Monday, August 12, 2013

GAME 120 – 8/11/2013 – in Kansas City vs. the Royals

RESULT – LOSS 4-3

John Lackey battled on Sunday afternoon but couldn’t get over the hump to get the win.  A poor beginning put the Sox in a hole they just couldn’t come back from as the Royals hold on to take the series on a 4-3 victory.

In this first 3 innings of work, Lackey allowed 4 runs and although he came back with 4 shutout innings to end his afternoon, the offense couldn’t muster enough offense to bail him out.  Overall, he went 7 innings giving up 4 run on 7 hits.  He struck out 5 and walked 2.  It wasn’t an awful performance and if the Sox could get to James Shields, he may even have gotten a win but the Shield held the Sox bats in check.

Drake Britton pitched one inning of relief out of the pen giving up 2 hit and walking 2.  He didn’t allow a run and struck out 1 but again was very shaky.

Offensively, the Sox had 3 runs on just 7 hits.  They were 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position and left 7 men on base.

Stephen Drew went 2 for 4 with a run scored and Ryan Lavarnway went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.  Will Middlebrooks went 1 for 3 and also walked once.  Victorino and Nava each had a hit apiece as well.

Dustin Pedroia walked once as did Mike Napoli.  Napoli also struck out in his 3 other plate appearances.  Jonny Gomes pitch hit but was walked in his only appearance.  Ellsbury and Ortiz also were hitless in the game.

The Sox had plenty of opportunities all day but just couldn’t get anything going.  They hit into 2 double plays (Ellsbury and Lavarnway).  Shane Victorino stole his 16th base of the year in the loss.

Boston gets a much needed off day on Monday before they travel to Toronto to start a series against the Blue Jays.  Ryan Dempter (6-8, 4.67) will take the hill for the Sox as the Jays will send Todd Redmond (1-1, 4.22).

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
Ryan Lavarnway.  Lavarnway went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI in the loss.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Jacoby Ellsbury.  Ellsbury was held in check all day going 0 for 5 with a strikeout and a GIDP.

PLAY OF THE GAME
Alex Gordon’s solo homer in the bottom of the 3rd that put the Royals up 4-1.  It would be the deciding run in the contest.

NEXT
Tuesday, August 13th in Toronto vs. the Blue Jays.

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