Wednesday, September 25, 2013

GAME 158 – 9/24/2013 – in Colorado vs. the Rockies

RESULT – LOSS 8-3

The Red Sox will not win 100 games, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1946.  Yesterday’s loss was their 63rd of the season as the Rockies defeat the Sox 8-3 in the thin air of Coors Field.

But with only 4 games left, the quest for the best record in the American League remains.  The Oakland Athletics lost as well last night to the Angels so the Red Sox lead remains at 1 game.

John Lackey wasn’t sharp Tuesday night.  He went 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5.  The most alarming line of the night was the 3 homers he let up.  They were all solo homers and the Sox are in Colorado but it’s a little bit alarming to see 3 balls leave the yard off of Lackey this late in the season.  His command was definitely off as he left a lot of balls up in the zone and professional hitters, yes even the Rockies, are going to crush those pitches.

The bullpen was a bit shaky as well in the loss, Drake Britton faced only one batter in the 7th and promptly gave up a double to him.  That run would come around to score so his line was ugly.  No innings, 1 hit and 1 run allowed.  Brandon Workman then came in and dumped gasoline on the fire going only 1/3 of an inning giving up 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 1.  Workman is trying to nail down a reliever role in the postseason but this outing isn’t going to do him any favors.

Franklin Morales went 2/3 of an inning giving up 0 runs on 0 hits while walking and striking out 1.  Rubby De La Rosa went the last inning giving up 1 hit and 1 walk but worked around it and didn’t give up any more runs.

Offensively, the Sox weren’t very good.  They scored 3 runs on 7 hits while leaving 6 men on base and going 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Jarrod Saltalamaccia went 1 for 4 with a run scored, 2 RBI and his 14th homer of the season.  Will Middlebrooks went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a double as Jackie Bradley Jr., Shane Victorino, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia and Quintin Berry all had singles that went for nothing in the contest.  Ortiz also walked once.

It was a pretty dismal night as the Sox could not get anything going against Rockies starter Tyler Chatwood.  They did get to the bullpen but by then it was too late.

While a 100-win season would have been a nice thing to have for the Red Sox, a World Series trophy would be better.  With 4 games left, they are in the driver’s seat and need to play a little better to seal up home field advantage.  With a little help, hopefully going into this weekend, they won’t have to worry.

They’ll be back at it again tonight for the end of the quick 2 game series against the Rockies, as the Red Sox will send Jake Peavy (11-5, 4.02) to the mound against the Rockies’ Jhoulys Chacin (14-9, 3.21).  Chacin has been the Rockies best starter all year long.  It’s going to be a tough battle to take a split out there in Colorado but the Sox need to salvage one game before coming back East.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP
Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  Salty went 1 for 4 with the only offense for the Red Sox on the night.  His 2-run homer was his 14th of the season and he continues to have a fantastic year for the Sox.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Brandon Workman.  Workman, who’s trying to earn a postseason roster spot, looked horrible in the loss.  He went only 1/3 of an inning and gave up 3 hits, a walk and more importantly 3 runs.  He single handedly put the game out of reach for the Red Sox.

PLAY OF THE GAME
Michael Cuddyer’s 2 run single in the bottom of the 7th that put the game out of reach at 8-1.

NEXT
Wednesday, September 25th, in Colorado vs. the Rockies.

No comments:

Post a Comment