Bawful Report of the Month: April

Who saw this coming? In a season the Boston Red Sox were never supposed to contend, they end the month of April at 18-8 and first place in the AL East. How did they do it? The lights out pitching of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, steady bullpen work by Andrew Bailey and The Orient Express and the hot bats of the offense. Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino and David Ross has helped tremendously as the holdovers Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz find ways to get on base. So here's the Bawful report of the month.

Jacoby Ellsbury found ways to get on base but wasn't exactly a truly consistent hitter. He was Hero 1 time, Good 7 times, Bad 3 times, Ugly 14 times and was not a Jackass.

Shane Victorino was pretty consistent in getting on base and provided some hits that led to big innings He was Hero 1 time, Good 7 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 9 times and was not a Jackass.

Dustin Pedroia was phenomenal in the month of April. He was one of their best hitters for sure. He wasn't a Hero but he was good 14 times, didn't have one Bad game, Ugly 9 times and was not a Jackass.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was average as always, nothing spectacular but nothing awful either. He wasn't a Hero, was Good 7 times, had 4 Bad games, Ugly 7 times and Jackass 1 time.

Jonny Gomes was all or nothing but when it was all, it was awesome. He wasn't a hero, was Good 8 times, Bad 6 times, Ugly 3 times, was not a Jackass and was an Honorable Mention 2 times.

Jose Iglesias played well in the short time he was on the team in April. He wasn't a Hero, was Good 5 times, Bad 1 time, wasn't ugly or a Jackass.

Jon Lester had a pretty good month. He was Hero 1 time, Good 3 times, wasn't Bad, Ugly 1 time and was Jackass 1 time.

Koji Uehara was mostly dependable in the month of April apart from a few hiccups. He wasn't a Hero but was Good 8 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 1 time and Jackass 1 time.

Andrew Miller was all or nothing just like Gomes but on the mound. He was Good 6 times and Bad 3 times.

Andrew Bailey was the best reliever out of the bullpen in April after taking over the closer's spot. He was Hero 1 time, Good 10 times, wasn't bad and was Ugly 1 time.

Junichi Tazawa was solid despite some hiccups toward the end of the month. He wasn't a Hero but was Good 7 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 3 times and was Jackass 1 time.

Joel Hanrahan started off well but got injured and was batting practice afterwards. He wasn't a Hero, was Good 3 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 1 time and Jackass 1 time.

Mike Napoli was as clutch as David Ortiz with Big Papi out. He was a wonderful addition even if it was just one month. He was Hero 4 times, Good 8 times, Bad 3 times, Ugly 9 times and Jackass 1 time.

Will Middlebrooks was mostly bad this month. He was Hero 1 time, Good 6 times, Bad 8 times, Ugly 9 times and was not a Jackass.

Jackie Bradley Jr was a failure in his brief time up here to begin the season He wasn't a Hero or Good, was Bad 3 times, Ugly 6 times, wasn't a Jackass and was Honorable Mention 2 times.

Clay Buchholz was the best pitcher for the Red Sox in April. He was the Hero in all 3 of his starts.

Daniel Nava was damn good in the month of April. He was Hero 1 time, Good 9 times, Bad 3 times and Ugly 7 times.

Alfredo Aceves totally sucked for the month of the April. He wasn't a Hero or Good but was Bad 2 times, Ugly 1 time and was Jackass 1 time.

Ryan Dempster did well for a fifth starter. He was Good 2 times, Ugly 2 times and Jackass 1 time.

David Ross was all or nothing in the month of April. He was Hero 1 time, Good 3 times and Bad 5 times.

Clayton Mortensen had an up and down month out of the bullpen. He was Good 4 times, Bad 1 time and Ugly 2 times.

Felix Doubront was pretty good in the month of April. He was Good 3 times and Ugly 1 time.

Pedro Ciriaco had a typical utility infielder month. He was Good 2 times, Ugly 9 times and was an Honorable Mention 3 times.

John Lackey only pitched in 2 games, he was Hero 1 time and Ugly the other.

Mike Carp had a mostly good month when he wasn't pinch hitting. He was Hero 1 time, Good 6 times and Honorable Mentioned 1 time

Stephen Drew struggled after coming back from injury. He was Good 4 times, Bad 6 times and Ugly 5 times.

Alex Wilson was solid in his first major league experience. He was Good 3 times, Bad 1 time and Ugly 1 time.

David Ortiz was his usual great self after coming off injury. He was Hero 1 time, Good 6 times and Ugly 2 times.

Allen Webster pitched well in his only start, earning a Good.

Steven Wright got lit up in his major league debut, earning a Bad.

Daniel Bard was briefly seen with 1 Good appearance and 1 Bad.



The April winner of Most Valuable Player (Good) is Dustin Pedroia. He was good an amazing 14 games.

                                                                      MVP

The April winner of Least Valuable Player (Bad) is Will Middlebrooks. He led the club with 8 bad appearances.

                                                                      LVP

The Ugliest Player of the Month is Jacoby Ellsbury. He was ugly an incredible 14 games this month.

                                                                           UPotM

Jackass of the Month is an 8 way tie. Of the 8 losses, 8 different players got credit for them. How do we have a tiebreaker? Its simple....by principle. 7 of the 8 losses had bad games, the 8th not only had a bad game but was sour afterwards. For that, Alfredo Aceves is your Jackass of the Month for giving up on the Sox against Oakland.

                                                            Jackass of The Month

Hero of the month is Mike Napoli. He got credit for Hero 4 times.

                                                          Hero of the Month

The Honorable Player of the Month is Pedro Ciriaco with a whole...whopping..THREEEEEEE

                                                 HPotM

That does it for the Bawful Report of The Month, tune in next month.

Jays Outslug Sox in Toronto (4/30/13)

Before the game, the Boston Red Sox got some good news when closer Joel Hanrahan was taken off the disabled list prior to the game. Andrew Bailey has been lights out as closer in his absence so if Hanrahan comes back to form, they could be a potent one-two punch with Junichi Tazawa as a 7th inning guy.

                                                            Welcome back Hanrahan

As for the game, Jon Lester didn't have it and neither did the bullpen as the Toronto Blue Jays pounded out 9 runs, 4 of them driven in by Edwin Encarnarcion as the Jays romped to a 9-7 win at Skydome to break the 5 game win streak.

Brandon Morrow started for the Blue Jays and walked Jacoby Ellsbury to start the top of the first inning. Daniel Nava flied out but Dustin Pedroia legged out an infield single. Morrow recovered to strike out both David Ortiz and Mike Napoli to end the inning. The Jays struck first immediately in the bottom of the first. Brett Lawrie grounded out but Rajai Davis walked and swiped second. Jose Bautista doubled in Davis for the game's first run. Edwin Encarnarcion flied out and Melky Cabrera struck out to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.

The Sox failed to respond in the top of the second inning. Mike Carp, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Will Middlebrooks all struck out in short order. Lester couldn't get a clean inning in the bottom of the second. JP Arencebia grounded out, Maicer Izturis lined out but Colby Rasmus beat out an infield single. Emilio Bonifacio struck out to end the inning.

The Sox mustered zilch against Morrow in the top of the third inning. Stephen Drew grounded out but Ellsbury walked again. Nava and Pedroia flied out to end the inning. The Jays struck again in the bottom of the third inning. Lawrie singled and Davis was hit with a pitch. Bautista walked to load the bases. Saltalamacchia then made a mental and physical error all in the same play. He went to pickoff Bautista but his elbow caught the home plate umpire. The throw sailed away allowing Davis and Lawrie to score plus advance Jose to second. Rather than protest, Jarrod had no idea there's a rule against that which would have negated the error. Instead his obliviousness cost the Red Sox two runs. Bautista moved to third on the Encarnarcion fly out but Cabrera grounded out to keep him there....briefly. Arencebia doubled him home but Izturis popped up to end the inning. The Jays now had a 4-0 lead, thanks a lot Saltalamacchia.

                                   Encarnarcion says "Hey you dorkus malorkus, get lost!"

The Sox said enough of this monkey business in the top of the fourth inning. Ortiz blasted a 417 foot bomb to center to put the Sox on the board. Napoli whiffed but Carp blasted a home run of his own to cut the lead in half. Saltalamacchia partially atoned for his mistake by drawing a walk but Middlebrooks grounded into a double play to end the inning. Still the Sox had climbed back in it, now down 4-2.

                                            "That's for you, you moron." - Carp

Lester did his part by keeping the Jays off the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning. Rasmus and Bonifacio struck out and Lawrie grounded back to Jon to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the fifth. Drew and Ellsbury hit back to back singles but Nava flied out. Pedroia singled home Drew to cut the lead to one. Ortiz whiffed and Ellsbury for some inane reason started staring at a hot dog vendor doing the Macarena because he was foolishly thrown out on a pickoff. That's two mental errors now with the Sox still trailing 4-3.

                                             "Heyyyy Macarena, you're out Ellsbury"

The Jays increased the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Davis singled but Bautista flied out. Encarnarcion then blasted a 2 run bomb to jack up the crowd. Cabrera and Arencibia grounded out but Lester had given up 6 runs in just 5 innings. Not good.

Morrow didnt return for the top of the sixth inning, instead it was Aaron "Fruit" Loup that took the mound. Napoli struck out and Jonny Gomes pinch hit for Carp. Great move by Sox manager John Farrell as Gomes blasted a solo shot to cut the lead back to one. Saltalamacchia grounded out and Middlebrooks flied out but the Sox now trailed 6-5. Lester did return for the bottom of the sixth and finished strong. Izturis flied out, Rasmus struck out and Bonifacio struck out. It wasn't his best start but Lester still had gone six inning, small consolation prize for giving up 6 runs.

                                                He battled but still gave up 6 runs.

The Sox tried to put Lester in line for the win in the top of the seventh inning. Izturis moved to second base as Munenori Kawasaki replaced Bonifacio in the lineup playing shortstop. Drew struck out but Ellsbury singled. Nava grounded one to Kawasaki who did a cartwheel and threw the ball halfway into the Owner's Box for an error. Some defensive replacement he was. Steve Delabar was brought in to pitch to Pedroia and he walked. Ortiz continued his hot streak with a 2 run double to put the Sox up 7-6 and just 9 outs away from stealing one. Napoli struck out AGAIN and Gomes flied out to end the inning.

                                                       Ortiz gives the Sox a brief lead.

Junichi Tazawa came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and unfortunately vomited up his intestines. Lawrie flied out and Adam Lind pinch hit for Davis only to strike out. Just 7 outs from victory, Taz walked Bautista and Encarnarcion crushed another 2 run bomb to give Toronto an 8-7 lead. Cabrera struck out but the Jays now led 8-7. Thanks for nothing Tazawa.

                                                 "Oh Tazawaaaaaaaa......"

The ageless Darren Oliver took over in the top of the eighth. Hard to believe after he looked washed up on the 2002 Red Sox he'd still be in the league 11 years later. Saltalamacchia walked but Middlebrooks was too busy checking out Jenny Dell and took strike three. Drew erased Jarrod on a force play and Ellsbury grounded out to end the inning.

For some reason Sox manager John Farrell brought in returning closer Joel Hanrahan to pitch the top of the ninth. Guess he figured Joel needed some work and could be rusty. He certainly looked it as Arencibia singled and was sacrificed to second by Izturis. The plan worked as Rasmus slammed a single that scored Arencibia. Kawasaki grounded out and Lawrie flied out to end the inning. The Jays now led 9-7.

                          "Can you not walk the cotton pickin' leadoff hitter Joel?" - JS

Jays closer Casey Janssen took the mound for the top of the ninth and cruised. Nava and Pedroia both grounded out and Ortiz flied out to end the game. The Jays had won it 9-7.

Jackass of the Night is Junichi Tazawa. Staked to their first lead all game, Taz coughed it up by serving up a 2 run jack to Encarnarcion.

                                           Stole a victory from Lester, nice work Jackass.


The Good:

Jacoby Ellsbury was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.

Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 4 with a walk, run scored and an rbi.

David Ortiz was 2 for 5 including a home run and 4 total rbi's.

Mike Carp went 1 for 2 by blasting a solo home run.

Jonny Gomes pinch hit for cap and belted a solo home run


The Bad:

Mike Napoli earned a golden sombrero by going 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts.

Will Middlebrooks was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Joel Hanrahan gave up a run in the ninth in his first game off the DL.


The Ugly:

Daniel Nava was 0 for 5 but scored a run.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 0 for 2 but walked twice.

Stephen Drew was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Jon Lester got tagged for 6 runs but went 6 innings and was still in line for the win had Tazawa not blown it.



Final Thoughts:

That totally sucked. Just when it looked like the Sox were going to steal one after clawing their way back all game, Tazawa had to puke on himself. There will be games like this down the road but for now, this one hurt. The Saltalamacchia gaffe was huge and Lester stinking the joint out early sucked but Tazawa and Hanrahan failing to protect the lead/game was maddening. Apart from the offense, everything else was plain old bawful. Still, it was a successful month of April that has the Sox at 18-8 and in first place in the AL East heading into May. Who the hell saw that coming before the year started? I'm sure Tazawa and Lester will have better days, this was just not one of them. Tomorrow night Clay Buchholz (5-0) gets the ball and takes on Mark Buehrle in Game 2 of the series at 7:05 PM.

Off-Day News (4/29/13)

On this day in Red Sox Basebawful History:

1915 - Yankees drop Red Sox

1970 - Sox beat A's in beanball war

1981 - Rangers shutout Sox in third consecutive game

1983 - Sox rally past Angels in ninth inning

1984 - White Sox pound Nipper, Sox

2000 - Sloppy Sox drop game against Indians

2001 - Royals beat Sox in 11 innings

2011 - Mariners beat Sox late

The Sox are back in action tomorrow night against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jon Lester of the Sox takes on Brandon Morrow of the Jays at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Lackey Returns, Sox Sweep Astros (4/28/13)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox sent Daniel Bard back to Pawtucket in favor of the returning John Lackey. Bard couldn't find the plate last night so he was the odd man out. Better luck next time...if there is a next time.

                                                                       Out

                                                                     In

It was a good day for Boston sports. The Boston Celtics staved off elimination with their Game 4 first round victory over the New York Knicks and the Boston Red Sox swept the Houston Astros. John returned and pitched like the Lackey of old, and by old I mean 2009. He looks in shape for the first time in years and apart from a lousy first inning, he held the Houston Astros to just 1 run. The Red Sox offense scratched out 6 runs and they completed the four game sweep with a 6-1 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                         Jason Terry approves of the win

Lackey pitched like crap in the top of the first inning. Robbie Grossman struck out and Jose Altuve grounded out, but Jason Castro walked. Carlos Pena walked and Ronny Cedeno singled home Castro. Fernando "Cinco-cinco-cinco nuevedos-nuevedos" Martinez flied out to right to end the inning with the Astros up 1-0. The Sox didn't waste anytime coming back in the bottom of the first inning against Astros starter Bud Norris. Jacoby Ellsbury grounded out but Daniel Nava doubled. Dustin Pedroia walked and David Ortiz singled home Nava to tie the game. Mike Napoli struck out but Mike Carp walked to load the bases. Jarrod Saltalamacchia grounded out to kill the rally but the game was tied.

                                                             Ortiz ties it up

Lackey almost cruised in the top of the second inning. Matt Dominguez singled but Rick Ankiel flied out to right. Marwin Gonzalez grounded out to third and Grossman flied out to right to end the inning. Norris settled down in the bottom of the second inning. Will Middlebrooks singled but Stephen Drew struck out. Ellsbury beat out a double-play ball but was thrown out trying to steal to end the inning.

Lackey found his groove in the top of the third inning. Altuve and Castro grounded out before Pena struck out to end the inning. Norris matched Lackey in the bottom of the third inning. Nava struck out and Pedroia flied out. Ortiz flied out to end the inning.

Lackey cruised in the top of the fourth inning. Cedeno flied out to right, Martinez struck out and Dominguez flied out to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Napoli singled but was foolishly thrown out trying to stretch into a double. Carp and Saltalamacchia stroked back to back singles but Middlebrooks struck out. Drew then tripled home the two runners to give the Sox a 3-1 lead. Ellsbury grounded out to end the inning.

                                                   Drew triples to make it 3-1.

Lackey continued to dominate in the top of the fifth inning. Ankiel, Gonzalez and Grossman all grounded out to end the inning in short order. The Sox rallied again in the bottom of the fifth inning. Gonzalez not only booted a ground ball, he thew wide to first allowing Nava to reach second base. Pedroia doubled home Nava but Ortiz flied out to right. Napoli struck out but Carp doubled home Pedroia. Saltalamacchia flied out to end the inning with the Sox up 5-1.

                                                  Carp makes it 5-1

Lackey returned for one last inning in the top of the sixth inning. Altuve grounded out but Castro singled. Pena and Cedeno singled to load the bases but Lackey got a huge strikeout by getting Martinez swinging. Dominguez grounded out to end the inning. After a rough first inning, Lackey hung tough to toss 6 solid inning.

                                            "Congrats you sonovagun" - Saltalamacchia

Norris returned for the bottom of the sixth and cruised. Middlebrooks lined out, Drew popped up and Ellsbury whiffed to end the inning.

Clayton "Vigo" Mortensen came on to pitch the top of the seventh inning. Ankiel popped up but Mortensen booted a ground ball and did a cannonball on home plate rather than try to field it, allowing Gonzalez to reach first. Marwin was erased on the force by Grossman. Altuve grounded out to end the inning. The Sox rallied again in the bottom of the seventh inning off of Jose Cisnero. Nava singled and took second on a balk. Pedroia lined out but Ortiz doubled home Nava. Napoli and Carp both struck out to end the inning but it was now 6-1.

Jonny Gomes took over in left as Koji Uehara came on to pitch the top of the eighth inning. Castro flied out but Pena singled. Cedeno flied out but Uehara uncorked a wild pitch to advance Pena to second. Martinez grounded out to second base to end the inning. Cisnero returned for the bottom of the eighth but the bats were done for the night. Saltalamacchia whiffed, Middlebrooks flied out and Drew popped up to end the inning.

Sox closer Andrew Bailey took over for the top of the ninth to get some work in since he hadnt been needed for four days now. Dominguez flied out but Ankiel hit a ground rule double. Gonzalez flied out and Grossman flied out to end the game. The Sox had won 5 in a row and swept the Astros with a 6-1 victory.

                                 "We did it! We swept those stupid bastards, we did it!!"

Hero of the Night is John Lackey. He came off the disabled list to toss 6 innings of 1 run ball, surviving a tough first inning to scatter 5 hits and 2 walks.

                                                     Hero of the Night: John Lackey


The Good:

Daniel Nava was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored.

Dustin Pedroia was 1 for 3 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.

David Ortiz was 2 for 4 with 2 rbi's.

Mike Carp was 2 for 3 with a walk, run scored and rbi before being lifted for Gomes.

Clayton Mortensen pitched a scoreless 7th inning.

Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless 8th inning.

Andrew Bailey pitched a scoreless ninth inning.



The Bad:

Jacoby Ellsbury was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Mike Napoli was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was just 1 for 4 with a run scored.

Will Middlebrooks was just 1 for 4

Stephen Drew was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as 2 run triple put the Sox ahead for good.


Honorable Mention:

Jonny Gomes played left field in the later innings


Final Thoughts:

Maybe its too early to start believing, but this Red Sox team seems to be gelling faster than anyone expected. Getting John Lackey back in shape with Lester and Buchholz plus a shutdown bullpen may just be enough to overcome the offensive woes to be a contender this year. The Sox offense is producing now but who knows how things will play out. The platoon of Nava and Gomes has paid off, Napoli has been an rbi machine and Shane Victorino finds ways to get on base. Pedroia and Ortiz have been themselves and Ellsbury is having a great start. Today's game was a microcosm of the month and maybe it won't last, but it sure is fun to watch. Tomorrow is an off-day so the Sox will be back Tuesday night in Toronto to face the Blue Jays. Jon Lester goes up against Brandon Morrow at 7 PM.
                 

Ortiz, Sox Pound Astros Again (4/27/13)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Ryan Lavarnway was sent down to Pawtucket as Franklin Morales was activated off the disabled list. The Sox have a surplus of bullpen help now.

                                                                           Out

                                                                     In

Everything seems to be going right for the Sox as they continue to rock and roll to begin the 2013 season. David Ortiz keyed another barrage of runs to defeat the Houston Astros for the third straight game in this four game series. Tonight the home team defeated the Astros 8-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                      The Mayor approves of the win

Felix Doubront (3-0) got the call in the top of the first inning and the Astros immediately smacked him around. Jose Altuve singled and Brandon Barnes was hit with a pitch. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and Brandon Laird walked to load the bases. Chris Carter walked to force in the game's first run. Ronny Cedeno hit a sac fly to score Barnes and Carlos Corporan walked to re-load the bases. Doubront caught a break when Matt Dominguez popped up and Marwin Gonzalez struck out to end the inning. Doubront was very fortunate to only be down 2-0. The Sox nearly rallied in the bottom of the first off Astros starter Brad Peacock. Jacoby Ellsbury grounded out to second and Daniel Nava lined out to right. Dustin Pedroia singled and David Ortiz singled him to third on an error by the centerfielder. Mike Napoli struck out to end the high impact first inning.

Doubront managed to settle down in the top of the second inning. Robbie Grossman grounded out to third and Altuve struck out. Barnes walked but Laird looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox roared back in the bottom of the second inning. Mike Carp grounded out but Jarrod Saltalamacchia walked. Will Middlebrooks doubled and Stephen Drew walked to load the bases. Ellsbury singled home Saltalamacchia and Middlebrooks to tie the game. Nava grounded out but both runners advanced. Pedroia walked to re-load the bases and Ortiz doubled home Saltalamacchia and Ellsbury to give the Sox a 4-2 lead. Napoli walked and Carp struck out to end the inning.

                                                    Ortiz makes it 4-2 Sox

Doubront turned up the power in the top of the third. Carter, Cedeno and Corporan all struck out swinging in short order. Peacock settled down in the bottom of the third. Saltalamacchia looked at strike three and Middlebrooks flied out, but Drew walked. Ellsbury flied out to end the inning.

Doubront almost had a clean inning in the top of the fourth inning. Dominguez grounded out but Gonzalez doubled. Grossman advanced Gonzalez with a ground out before Altuve grounded out to end the inning. Nava doubled to open the bottom of the fourth and moved to third on the groundout by Pedroia. That was it for Peacock after just 3 1/3 innings as Travis Blackley replaced him. Ortiz hit a sac fly to score Nava and Napoli singled. Carp looked at strike three with the Sox up 5-2.

Doubront cruised in the top of the fifth inning. Barnes looked at strike three, Laird grounded out to third and Carter struck out to end the inning. Great comeback by Doubront who appeared headed to the showers 5 batters into the game. The Sox also failed to score in the bottom of the fifth. Saltalamacchia struck out but Middlebrooks singled. Will moved to second on the Drew groundout but Ellsbury grounded out to end the inning.

Doubront came back for the top of sixth and cruised. Cedeno and Corporan grounded out and Dominguez popped up to end the inning. Wesley Wright was brought in to pitch the bottom of the sixth inning. Nava struck out but Pedroia walked and stole second. Ortiz walked but Napoli lined into a double play to end the inning.

Doubront tried to go seven but couldnt make it. Gonzalez singled and took second on a passed ball to start the top of the seventh inning. Grossman grounded out but Gonzalez stole third and scored on the Altuve ground out. Barnes reached on an infield single and that was it for Felix. Junichi Tazawa took over for Felix and advanced Barnes to second on a balk. Fernando "Cinco-cinco-cinco nuevedos-nuevedos" Martinez pinch hit for Laird and walked. Carter struck out to end the inning. Doubront gave it a hell of an effort after almost getting knocked out in the first to go 6 2/3 innings, giving the Sox a chance to win the game.

                                                     Way to go Felix.

Inspired by Doubront's effort, the Sox put the game with a seventh inning rally. Hector Ambriz came in to pitch and Jonny Gomes pinch hit for Carp. Gomes flied out but Saltalamacchia doubled. Middlebrooks walked and Drew singled home Saltalamacchia. Ellsbury struck out but Nava singled home Middlebrooks. Pedroia singled home Drew before Ortiz flied out to end the inning. The Sox had iced it and led 8-3.

Daniel Bard came into pitch the top of the eighth but didn't last long. Carlos Pena pinch hit for Cedeno and walked. Corporan walked and that was it for Bard, replaced by the rookie Alex Wilson. Dominguez singled home Pena but Gonzalez flied out to right. Grossman lined out to left although Drew went OLE! on a ground ball. Rick Ankiel hit for Barnes and struck out to end the inning with the score 8-4.

                                                   Wilson guts through the 8th inning,

Jose Veras got the ball in the bottom of the eighth inning. Napoli grounded out, Gomes struck out and Saltalamacchia flied out to end the inning.

Andrew Miller took over for the top of the ninth. Martinez grounded out, Carter looked at strike three and Pena struck out to end the game. The Sox had won it 8-4.

                                                     "Hear ye, Hear ye, we win!" - Miller

Hero of the night is David Ortiz. He was 2 for 3 with a walk and drove in 3 runs, leading the offense to victory.

                                                        Hero of the Night: David Ortiz

The Good:

Daniel Nava was 2 for 5 with a run scored and an rbi.

Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, a stolen base and an rbi.

Will Middlebrooks was 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Stephen Drew was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Felix Doubront gutted through 6 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks to earn the win.

Andrew Miller pitched a scoreless ninth.

The Bad:

Mike Carp was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts

Jonny Gomes was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Daniel Bard walked two men and one of them came around to score.

The Ugly:

Jacoby Ellsbury was just 1 for 5 with a run scored but made the hit count as it drove in 2 runs.

Mike Napoli was just 1 for 4 with a walk.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 1 for 4 but walked and scored twice.

Junichi Tazawa allowed an inherited run to score and retired one of the two batters he faced.

Alex Wilson allowed an inherited runner to score but didn't allow one of his own.

Final Thoughts:

Another good win for the Sox who appear to be firing on all cylinders. Too bad its only April but every win counts in the end. The offense has been producing big time from top to bottom and the starters have been pitching well lately. The bullpen still has issues getting to Andrew Bailey but that can be corrected if Joel Hanrahan comes back healthy. Its hard to take Bailey out of the closer's role the way he's been pitching but then again, its no guarantee he'll stay healthy either. The 4 game set ends with John Lackey making his return from the disabled list tomorrow against Bud Norris at 1:35 PM tomorrow. Someone has to go in order for Lackey and I think I know who. So long Daniel Bard.

Offense Clicks Again to Defeat Astros (4/26/13)

The bad news was the Boston Celtics dropped Game 3 of their first round NBA playoff series against the New York Knicks. The good news was the Boston Red Sox came together to defeat the Houston Astros. The Sox offense is hotter than hell right now and the latest victims were once again the Astros. A balanced attack led by David Ross and Dustin Pedroia paced Ryan Dempster (1-2) as the Sox defeated the Astros 7-3 at Fenway Park.

                                               Chris Jericho approves of the win

Ryan Dempster got the start for the Sox in the top of the first and got Robbie Grossman to line out to second. Jose Altuve doubled but Jason Castro struck out. Dempster misfired with a pickoff throw and Altuve was safe at third but Ryan struck out Brandon Laird to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Erik Bedard in the bottom of the first inning. Jacoby Ellsbury reached on an infield single but Jonny Gomes struck out. Dustin Pedroia put the Sox on top with a double that scored Ellsbury. David Ortiz whiffed and Mike Napoli flied out to end the inning.

                                            Pedroia puts the Sox up 1-0 early

Dempster cruised in the top of the second inning. Carlos Pena and Chris Carter both struck out and Fernando "Cinco-cinco-cinco nuevedos-nuevedos" Martinez grounded out to end the inning.  The Sox struck again in the bottom of the second. Daniel Nava flied out and Will Middlebrooks popped up but David Ross crushed a 425 foot bomb over the Monster to give the Sox a 2-0 lead. Pedro Ciriaco tripled to light up the crowd but Ellsbury grounded out to end the inning. Way to go Ross.

                                                      nWo Wolfpac approves

The Astros struck back in the top of the third inning. Matt Dominguez doubled to start and moved to third on the Marwin Gonzalez fly out. Grossman grounded out but Dominguez scored to cut the lead in half. Altuve flied out to end the inning but it was now 2-1 Sox. The Sox answered in the bottom of the third. Gomes struck out but Pedroia stroked a ground rule double. Ortiz struck out but Napoli doubled home Pedroia. Nava struck out to end the inning but the Sox were up 3-1.

The Astros threatened in the top of the fourth when Castro hit a leadoff double. Dempster recovered to strike out both Laird and Pena. Carter walked but Martinez whiffed to end the inning. Bedard returned for the bottom of the fourth and immediately regretted it as Middlebrooks and Ross smashed back to back jacks to chase him.

                                                   Middlebrooks blasts one

                                              Napoli loves Ross' effort

Paul Clemens took over for Bedard and Ciriaco lined out to left. Ellsbury and Gomes grounded out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-1.

The Astros didn't go quietly in the top of the fifth. Dominguez hit a leadoff double but Gonzalez struck out. A wild pitch moved Dominguez to third as Grossman walked. Altuve hit a sac fly to score Dominguez but Castro lined out to end the inning. The Sox still led 5-2. The Sox got that run right back in the bottom of the fifth. Pedroia grounded out and Ortiz swatted his second home run of the year to make the crowd happy. Napoli and Nava struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-2.

                                        Ortiz says "Hey look there's a hot dog stand"

Dempster returned for the top of the sixth and struck out Laird to start the inning. Pena walked but Carter struck out. Martinez grounded out to end the inning. Dempster had tossed 6 innings of 2 run ball, a solid effort.

                                        Solid effort by Dempster to keep the Sox on top

Clemens returned for the bottom of the sixth and struck out Middlebrooks. Ross remained red hot with a single. Ciriaco popped up as Ellsbury singled Ross to third. Jacoby swiped second but Gomes struc out to end the inning.

Clayton "Vigo" Mortensen took over for the top of the seventh and he plunked Dominguez. Gonzalez bunted his way on as Dominguez moved to third on the muff by Napoli. Grossman struck out and that was it for Mortensen. Junichi Tazawa came in to pitch and Altuve hit a sac fly to score Dominguez. Castro singled but Taz froze Laird to end the inning with the score now 6-3. Wesley Wright took over for the bottom of the seventh and Pedroia greeted him with a single. Ortiz grounded into a double play but Napoli doubled. Nava grounded out to end the inning.

Koji Uehara got the call for the top of the 8th inning. Pena grounded out but Carter doubled. Martinez advanced Carter with a ground-out and Dominguez struck out to end the inning. Rhiner Cruz got the call for the bottom of the 8th and the Sox quickly erased the save situation. Middlebrooks reached on an infield single and the red hot Ross singled again. Ciriaco blooped a single to load the bases but Middlebrooks was doubled off first on the scalding liner by Ellsbury. Gomes singled home Ross but Pedroia struck out to end the inning with the Sox up 7-3.

With the save situation gone, rookie Alex Wilson was brought in to pitch the top of the ninth inning. Gonzalez grounded out and Grossman struck out looking. Altuve flied out to center to end the game. The Sox had won it 7-3.

Hero of the Night is David Ross. The old pro went 4 for 4 with two home runs and 3 runs scored.

                                                  Hero of the Night: David Ross


The Good:

Jacoby Ellsbury was 2 for 5 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Dustin Pedroia was 3 for 5 with an rbi and a run scored.

Mike Napoli was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Will Middlebrooks was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an rbi coming off his solo home run.

Pedro Ciriaco was 2 for 4.

Ryan Dempster earned the win with 6 innings of 2 run ball.

Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless 8th inning

Alex Wilson pitched a scoreless ninth inning.


The Bad:

Daniel Nava was 0 for 4 with 2 stikeouts.

Clayton Mortensen allowed a run in just 1/3 of an inning.



The Ugly:

Jonny Gomes was just 1 for 5 with an rbi.

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 with his one hit being a solo home run.

Junichi Tazawa allowed an inherited runner to score but didn't give up any of his own in 2.3 of an inning.

Final Thoughts:

One game after I said they needed more production from the bottom of the order, Middlebrooks and Ross go off for 6 hits in 8 at-bats with 3 home runs. It obviously wont last but every win counts and tonight was another great effort by the Sox. 16 wins in 23 games is nothing to sneeze at, especially with a team not expected to contend. I will say if Napoli plays to his standard, that's a hell of a top four with him, Ortiz, Pedroia and Ellsbury. Carp off the bench has been good in spot starts although the Sox could probably upgrade Pedro Ciriaco with Jose Iglesias the slick fielder in Pawtucket. Tomorrow night is Game 3 of the four game set with Felix Doubront (3-0) matched up with Brad Peacock at 7:05 PM. Get your DVR's ready!

Ortiz, Buchholz Power Sox Past Astros (4/25/13)

As expected, the Sox got rid of Alfredo Aceves for now. In a move that shocked no one, Aceves was sent down to Pawtucket and the Sox called up Ryan Lavarnway to replace him. He literally pitched himself off the team by grooving fastballs and blaming poor conditions. Welcome back Ryan.

                                                                          OUT

                                                                        In

As for the game, David Ortiz is back....bad news for the rest of the American League. Tonight he was a man on a mission, teaming with Clay Buchholz (5-0, 1.19 ERA) to defeat the Houston Astros 7-2 at Fenway Park.

                                                  Pee-Wee Herman approves of the win

Clay Buchholz took the mound for the top of the first inning and got Robbie Grossman to ground out to begin. Jose Altuve looked at strike three but Jason Castro walked. Old friend Carlos Pena tried to bunt his way on but was thrown out to end the inning. The Sox immediately pounced on Astros starter Phil Humber in the bottom of the first. Jacoby Ellsbury grounded out but Daniel Nava walked and took second on a passed ball. Dustin Pedroia singled home Nava and swiped second. David Ortiz singled home Pedroia and took second on the bad throw by Rick Ankiel. Mike Napoli struck out but Mike Carp doubled home Ortiz. Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled home Carp but Middlebrooks grounded out to end the inning. Right off the bat it was 4-0 Red Sox.

                                                    Carp helps the offense take a 4-0 lead

Buchholz ran into trouble in the top of the second. Chris Carter doubled to left and Fernando "Cinco-cinco-nuevedos-nuevedos" Martinez singled him to third. Matt Dominguez banged into a double play but Carter scored to cut the lead. Ankiel whiffed to end the inning with the Astros on the board 4-1  The Sox didn't score in the bottom of the second inning. Stephen Drew grounded out but Ellsbury doubled. Nava walked but Pedroia banged into a double play to end the inning.

The Astros struck again in the top of the third. Marwin Gonzalez doubled to deep center but Grossman struck out. Gonzalez swiped third but Altuve struck out. Castro singled home Gonzalez to cut the lead in half. Pena looked at strike three to end the inning but it was now 4-2. The Sox immediately got that run right back in the bottom of the third. Ortiz crushed his first home run of the season to the delight of the crowd. Napoli struck out and Carp grounded out. Saltalamacchia grounded out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-2.

                                                     First homer of the year for Big Papi

Buchholz got some defensive help in the top of the fourth. Carter struck out but Martinez singled. Dominguez bounced into a double play to end the inning. Shockingly the Sox did not score in the bottom of the fourth inning. Middlebrooks struck out but Drew walked. Ellsbury flied out and Nava whiffed to end the inning.

Ankiel walked to begin the top of the fifth inning but Gonzalez whiffed. Grossman flied out and Altuve grounded out to end the inning. The Sox chased Humber in the bottom of the fifth. Pedroia flied out but Ortiz singled. Napoli looked at strike three but Carp singled. Saltalamacchia singled home Ortiz and Middlebrooks doubled home Saltalamacchia to drive Humber from the game. Travis Blackley replaced Humber and Drew grounded out to end the inning but now led 7-2.

                                           Saltalamacchia pitches in to increase the lead

Buccholz turned up the power in the top of the sixth inning. Castro struck out as both Pena and Carter grounded out to end the inning. Blackley returned for the bottom of the sixth and struck out both Ellsbury and Nava. Pedroia walked but Ortiz grounded out to end the inning.

Buchholz continued to dominate in the top of the seventh. Martinez grounded out and Dominguez looked at strike three. Clay froze Ankiel to end the inning. Jose Cisnero came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Napoli greeted him with a double. Carp and Saltalamacchia both popped up then Middlebrooks struck out to end the inning.

Buchholz returned for the top of the 8th inning with Jonny Gomes now in left field. Gonzalez and Grossman flied out but Altuve singled to chase Buchholz. Andrew Miller came in and got Castro to fly out to end the inning. Buchholz was outstanding, going 7 2/3 innings while striking out 10.

                                               Outstanding start by Buchholz

Cisnero returned for the bottom of the 8th inning. Drew flied out, Ellsbury grounded out and Nava lined out in short order.

Daniel Bard made his season debut in the top of the ninth to close the game out. Pena flied out and Carter struck out. Martinez singled but Dominguez grounded out to end the game. Welcome back Bard, the Sox had won it 7-2.

                                   "We got those sons of bitches good tonight Salty!" - DB

Hero of the Night is Clay Buchholz. He dominated the Astros for 7 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10.

                                                      Clay Buchholz: Hero

The Good:

Dustin Pedroia was 1 for 3 with a walk, stolen base, rbi and run scored.

David Ortiz was 3 for 4 with 2 rbi's and 3 runs scored.

Mike Carp was 2 for 4 with an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was 2 for 4 with 2 rbi's.

Andrew Miller retired the only man he faced.

Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless ninth inning.



The Bad:

Stephen Drew was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Jacoby Ellsbury was just 1 for 5

Daniel Nava was 0 for 3 but walked twice and scored a run.

Mike Napoli was just 1 for 4 with a hat-trick of 3 strikeouts.

Will Middlebrooks was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.



Honorable Mention:

Jonny Gomes played left field in the later innings.


Final Thoughts:

How about those Red Sox? Clay Buchholz is finally pitching like the ace he was in 2010. He was outstanding tonight and the return of Ortiz to prominence helped spark the offense to another convincing win. I hate to say it but if Buchholz and Lester pitch like this all season, just maybe they'll win 85 games or so. A huge improvement over last year, that's for sure. It was great to see Daniel Bard get his mojo back after being batting practice last year. If he can reclaim his set-up role, this will be a hard team to beat in the later innings. Tomorrow night is Game 2 of the four game set with Ryan Dempster (0-2) set to face Erik Bedard at 7:05 PM. You won't want to miss it.