GAME 90 – 7/7/2013 – in Anaheim vs. the Los Angeles Angels

RESULT – LOSS 3-0

John Lackey continued his dominance Sunday night but the Sox bats were held in check as the Sox fall to the Angels 3-0 in Anaheim dropping the first series of their West Coast trip.

Lackey was outpitched by his former teammate, Angel’s ace Jered Weaver.  It wasn’t by much but it was enough to get Weaver the win in the rubber match.  John was brilliant yet again, going 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 1 and striking out 9.

It was Lackey’s fifth straight strong start.  His 6-6 record is deceiving, especially when you look at his 2.80 ERA.  John’s former manager, Mike Scioscia was impressed by his former ace saying that he hasn’t seen Lackey have better stuff.  Scioscia managed Lackey from 2002-2009 so he would know best.  I have to agree.  Since coming over in free agency a few years ago, this is the best I’ve ever seen him pitch in a Red Sox uniform.

Junichi Tazawa pitched 1/3 of an inning and gave up a hit, walk and run.  Alfred Aceves, who was brought up due to Andrew Miller being put on the DL, went 2/3 of an inning giving up only 1 hit.  Let’s hope Aceves can be a steady arm out of the bullpen as Miller was.

The biggest issue on the night was the Sox offense which was non-existent.  The Sox mustered only 5 hits on the entire night and were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position and left 7 men on base.

Ellsbury had the only extra base hit on the night, a double, his 20^th of the season.  Nava, Napoli, Lavarnway and Holt were the only ones with hits on the night and Napoli and Holt each walked once as well.  And that was pretty much it on the night.  Weaver and the Angel’s bullpen held the potent Sox offense in check all night and never let the game even look close.

I hope it’s not a sign of things to come as that loss on Saturday night needs to be overcome.  The Sox start a series in Seattle tonight and face another lights out ace in Felix Hernandez (8-4, 2.69).  The King as he’s called is always good and runs will be a premium tonight.  Jon Lester (8-4, 4.41) will take the hill for the Red Sox and he needs to be perfect tonight to help the Sox stay in this game against in my opinion one of the best pitchers in the game right now.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

John Lackey.  Lackey was once again dominant but couldn’t get any help on the offensive side of the ball.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Mike Carp.  Carp was terrible on the night going 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts.  He looked lost up there and many of his swings were just terrible.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Mike Trout’s 1^st inning homer which is really all the runs the Angels would need.

NEXT

Monday, July 8^th vs. the Seattle Mariners.