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.