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.