everyone else in the lineup had goose-eggs.  The bottom four hitters (Gomes, Lavarnway, Snyder and Iglesias) had the 4 strikeouts.

There was absolutely nothing to write home about offensively for the Red Sox.

It’s a shame too because Brandon Workman pitched pretty well.  He had a tough first inning where he had to throw 29 pitches and escape some jams but from that point on he cruised.  Over six innings, Workman scattered 7 hits while allowing only 2 runs.  He walked 2 and struck out 4.  It looks like Workman has earned Clay Buchholz’s spot until he is healthy (if ever).

Workman did the bullpen a favor after going 11 innings against the Yankees on Sunday night.  Jose De La Torre went 2 and 2/3 innings giving up 1 hit and 1 run while striking out 3 and walking 2.  Craig Breslow had to pitch to one batter but except for that everyone got some rest in the bullpen.

They’ll go back at it again tonight as Jon Lester (8-6, 4.58) will take the hill.  Lester was pushed back a couple days because of arm fatigue but says he’s fine.  He’s coming off a so-so start in Oakland where he allowed 3 earned runs in 6 and 1/3 but his start before that in Seattle was bad giving up 5 earned runs in 5 innings.  The Sox need a big lift today from the big lefty.

The Rays will counter with Fausto Carmona, ah, sorry, I mean Roberto Hernandez (5-10, 4.90).  Hernandez has had some troubles as of late giving up 3 or more earned runs in his last 8 starts.  He was good the last time he faced Boston however back on 6/11/2013.  He went 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while striking out 7.  The Sox need to get to him early tonight and rattle him up.  He doesn’t have a great track record pitching at Fenway Park.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Brandon Workman.  Workman delivered a solid performance for the 2^nd straight game but again received no run support from his offense.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Really, the whole offense can go here but if I have to single someone out, I’ll go with Jonny Gomes who went 0 for 3 with a strikeout and he also grounded into a double-play.

PLAY OF THE GAME

James Loney’s sacrifice fly in the top of the 1^st to put the Rays up 1-0.  It would be the only run the Rays would need as the Sox bats were terrible.

NEXT

Tuesday, July 23rd at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

GAME 100 – 7/21/2013 – at Home vs. the New York Yankees

RESULT – WIN 8-7 (11 innings)

Ah, Mike Napoli, the biggest all or nothing guy in baseball.  Napoli seems to go on prolonged slumps, strikeout a ton and also hit monster home runs in clutch situations.  With 2 homers on the night, one a walk-off, the Sox down the Yanks in 11 to get the series win.

Mike Napoli had an interesting night at the dish.  He went 2 for 6 with 2 homers, 4 RBI, 3 strikeouts and also grounded into a double play.  It pretty much sums up what Mike Napoli has been all about this year.  The strikeouts will be plenty, the double-plays bountiful and the homer marvelous and clutch.

His walk-off shot was a blast to dead center off Yankees reliever Adam Warren.  He also hit a moon shot in the 3^rd over the Green Monster onto the street behind Fenway to turn a Yankee lead of 3-1 into a Sox lead of 4-3.

The Sox banged out 11 hits and scored 8 times on the night.  They were only 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position and did leave 10 men on base but were fueled by a big night from Nap and Shane Victorino.

Victorino went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI and Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run at the top of the Sox order.  Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 6 with an RBI and Jonny Gomes went 1 for 4 with a walk and his 8^th homer of the season and 2 in 3 games.

Salty and Iggy and Big Papi all added another hit on the night.  The bats were definitely working on Sunday night as they did most of their damage against a struggling C.C. Sabathia who allowed 7 runs and 9 hits in only 5 innings of work.

Ryan Dempster wasn’t sharp but did leave the game with a 7-4 lead.  He only went 5 and 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits while striking out 4 and walking 4 as well.  Dempster wasn’t sharp last night but was let down by his fielders a couple times as the Sox committed 3 errors on the night.

The bullpen wasn’t good right away but settled in nicely.  Craig Breslow went 1 inning and gave up 3 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) while walking 1 and striking out none.  Junichi Tazawa worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless inning.  Matt Thornton pitched a perfect 8^th striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced and Koji Uehara worked around a walk in the 9^th striking out 2 as well.

Drake Britton worked around a hit and a walk in the 10^th to keep the Yanks scoreless and Pedro Beato got the win working a scoreless 11^th.

It was one of those classic Red Sox and Yankee games that clocked in at a staggering 4 hours and 46 minutes.  The loss puts the Yanks down 7 in the AL East as the Sox are 1 ½ games up on Tampa Bay.

Speaking of Tampa Bay, they come into Fenway for a big 4 game series that begins tonight.  The Rays have been red hot and this series figures to be a good one.

The Sox send Brandon Workman (0-0, 5.40) to the mound tonight.  He’s coming off a very good start last week in Oakland and I’m interested to see how he fares tonight against a gritty Ray’s team.  The Rays will counter with tough lefty Matt Moore (13-3, 3.44) who’s been fantastic this year.  He’s been tough as of late and the Sox need to get to him early.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Mike Napoli. Napoli’s 2 bombs will overshadow the fact that he also struck out 3 times and hit into a double play.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Stephen Drew.  Drew went 0 for 3 with 3 strikeouts.  He hasn’t looked good since he’s come back from the DL and he may find himself riding the bench soon.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Big Nap’s mamo bomb to centerfield to win the game.

NEXT

Monday, July 22^nd at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

GAME 99 – 7/20/2013 – at Home vs. the New York Yankees

RESULT – LOSS 5-2

It was a game of missed opportunities for the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.  With John Lackey and Hiroki Kuroda dueling it out, the Yanks tops the Sox 5-2 as 3 runners were nailed on the bases for the Sox and the Yankees used one solid inning off Lackey to the 2^nd game of the series setting up a rubber match game on Sunday night.

John Lackey wasn’t as good as he’s been the past month but he put in a very solid effort.  He went 6 and 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs on 10 hits while striking out 7 and walking none.  Facing a team he has never had success against in the past (he entered Saturday with a 4.68 ERA lifetime against the Yanks), he pitched good enough for the Sox bats to bail him out.  Unfortunately that would not happen.

Matt Thornton pitched an inning of relief and worked around 2 hits, giving up no runs.  Pedro Beato pitched 2/3 of an inning and allowed an unearned run.  Drake Britton who was recently brought up from Double-A made his major league debut in the 9^th and pitched a scoreless frame.  Interested to see this young lefty can do for the team going forward.

The bats just couldn’t get anything going against Kuroda.  They had only 2 runs on 7 hits.  They were 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position and had some bad base running errors.

David Ortiz went 2 for 4 wit a run and Mike Carp went 3 for 4 with a run and a double.  Daniel Nava had a hit and Jonny Gomes went 1 for 3 with an RBI.  That was basically it for the Sox who just couldn’t get anything going all night.

The base-running errors really cost the Sox as they had 3 men thrown out on the basepaths.

Daniel Nava was thrown out at home in the 1^st by Vernon Wells.  I’m not sure what 3^rd base coach Brian Butterfield saw as Vernon Wells already had the ball when he sent him.  Nava was out by a mile and I’m not sure exactly why he was sent.  Mike Carp was then nailed at home on a passed ball in the 5^th.

The biggest base-running gaffe of the night though came in the 9^th when Nava was thrown out trying to advance to 2^nd on a diving catch made by Chris Stewart.  There were 2 outs and David Ortiz was on deck with the Sox down 2 runs.  You can’t run yourself out of an inning with your best hitter on deck.  Not trying to advance to 2^nd.

The Sox didn’t hit though and that will get you a loss every time. They’ll go for the series win Sunday Night as the Sox send Ryan Dempster to the mound to face Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia.  Jon Lester was slated to pitch but the Sox have opted to push him back a day because of arm fatigue.  Hopefully it’s nothing serious as the Sox badly need Lester to come out of his funk.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Mike Carp.  Carp went 3 for 4 and had the Sox only extra base hit on the afternoon.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Daniel Nava.  Nava did have a hit on the game but his big base-running error in the 8^th was costly.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Lyle Overbay’s RBI single in the 7^th to put the Yanks up 4-0.

NEXT

Sunday, July 21st vs. the Yankees.

GAME 98 – 7/19/2013 – at Home vs. the New York Yankees

RESULT – WIN 4-2

Felix Doubront continues to impress and the Sox get key homers to down the Yankees 4-2 at Fenway Park in their first game back from the All-Star break.

Doubront has been pitching like an ace for the last couple of weeks and Friday night was no different.  He went 6 and 1/3 innings allowing only 3 hits and 2 runs, only one was earned, while striking out 5 and walking 3.  This is the 12^th straight start that he has allowed 3 runs or fewer and has improved to 7-3 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.76.  Over the 12 game span his ERA is 2.59.

In 6 career starts against the Yankees, Doubront has shined, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.17 ERA.  He’s a Yankee killer and I’m starting to have much more confidence in him when he takes the mound.  His pitch count still soars, 93 in 6 and 1/3, but he’s making quality pitches when he needs them and is attacking hitters with first pitch strikes.

The bullpen got some bad news before the game when they learned that Andrew Bailey would be placed on the DL and could possibly miss the rest of the season.  It will be a big blow because it seemed that Bailey had found his way the last couple of weeks since being demoted from the closer role.

On Friday night, the bullpen shined.  Junichi Tazawa finished off the 7^th allowing no hits and no runs and striking out one.  Craig Breslow got into some trouble in the 8^th but worked around 2 hits to get out of the inning unscathed.  Koji Uehara closed out the 9^th with a perfect inning striking out 1 for his 9^th save.

The Sox bats banged out 4 runs on 8 hits the biggest blows coming from Jacoby Ellsbury who led off the game with a homer and Jonny Gomes who went deep in the 2^nd with one on.  Ellsbury would finish 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI and a walk.  Gomes would finish 2 for 4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI with a double to go along with his homer.

David Ortiz went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and Jose Iglesias went 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Dustin Pedroia had the other Red Sox hit.  They weren’t very good with runners in scoring position as they went 1 for 9 and left 5 men on base.

Luckily the big flies and Doubront’s clutch pitching held up and they were able to open up a key series with a WIN.  They’ll face Kuruda on Saturday afternoon as John Lackey will take the mound for the Sox.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jonny Gomes.  Gomes supplied the power for the Sox, smashing his 7^th homer of the year and his 12^th double of the year.  He knocked in 2 and scored 2 on the night.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Shane Victorino.  Victorino went 0 for 2 and grounded into a big double play in the game.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Jonny Gomes’ 2^nd inning 2 run homer off Andy Pettitte.

NEXT

Saturday, July 20^th vs. the Yankees.

GAME 97 – 7/14/2013 – in Oakland vs. the Athletics

RESULT – LOSS 3-2

The Sox can’t get the series win in Oakland as they fall to the A’s 3-2 in extras.  Sox bats can’t help Brandon Workman’s great outing.

Brandon Workman, making his 2^nd appearance of his career and his first ever start carried a no hitter into the 7^th inning of the game.  Unfortunately, Josh Donaldson crushed his dreams with a 2-run homer that knocked Workman out of the game and then in extras hit the walk-off single.

Workman’s final line was 6 and 1/3 innings, 2 runs on 2 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5.  It was a gem and gives hope that there is some promise in him in the future.

Craig Breslow went an inning and two-thirds giving up no runs on 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 1 as well.  Koji Uehara was called on for 2 innings of work and gave up only 1 hit and struck out 2.

Newly acquired Matt Thornton gave up the walk-off in his first appearance in a Sox uniform.  He pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 1 run and 1 hit while walking 2.  Let’s hope it was just nerves because he has some big shoes to fill in Andrew Miller.

In the end, the offense just wasn’t all that good again.  They were 2 for 11 with runners in scoring position and left 9 men on base.  Jacoby Ellsbury went 3 for 5 with a run scored and Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 4 with a walk, RBI and double.

Daniel Nava, Jonny Gomes, Mike Carp and Brock Holt all had a hit apiece.  Holt had an RBI and stolen base.  Gomes struck out 3 times and Ryan Lavanrway went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

You can’t win games when you don’t score and the Sox the last 3 games aren’t scoring any runs.  The All-Star break is upon us and it couldn’t come at a better time.  After a long west coast trip, these guys need a break.

The Yankees make their first appearance at Fenway starting Friday.  Until then, have a great time with the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Brandon Workman.  Workman was fantastic in his first major league start.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Matt Thornton.  In his first appearance with the Sox he walked 2 and let up a walk-off hit.  Not a good start Matt.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Josh Donaldson’s walk-off single in the bottom of the 11^th.

NEXT

Friday, July 19^th back at home vs. the Yankees.

GAME 96 – 7/13/2013 – in Oakland vs. the Athletics

RESULT – LOSS 3-0

Jon Lester wasn’t too bad but the Sox offense was terrible as they drop the 2^nd game of the series in Oakland 3-0.

Lester went 6 and 1/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4 and walking 3.  He wasn’t good and he wasn’t bad, he kind of was blah.  That’s what it has been for Jon this first half.  I’m hoping with the rest he gets during the All-Star break, he’ll come back strong as ever and be the Lester we know of old.

It wouldn’t have mattered much because the Sox couldn’t get anything going against A’s starter A.J. Griffin.  They managed only 7 hits on the night and were a pitiful 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position, leaving 8 men on base.

Shane Victorino went 2 for 4, Mike Napoli went 2 for 4 and David Ortiz, Daniel Nava and Brock Holt each had a hit.  The Sox had only 1 extra base hit on the night (Napoli’s double).  Victorino stole his 11^th base of the year but he was stranded there.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia walked once but the Sox just could not string any base hits together.  They put baserunners on in each of the first 6 innings but couldn’t move them around the bases.

Junichi Tazawa pitching the final 1 and 2/3 innings and allowed only 2 hits and no runs while striking out 2.  Tazawa has been up and down as of late so it was good to see him have a positive outing.

There isn’t much else to say about this game.  The Sox didn’t hit and Lester was so-so again.  They’ll go for the series win today against Bartolo Colon who’s been lights out this year.  The Sox will counter with Brandon Workman who get’s his first Major League start.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Mike Napoli.  Nap went 2 for 4 with the only extra base hit on the night (a double).

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jon Lester.  With Griffin pitching so well, Lester needed to be perfect and he wasn’t yet again.  He let up a homer on an 0-2 count for the 3^rd time this year.  He needs to get better at putting hitters away and he’s struggled mightily this year doing that.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Norris’ solo homer in the bottom of the 5^th inning.  It would be the only run the A’s would need.

NEXT

Sunday, July 14^th vs. the Oakland Athletics.

GAME 95 – 7/12/2013 – in Oakland vs. the Athletics

RESULT – WIN 4-2

John Lackey had to grind this win out.  He pitched well but not as dominant as he’s been in his last few starts.  The Sox also got just enough hitting with Dustin Pedroia leading the way to down the A’s in Oakland 4-2.

Lackey didn’t look as sharp as he has the past few outings but did go 7 strong innings allowing only 3 hits and 2 runs.  He walked 4 and struck out 5 and gave up one homer to former Red Sox player Jed Lowrie.  The walks were surprising because he hasn’t been that erratic all year long.   

This just goes to show how much John Lackey has come this year as even when he doesn’t have his best stuff and still grinds out a win and goes 7 innings while only allowing 2 runs.  When Lackey signed that long deal, it was starts like these the Sox thought they were getting.

Andrew Bailey continues to impress in a set-up role.  He went one inning and walked one but struck out 2 while not allowing any hits or runs.

Koji Uehara nailed down the ninth in typical dominant fashion, striking out the side for his 8^th save of the year.

The Sox could only muster 6 hits on the night and walked only once.  Dustin Pedroia was the big hitter going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.  Brock Holt went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI of his own.  I like Holt, he seems to be a really good ballplayer.

Mike Napoli also had 2 hits including his 2^nd triple of the year.  Jose Iglesias was the only other Sox player with a hit on the night.  There were a lot of 0-fer’s on the night but that will happen at cavernous Oakland Stadium (not sure what they’re calling it these days).  The Sox were 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position leaving 5 men on base.

With the win, the Red Sox maintained the best record in the American League at 58-37.  The team’s success of late can be attributed to clutch 2-out hitting which all 4 runs came from last night.  In fact, of Boston’s last 13 runs, 11 of them have come with 2 outs.

The Sox will send Jon Lester to the mound Saturday night to try and even the series.  The A’s counter with A.J. Griffin.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Dustin Pedroia.  Pedroia had 2 hits and 2 RBI on the night as he was the only offense for the Sox on the night.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Jacoby Ellsbury.  Ellsbury took an 0 for 4 at the top of the lineup with 1 strikeout.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Dustin Pedroia’s 2 run single in the top of the 8^th to break the 2-2 tie.

NEXT

Saturday, July 13^th vs. the Oakland Athletics.

GAME 94 – 7/11/2013 – in Seattle vs. the Mariners

RESULT – WIN 8-7

Ryan Dempster was terrible yesterday allowing 7 runs in just 3 and 1/3 innings, but knuckleballer Steven Wright was excellent scattering only 3 hits over 5 and 2/3 scoreless innings.  Wright’s performance and Daniel Nava’s clutch go-ahead RBI in the 10^th push the Sox past the Mariners in an 8-7 win for the series victory.

Dempster was the worst I’ve seen him all year.  He continually left pitches up in the zone and he was hit hard by the Mariners.  In his 3 and 1/3 innings he let up 9 hits and 7 runs but only 4 were earned.  A big error by Brock Holt in the bottom of the 2^nd allowed 3 unearned runs to score but his command was off yesterday and Seattle made him pay.  When the Sox would climb back into the game, he would give up more runs.

Luckily, Steven Wright had his knuckler working yesterday.  We’ve seen Wright a couple times before and I wasn’t impressed but yesterday he looked fantastic.  He throws the knuckler a bit harder than Tim Wakefield used to, almost like R.A. Dickey of the Blue Jays.  His 5 and 2/3 innings of work were picture perfect.  He allowed only 3 hits and 2 walks but most importantly 0 runs while striking out 3.  It was the relief the Sox needed to claw back into the game.

Koji Uehara pitched a perfect ninth to pick up his 7^th save of the year.  He struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced and he seems to have locked up that closer role.

The Sox bats were good again scoring 8 runs on 10 hits while racking up 7 walks.  The Mariners pitchers really hurt themselves with those 7 walks.  This is a team you can not walk because they will make you pay.  They were also really good yesterday with runners in scoring position going 7 for 14 and were clutch as 6 of their 8 runs were with 2 outs.

Jacoby Ellsbury stayed red hot as he went 2 for 4 with his 3^rd homer of the year and 2 RBI.  He also walked twice getting on base 4 times.  Brock Holt had a big day as well going 2 for 4 with a run and 2 RBI and Jose Iglesias went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI.

Daniel Nava only had one hit but it was a big one.  The game-winner in the top of the 10^th with an RBI single.  Dustin Pedroia, Jonny Gomes and Ryan Lavarnway all had a hit in the contest.  David Ortiz went 0 for 3 but walked and scored twice.  Mike Carp also walked once and drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

The Sox trailed early on 5 to 1 in the top of the 4^th.  They then scored 3 to pull within 1 but Dempster gave it right back in the bottom half and put the Sox back down 7-4.  The Sox however, pulled right back into it with a big 3-run 5^th inning to tie the game.  It would stay that way until the 10^th when the Sox were able to scrape one across for the win.

It’s the Sox major league leading 19^th series win of the season and they are now 3 games away from this tough road trip.  They have guaranteed themselves a 1^st place finish at the All-Star break, something no one, not even I had ever dreamed of.

They’ll start a tough 3 game set tonight against the A’s.  The Sox send John Lackey (6-6, 2.80) to the mound.  John’s been nasty as of late and hopefully he can keep it going.  The A’s will send Jarrod Parker (6-6, 4.04) to the mound.  Parker has been good as of late as well.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jacoby Ellsbury.  Ellsbury has been red hot since missing a couple games with an injury.  Last night he was on base 4 times and got the game started off nicely with a lead-off homer.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Ryan Dempster.  Dempster was terrible yesterday leaving a lot of balls up in the zone that was hammered by Mariners hitters.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Daniel Nava’s 10^th inning single up the middle to plate Jackie Bradley Jr.

NEXT

Friday, July 12^th vs. the Oakland Athletics.

GAME 93 – 7/10/2013 – in Seattle vs. the Mariners

RESULT – WIN 11-4

Felix Doubront was solid yet again on Wednesday and Big Papi keeps rolling as the Red Sox roll to an 11-4 win against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

In his past 11 starts, Felix Doubront has given up only 3 or more earned runs twice.  He has been lights out since his demotion to the bullpen and whatever that did to his mindset worked brilliantly.  Most of his career and early this season, Doubront has struggled in the early innings.  That wasn’t a problem on Wednesday as he struck out the first 4 batters he faced.

Doubront went 7 strong innings giving up only 1 run on 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5.  The Sox needed him to go at least 7 because they used up some arms in yesterday’s slugfest and he gave them much needed rest.

Newly brought up Brandon Workman pitched the last 2 innings and was not great.  He let up 3 runs on 4 hits while striking out 4.  The strikeouts were positive but he left far too many balls over the center of the plate that was crushed.  Fortunately he had a big lead to work with so the game wasn’t ever in question.

That’s because the Sox bats were out in force once again.  They banged out 11 runs on 12 hits and were 5 for 14 with runners in scoring position.  Leading the way again was Big Papi, David Ortiz.  Ortiz went 2 for 3 with 2 runs and 3 RBI and his 22^nd double and 19^th homer of the year.  He also broke the record for hits by a DH with his 2^nd inning double.  Though the DH hasn’t been around too long (about 45 years), it’s still a nice record to have.

Jacoby Ellsbury also had a big day going 3 for 4 with 2 runs and an RBI.  Daniel Nava, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jose Iglesias and Brock Holt each had a hit in the contest with Salty and Iggy driving in a run apiece.  Shane Victorino went 2 for 4 with a run and 2 RBI.  Mike Carp went 1 for 2 with an RBI off the bench late in the game.

The Sox also got some help from Seattle pitching as they walked 7 times in the game.  Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava both walked twice (and Nava was hit by a pitch again for the 9^th time this year).  Dustin Pedroia, Salty and Brock Holt all walked and as the Red Sox have done all year, they will make you pay when you give up walks against them.

A perfect example of that was in the top of the second when Ortiz doubled to lead off the inning then Mike Napoli followed with a walk.  Daniel Nava was then hit by a pitch to load the bases and Jarrod Saltalamacchia lifted a deep fly ball to left-center field that all runners were able to move up on.  The next batter, Jose Iglesias then hit a deep ball to right field to plate another run on the sacrifice fly to put the Sox up 2-0.

The Sox will go for the series win this early afternoon as they send Ryan Dempster (5-8, 4.04) will be sent to the mound.  He’s been the guy all year with the least amount of run support so let’s hope the Sox saved some hits and runs for him today.  He’s been very good in his last 3 starts giving up only 2 runs in each start and going at least 5 and 1/3 while striking out 10.  The Mariners haven’t announced who’s starting as of yet.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

David Ortiz.  Ortiz was again the catalyst for the Sox offense going 2 for 3 with 3 RBI.  He also broke the DH record for hits in a career.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Brandon Workman.  It was Workman’s first appearance of his career and it wasn’t a memorable one.  I’m hoping this was just nerves but he gave up 3 runs in 2 innings of relief work.

PLAY OF THE GAME

David Ortiz’s double in the top of the 2^nd inning to break the all time DH hits record.

NEXT

Thursday, July 11^th vs. the Seattle Mariners.

GAME 92 – 7/9/2013 – in Seattle vs. the Mariners

RESULT – WIN 11-8

It was an ugly beginning on Tuesday night in Seattle but the Sox bats bail out rookie Allen Webster and blast 5 homers to end their 3 game skid with a 11-8 win at Safeco Field.

It was an early 5 to 1 deficit as Allen Webster didn’t have it yet again.  He last only 2 and 1/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2.  Kendrys Morales took him deep twice and Webster simply couldn’t get anyone out.  It may be time for the Red Sox to send him back down and call up a different starter or simply have Alredo Aceves become a starter until Buchholz is ready.  Though he came out of the game early with an arm injury, let’s hope it’s not serious.

The bullpen calmed everything down as they worked 6 plus innings allowing only 1 run and 7 hits.  Craig Breslow went 2 and 1/3 innings giving up no runs on 3 hits while striking out 2.  Andrew Bailey continued his positive comeback going 1 and 2/3 innings giving up only 1 hit in the outing while striking out 1.  Junichi Tazawa was shaky giving up 1 run on 2 hits in his lone inning of work.  Koji Uehara, fresh off the terrible blown save on Saturday, pitched a perfect 9^th for his 6^th save.

The bullpen held everything in check for the Sox hitters who banged out 11 runs on 16 hits.  The crazy thing is that it could have been a lot worse as they were only 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.  It was a homer happy night as the Sox hitters bailed out the pitching.

On a night where offense was the name of the game, David Ortiz stood out as usual.  Ortiz went 4 for 5 with a homer, 2 doubles and a single.  The single gave him 1,688 career hits, tying him with Harold Baines for the most by a designated hitter.  The homer was his 18^th of the season and he’s also up to 21 doubles on the year.  He’s have a career year with a .327 average and 1.032 OPS.  To top off the night, he also stole his 3^rd base of the year.

Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 5 with 3 RBI and his 6^th homer of the year.  Mike Napoli went 1 for 5 with 2 RBI and his 11^th homer.  Shane Victorino went 2 for 5 with an RBI and his 4^th RBI.  He was also on base a third time with a walk.  Rookie Jackie Bradley Jr., freshly called up from Triple-A, also went deep, his 2^nd of the year.

Every Sox hitter had a least one hit.  Jose Iglesias went 2 for 5 with an RBI and Brock Holt went 1 for 4 with 2 RBI.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a walk and Daniel Nava went 1 for 5 out of the lead-off spot.  He was also hit by a pitch.

It was a homer happy night and the sox have to be happy with the offensive explosion after 2 straight games of facing top pitchers in the game.

They’ll go at it again tonight in Seattle with Felix Doubront (5-3, 4.11) toeing the rubber for the Sox.  He’s been very good recently.  In his last 10 starts, he’s 2-2 with a 2.87 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 59.2 innings.  He’ll be opposed by Aaron Harang (4-7, 4.92).  Harang has also been good as of late throwing very well in his last 4 starts.  The Sox need to get to him early and have Doubront pitch deep into the game to help out an ailing bullpen.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

David Ortiz.  Ortiz tied the DH hits king Harold Baines last night and simply went off, going 4 for 5 with 3 extra base hits.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Allen Webster.  Webster was bailed out by the bats but he was roughed up pretty badly again.  I think it’s time for some more Triple-A action for the young righty.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Jackie Bradley Jr.’s solo homer in the top of the 5^th that put the Sox up 8-7.

NEXT

Wednesday, July 10^th vs. the Seattle Mariners.