Jonathan Arauz - 6 Good, 3 Bad, 2 Ugly
Matt Barnes - 6 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly. 2 Jackass
Andrew Benintendi - 2 Good, 3 Bad, 2 Ugly
Xander Bogaerts - 11 Good, 5 Bad, 7 Ugly, 1 Hero
Jackie Bradley Jr - 8 Good, 5 Bad, 10 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Ryan Brasier - 10 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Colten Brewer - 3 Good, 3 Bad, 2 Jackass
Austin Brice - 9 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Jackass
Michael Chavis - 3 Good, 6 Bad, 6 Ugly, 1 Hero
Dylan Covey - 1 Good, 1 Bad
Bobby Dalbec - 1 Good, 1 Bad
Rafael Devers - 5 Good, 4 Bad, 11 Ugly, 4 Hero, 1 Jackass
Nathan Eovaldi - 1 Good, 1 Hero, 2 Jackass
Zack Godley - 2 Good, 2 Bad, 2 Jackass
Matt Hall - 1 Bad
Kyle Hart - 3 Bad
Heath Hembree - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Darwinzon Hernandez - 3 Good
Robinson Leyer - 1 Bad
Tzu-Wei Lin - 2 Good, 5 Bad, 1 Ugly, 2 Honorable Mention
JD Martinez - 7 Good, 4 Bad, 13 Ugly
Chris Mazza - 1 Good, 2 Bad
Mitch Moreland - 10 Good, 3 Bad, 4 Ugly, 1 Hero
Josh Osich - 7 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Jackass
Jose Peraza - 7 Good, 7 Bad, 7 Ugly
Martin Perez - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Kevin Pillar - 8 Good, 4 Bad, 11 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Kevin Plawecki - 4 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass, 1 Honorable Mention
Jeffrey Springs - 3 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Ugly
Robert Stock - 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Josh Taylor - 3 Good, 2 Bad
Phillips Valdez - 6 Good, 1 Bad, 3 Ugly
Christian Vazquez - 7 Good, 5 Bad, 12 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Alex Verdugo - 10 Good, 3 Bad, 11 Ugly, 1 Hero, 1 Honorable Mention
Marcus Walden - 3 Good, 3 Bad, 1 Jackass
Ryan Weber - 3 Good, 3 Bad
Brandon Workman - 3 Good, 1 Bad
Most Valuable Player is Xander Bogaerts with 11 Good
Least Valuable Player is Jose Peraza with 7 Bad
Ugliest Player of The Month is JD Martinez with 13 Ugly
Hero of the Month is Rafael Devers with 4 Hero
The Quad-Jackasses of The Month are Matt Barnes, Colten Brewer, Nathan Eovaldi and Zack Godley
Honorable Player of The Month is Tzu-Wei Lin with 2 Honorable Mention
Monday, August 31, 2020
Braves Defeat Depleted Sox (8/31/20)
Before the game the trade deadline passed and the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Kevin Pillar was traded to the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named and Josh Osich went to the Chicago Cubs also for a player to be named. The Sox now have no right fielder with Andrew Benintendi not coming back and Pillar gone. The fact Bloom got something for Osich is nothing short of a miracle. The best news is the Luxury Tax reset and the Sox are finally out from under the horrible contracts signed by Ben Cherrington and Dave Dombrowski. Let's hope Chaim Bloom can be a bit smarter than his predecessors. Also in Chaim Bloom's quest to become the real life Rachel Phelps this season, the Sox placed Darwinzon Hernandez on the Injured List with a sprained SC joint. His velocity has been down the last few games he pitched so maybe he really is hurt. To take the places of Hernandez, Osich and Pillar, the Sox have called up Mike Kickham, Robinson Leyer and Yairo Munoz. If you know who any of them are, you deserve a medal.
OUT
IN
It was a bad day for Boston sports as the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the Boston Bruins with their double overtime Game 5 victory in the second round NHL playoff series. As for the baseball game, with nearly all the players that performed well for the Sox this season injured or gone, is it any wonder what was left lost to the Atlanta Braves? Colten Brewer got lit up in the top of the fifth inning and the younger Sox players did absolutely nothing offensively. Michael Chavis, Jonathan Arauz and Bobby Dalbec went a combined 0 for 12 with 6 strikeouts as Braves ace Max Fried shut down the Boston bats. The Sox did try to rally in the eighth inning but it wasn't enough as the Braves beat the depleted Sox 6-3 at Fenway Park.
Rocko feels Sox fans pain
Brewer took a beating in the top of the first inning as Dansby Swanson singled to center to start the top of the first inning. Freddie Freeman lined out to right and Marcell Ozuna went down hacking, but Nick Markakis doubled to left to score Swanson. Austin Riley got a hit to left but Adam Duvall grounded out to second to end the inning with the Braves ahead 1-0.
Swanson scores a run
The Sox somehow responded against Fried in the bottom of the first as Alex Verdugo doubled to left to begin. Christian Vazquez grounded out to third but Rafael Devers singled up the middle to score Verdugo to tie the game. Xander Bogaerts whiffed and Michael Chavis grounded into a force to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
Devers tie it up
Johan Camargo singled to center to start the top of the second inning but Tyler Flowers lined out to second. Ender Inciarte lined out to left and Swanson grounded into a force to end the inning. Bobby Dalbec whiffed to start the bottom of the second but Jackie Bradley Jr doubled to left. Jonathan Arauz lined out to third and Jose Peraza grounded out to short to end the inning.
Freeman singled to center to start the top of the third and moved to second on a passed ball. Brewer recovered to get Ozuna to line out to center and Markakis to ground out to second. Riley whiffed to end the inning. Somehow the Sox took the lead in the bottom of the third as Verdugo doubled to left again. Alex moved to third on the Vazquez grounder but Devers whiffed. Somehow Fried balked and Verdugo came home with the go-ahead run. Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning but the Sox led 2-1
Verdugo scores on a balk
The lead lasted 30 seconds as Duvall hit a home run all the way to the Klingon Homeworld to tie the game to start the top of the fourth. Carmago doubled but Brewer punched out Flowers swinging. Carmago moved to third on the Inciarte grounder but Swanson took strike three to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.
Duvall ties it up
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fourth as Chavis grounded out to short to start. Dalbec whiffed again but JBJ drew a walk. Arauz grounded out to third to end the inning.
The floodgates opened in the top of the fifth as Freeman walked to start. Ozuna doubled to center and Markakis walked to load the bases with nobody out. That was it for Brewer who would end up being charged with 5 runs in just 4 innings, brutal. Phillips Valdez came in and immediately allowed a bases clearing triple to right by Riley to put Atlanta up for good. Somehow Valdez punched out Duvall, Camargo and Flowers in short order to end the inning but the Braves were up 5-2.
Riley hits the killshot
The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fifth although Peraza popped up to first to start. Verdugo doubled to center and Vazquez walked, but Devers banged into a double play to end the inning.
27 year old Robinson Leyer made his ML debut in the top of the sixth...and got tagged. Inciarte grounded out to second but Swanson walked. Freeman singled to right but Ozuna whiffed. Markakis ate up Arauz with a ground ball that skipped to center for a single to score Swanson. Riley grounded out to third to end the inning but the Braves were up 6-2.
Leyer makes his ML debut
Darren O'Daye replaced Fried in the bottom of the sixth and Bogaerts went down hacking to start. Chavis popped up to second and Dalbec earned the hat trick by watching strike three go by to end the inning.
Robert Stock came in for the top of the seventh and Duvall walked to start. Carmago whiffed, Flowers lined out to right and Inciarte took strike three to end the inning. Old Sox farmhand Chris Martin came in for the bottom of the seventh and JBJ was so excited to see his old teammate he flied out to left. Arauz whiffed and Peraza grounded out to second to end the inning.
Jeffrey Springs came in for the top of the eighth and Swanson whiffed to start. Freeman also went down swinging and Ozuna lined out to center to end the inning. Will Smith came in for the bottom of the eighth and the Sox rallied. Verdugo struck out swinging but Vazquez singled to left. Devers got a base hit to center and Bogaerts lashed a base hit up the middle to score Vazquez and send Devers to third. With the tying run at the plate....Chavis whiffed and Dalbec earned the golden sombrero by taking strike three to end the inning. The Sox were down 6-3 and all hope was lost.
Bogaerts with an rbi
Springs returned for the top of the ninth and Markakis singled to center to begin. Riley banged into a double play and Duvall watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Old friend Mark Melancon came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and JBJ flied out to center to start. Arauz grounded out to short and Peraza flied out to center to end the game. The Braves had won it 6-3.
Ugh
Jackass of the Night is Colten Brewer. He fell apart in the fifth inning and was charged with 5 runs in just 4 innings.
Brewer walks away the Jackass
The Good:
Alex Verdugo was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Jeffrey Springs tossed 2 scoreless innings.
The Bad:
Michael Chavis was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 4 with a golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts.
Jonathan Arauz was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Jose Peraza was 0 for 4.
Robinson Leyer allowed a run in the sixth inning.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Phillips Valdez allowed 3 inherited runners to score but struck out the side in the fifth inning.
Final Thoughts:
Well this is what the Sox have left after the trade deadline. Mitch Moreland, Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree, Kevin Pillar and Josh Osich have been traded plus Darwinzon Hernandez and Nathan Eovaldi joined Andrew Benintendi on the Injured List. Chaim Bloom showed what would actually happen if Rachel Phelps from Major League was real. Anyone that actually performed well this season with the exceptions of Verdugo, Valdez and Bogaerts are gone. Not only that, the guys they brought up to replace Pillar, Osich and Hernandez are complete no-names. Not only did the Sox penny pinch on starting pitching, they refused to call up any prospect worth anything besides Dalbec because of "service time." Hopefully Darwinzon Hernandez doesn't need Tommy John surgery because he's the only power lefty they have. If this is what the Sox have left to offer, the next 25 games are going to be pure torture. The loss drops the Sox to 12-23, good for last place in the AL East. The next defeat is tomorrow night when Ryan Weber (0-2, 6.00 ERA) gets pounded and Ian Anderson pitches a a shutout at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
It was a bad day for Boston sports as the Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the Boston Bruins with their double overtime Game 5 victory in the second round NHL playoff series. As for the baseball game, with nearly all the players that performed well for the Sox this season injured or gone, is it any wonder what was left lost to the Atlanta Braves? Colten Brewer got lit up in the top of the fifth inning and the younger Sox players did absolutely nothing offensively. Michael Chavis, Jonathan Arauz and Bobby Dalbec went a combined 0 for 12 with 6 strikeouts as Braves ace Max Fried shut down the Boston bats. The Sox did try to rally in the eighth inning but it wasn't enough as the Braves beat the depleted Sox 6-3 at Fenway Park.
Brewer took a beating in the top of the first inning as Dansby Swanson singled to center to start the top of the first inning. Freddie Freeman lined out to right and Marcell Ozuna went down hacking, but Nick Markakis doubled to left to score Swanson. Austin Riley got a hit to left but Adam Duvall grounded out to second to end the inning with the Braves ahead 1-0.
The Sox somehow responded against Fried in the bottom of the first as Alex Verdugo doubled to left to begin. Christian Vazquez grounded out to third but Rafael Devers singled up the middle to score Verdugo to tie the game. Xander Bogaerts whiffed and Michael Chavis grounded into a force to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
Johan Camargo singled to center to start the top of the second inning but Tyler Flowers lined out to second. Ender Inciarte lined out to left and Swanson grounded into a force to end the inning. Bobby Dalbec whiffed to start the bottom of the second but Jackie Bradley Jr doubled to left. Jonathan Arauz lined out to third and Jose Peraza grounded out to short to end the inning.
Freeman singled to center to start the top of the third and moved to second on a passed ball. Brewer recovered to get Ozuna to line out to center and Markakis to ground out to second. Riley whiffed to end the inning. Somehow the Sox took the lead in the bottom of the third as Verdugo doubled to left again. Alex moved to third on the Vazquez grounder but Devers whiffed. Somehow Fried balked and Verdugo came home with the go-ahead run. Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning but the Sox led 2-1
The lead lasted 30 seconds as Duvall hit a home run all the way to the Klingon Homeworld to tie the game to start the top of the fourth. Carmago doubled but Brewer punched out Flowers swinging. Carmago moved to third on the Inciarte grounder but Swanson took strike three to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fourth as Chavis grounded out to short to start. Dalbec whiffed again but JBJ drew a walk. Arauz grounded out to third to end the inning.
The floodgates opened in the top of the fifth as Freeman walked to start. Ozuna doubled to center and Markakis walked to load the bases with nobody out. That was it for Brewer who would end up being charged with 5 runs in just 4 innings, brutal. Phillips Valdez came in and immediately allowed a bases clearing triple to right by Riley to put Atlanta up for good. Somehow Valdez punched out Duvall, Camargo and Flowers in short order to end the inning but the Braves were up 5-2.
The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fifth although Peraza popped up to first to start. Verdugo doubled to center and Vazquez walked, but Devers banged into a double play to end the inning.
27 year old Robinson Leyer made his ML debut in the top of the sixth...and got tagged. Inciarte grounded out to second but Swanson walked. Freeman singled to right but Ozuna whiffed. Markakis ate up Arauz with a ground ball that skipped to center for a single to score Swanson. Riley grounded out to third to end the inning but the Braves were up 6-2.
Darren O'Daye replaced Fried in the bottom of the sixth and Bogaerts went down hacking to start. Chavis popped up to second and Dalbec earned the hat trick by watching strike three go by to end the inning.
Robert Stock came in for the top of the seventh and Duvall walked to start. Carmago whiffed, Flowers lined out to right and Inciarte took strike three to end the inning. Old Sox farmhand Chris Martin came in for the bottom of the seventh and JBJ was so excited to see his old teammate he flied out to left. Arauz whiffed and Peraza grounded out to second to end the inning.
Jeffrey Springs came in for the top of the eighth and Swanson whiffed to start. Freeman also went down swinging and Ozuna lined out to center to end the inning. Will Smith came in for the bottom of the eighth and the Sox rallied. Verdugo struck out swinging but Vazquez singled to left. Devers got a base hit to center and Bogaerts lashed a base hit up the middle to score Vazquez and send Devers to third. With the tying run at the plate....Chavis whiffed and Dalbec earned the golden sombrero by taking strike three to end the inning. The Sox were down 6-3 and all hope was lost.
Springs returned for the top of the ninth and Markakis singled to center to begin. Riley banged into a double play and Duvall watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Old friend Mark Melancon came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and JBJ flied out to center to start. Arauz grounded out to short and Peraza flied out to center to end the game. The Braves had won it 6-3.
Jackass of the Night is Colten Brewer. He fell apart in the fifth inning and was charged with 5 runs in just 4 innings.
The Good:
Alex Verdugo was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Jeffrey Springs tossed 2 scoreless innings.
The Bad:
Michael Chavis was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 4 with a golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts.
Jonathan Arauz was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Jose Peraza was 0 for 4.
Robinson Leyer allowed a run in the sixth inning.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Phillips Valdez allowed 3 inherited runners to score but struck out the side in the fifth inning.
Final Thoughts:
Well this is what the Sox have left after the trade deadline. Mitch Moreland, Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree, Kevin Pillar and Josh Osich have been traded plus Darwinzon Hernandez and Nathan Eovaldi joined Andrew Benintendi on the Injured List. Chaim Bloom showed what would actually happen if Rachel Phelps from Major League was real. Anyone that actually performed well this season with the exceptions of Verdugo, Valdez and Bogaerts are gone. Not only that, the guys they brought up to replace Pillar, Osich and Hernandez are complete no-names. Not only did the Sox penny pinch on starting pitching, they refused to call up any prospect worth anything besides Dalbec because of "service time." Hopefully Darwinzon Hernandez doesn't need Tommy John surgery because he's the only power lefty they have. If this is what the Sox have left to offer, the next 25 games are going to be pure torture. The loss drops the Sox to 12-23, good for last place in the AL East. The next defeat is tomorrow night when Ryan Weber (0-2, 6.00 ERA) gets pounded and Ian Anderson pitches a a shutout at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Sox Defeat Nationals, Moreland Traded (8/30/20)
Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a significant trade. Incumbent first basemen Mitch Moreland was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for power hitting infielder Hudson Potts and 21 year old outfield prospect Jeisson Rosario. Moreland has been a stalwart at first base and DH the last four years but he's 34 and was an impending free agent. Sox GM Chaim Bloom was tasked with getting something for him before he walked as a free agent. To take Mitch's spot on the roster, the Sox called up top infield prospect Bobby Dalbec and activated him before today's game. Moreland will be missed.
OUT
IN
It was a good day for Boston sports as the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their second round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox once again the Sox defeated the Washington Nationals. Just like yesterday, the Sox won it on the back of their bullpen. Zack Godley lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed 5 runs. The Boston bullpen pitched the next 4 1/3 scoreless innings to hold the Nationals down. The Sox offense got a boost by rookie Bobby Dalbec hitting his first home run in his ML debut and Rafael Devers smashing two home runs. It wasn't pretty but the Sox made it two in a row over the Nationals with a 9-5 win at Fenway Park.
Jayson Tatum approves of the win
Godley got the ball in the top of the first and Trea Turner got a base hit to left to start. Turner moved to second on the Juan Soto grounder and to third on the grounder by Asdrubal Cabrera. Eric Thames grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Nationals starter Austin Voth in the bottom of the first although Alex Verdugo lined out to first to start. Rafael Devers walked but JD Martinez flied out to left. Xander Bogaerts absolutely hammered his 8th home run of the year over everything to give the Sox the lead. Kevin Pillar doubled to center and Kevin Plawecki singled up the middle to score Pillar to increase the lead. Plawecki stole second on a botched hit a run and Jackie Bradley Jr grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.
Bogaerts hits one out
Godley got Yan Gomes to line out to center to begin the top of the second before Adam Eaton grounded out to first. Josh Harrison was plunked but Luis Garcia grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the second although Bobby Dalbec made his ML debut by striking out swinging to start. Jose Peraza went down hacking but Verdugo doubled to left and Devers hit a home run into the Nationals bullpen to increase the lead. Martinez hit a ground rule double just over the head of Eaton in right but Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning with the Sox up 5-0.
Devers with a home run
Naturally the Nationals jumped all over Godley in the top of the third inning as Victor Robles singled to left to start. Turner got his 7th straight hit with a single to left and Soto singled home Robles, moving Trea to third. Cabrera scored Turner with a sac fly and Verdugo nearly fell down catching a Thames fly out. Gomes doubled Soto to third but JBJ made a good running catch to rob Eaton of extra bases to end the inning with the Nationals down 5-2.
Turner is unstoppable
The Sox got the run right back in the bottom of the third with Javy Guerra on the mound for Washington. Pillar singled to center and Plawecki doubled him home just like that. JBJ flied out to right but Dalbec crushed his first career big league home run just inside Pesky's Pole to increase the lead. Peraza whiffed and Verdugo grounded out to third to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 8-2.
Welcome to Boston, Bobby Dalbec
Naturally the Nationals got to Godley in the top of the fourth as Harrison hit a 45,000 foot home run to cut the lead. Garcia grounded out to short, Robles went down hacking and Turner was finally retired on a swinging strikeout to end the inning with the Nationals down 8-3.
Happy Harrison
The Sox tried to get the run back in the bottom of the fourth as Devers singled to center to start. Martinez whiffed but Bogaerts singled Devers to third. Pillar banged into a double play to end the inning.
Soto popped up to first to start the top of the fifth before Cabrera whiffed. It should be noted that Godley became the first starter other than Perez or Eovaldi to record an out in the fifth inning, pathetic. Naturally Thames hit a 599,000 foot home run to cut the lead before Gomes walked. Eaton tripled home Gomes and Sox manager Ron Roenicke had enough. Godley lived up to his ERA as he allowed 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings. Josh Osich came in and got Harrison to line out to center to end the inning with the Nationals back in it 8-5.
Godley wasn't good enough
Dakota Bacus came in for the bottom of the fifth and Plawecki lined out to right to start. JBJ grounded back to the mound and Dalbec whiffed to end the inning.
Osich returned for the top of the sixth and Garcia grounded out to short to start. Robles took strike three but naturally Turner got a hit to center. Soto singled to third but Cabrera grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the sixth although Peraza grounded out to third to start. Garcia booted a ground ball by Verdugo and Devers got a base hit to left. Verdugo moved to third on the fly out by Martinez but tragedy struck when a cardboard cutout fell out of the Monster Seats and onto the field. Red Sox medical staff sprinted onto the field and hauled the cutout out on a gurney. Bogaerts walked to load the bases but Pillar grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
"MAN DOWN! MAN DOWN!"
Josh Taylor took over for the top of the seventh and Thames walked to start. Gomes popped up to first, Eaton whiffed and Harrison went down hacking to end the inning. Plawecki grounded out to short to start the bottom of the seventh and Sean Doolittle was brought in to face lefties. JBJ singled to right and Dalback hit a wind aided pop up single over the head of Garcia. Peraza flied out to left and Verdugo flied out to right to end the inning.
Ryan Brasier came in for the top of the eighth inning and Garcia walked to start. Robles popped up to second before Turner whiffed. Soto grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox had not allowed a run after Godley was removed, that's surprising. Daniel Hudson took over for the bottom of the eighth and Devers greeted him with his second homer of the day to wrap up the scoring. Martinez was hit on the hand and he keeled over grabbing it. Martinez had to be carried out on a stretcher, loaded into an ambulance and rushed to Brigham & Women's ICU. Tzu-Wei Lin pinch ran for Martinez but Bogaerts flied out to center. Pillar lined one off of Hudson but he was thrown out at first. Plawecki walked and Ryne Harper was brought in to get JBJ to take strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-5.
That's two for Devers
Austin Brice came in to close out the top of the ninth and Cabrera lined out to first to start. Thames took strike three but Goms doubled to center. Eaton flied out to left to end the game. The Sox had won two straight over the Nationals with a 9-5 win.
Sox douse Dalbec in celebration
Hero of the Night is Rafael Devers. He went 4 for 4 with not one but two home runs.
Devers the smiling Hero
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4 with a walk and a 2 run home run.
Kevin Pillar was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
Kevin Plawecki was 2 for 4 with a walk, stolen base, 2 rbis and a run scored.
Bobby Dalbec was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run in his ML debut.
Josh Osich earned the win with a 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Austin Brice pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Jose Peraza was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Zack Godley allowed 5 runs in just 4 2/3 innings as the starter.
The Ugly:
Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout before leaving.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout.
Honorable Mention:
Tzu-Wei Lin pinch ran for JD Martinez in the bottom of the eighth.
Final Thoughts:
Losing Moreland hurts because he's been as consistent as anyone on the Red Sox the last 4 seasons. Still, he was a 34 year old impending free agent and to flip him for two 21 year old prospects is the best you were going to get. So far this year the Red Sox have traded Mookie Betts, Mitch Moreland, Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman for Verdugo, Connor Wong, Jeter Downs, Connor Seabold, Nick Pivetta, Jeisson Rosario and Hudson Potts. Verdugo and Pivetta are Major Leaguers but the other 5 are prospects. Chaim Bloom is doing what he can to salvage the franchise from the ground up. At least the Pawtuc.....Worcester Red Sox next year will be fun to watch. As for the game, that's two days in a row the Red Sox bullpen didn't allow a run after the bum of a starter was pulled. Thankfully there's only 26 games left of torture to sit through so the "opener" project can be thrown in the garbage in a month. Also the Luxury Tax resets after tomorrow so as long as there's not another race related incident, a Covid outbreak or a giant comet destroys the Earth, the Sox will be in the clear to spend some money this winter. The win improved the Sox to an unimpressive 12-22, last place in the AL East. The feel good wins go out the window tomorrow night when the Atlanta Braves come to Fenway. Their undefeated ace Max Fried goes for win number six as the Sox will start....Colten Brewer (0-2, 4.57 ERA). The carnage begins at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
It was a good day for Boston sports as the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their second round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox once again the Sox defeated the Washington Nationals. Just like yesterday, the Sox won it on the back of their bullpen. Zack Godley lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed 5 runs. The Boston bullpen pitched the next 4 1/3 scoreless innings to hold the Nationals down. The Sox offense got a boost by rookie Bobby Dalbec hitting his first home run in his ML debut and Rafael Devers smashing two home runs. It wasn't pretty but the Sox made it two in a row over the Nationals with a 9-5 win at Fenway Park.
Godley got the ball in the top of the first and Trea Turner got a base hit to left to start. Turner moved to second on the Juan Soto grounder and to third on the grounder by Asdrubal Cabrera. Eric Thames grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Nationals starter Austin Voth in the bottom of the first although Alex Verdugo lined out to first to start. Rafael Devers walked but JD Martinez flied out to left. Xander Bogaerts absolutely hammered his 8th home run of the year over everything to give the Sox the lead. Kevin Pillar doubled to center and Kevin Plawecki singled up the middle to score Pillar to increase the lead. Plawecki stole second on a botched hit a run and Jackie Bradley Jr grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.
Godley got Yan Gomes to line out to center to begin the top of the second before Adam Eaton grounded out to first. Josh Harrison was plunked but Luis Garcia grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the second although Bobby Dalbec made his ML debut by striking out swinging to start. Jose Peraza went down hacking but Verdugo doubled to left and Devers hit a home run into the Nationals bullpen to increase the lead. Martinez hit a ground rule double just over the head of Eaton in right but Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning with the Sox up 5-0.
Naturally the Nationals jumped all over Godley in the top of the third inning as Victor Robles singled to left to start. Turner got his 7th straight hit with a single to left and Soto singled home Robles, moving Trea to third. Cabrera scored Turner with a sac fly and Verdugo nearly fell down catching a Thames fly out. Gomes doubled Soto to third but JBJ made a good running catch to rob Eaton of extra bases to end the inning with the Nationals down 5-2.
The Sox got the run right back in the bottom of the third with Javy Guerra on the mound for Washington. Pillar singled to center and Plawecki doubled him home just like that. JBJ flied out to right but Dalbec crushed his first career big league home run just inside Pesky's Pole to increase the lead. Peraza whiffed and Verdugo grounded out to third to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 8-2.
Naturally the Nationals got to Godley in the top of the fourth as Harrison hit a 45,000 foot home run to cut the lead. Garcia grounded out to short, Robles went down hacking and Turner was finally retired on a swinging strikeout to end the inning with the Nationals down 8-3.
The Sox tried to get the run back in the bottom of the fourth as Devers singled to center to start. Martinez whiffed but Bogaerts singled Devers to third. Pillar banged into a double play to end the inning.
Soto popped up to first to start the top of the fifth before Cabrera whiffed. It should be noted that Godley became the first starter other than Perez or Eovaldi to record an out in the fifth inning, pathetic. Naturally Thames hit a 599,000 foot home run to cut the lead before Gomes walked. Eaton tripled home Gomes and Sox manager Ron Roenicke had enough. Godley lived up to his ERA as he allowed 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings. Josh Osich came in and got Harrison to line out to center to end the inning with the Nationals back in it 8-5.
Dakota Bacus came in for the bottom of the fifth and Plawecki lined out to right to start. JBJ grounded back to the mound and Dalbec whiffed to end the inning.
Osich returned for the top of the sixth and Garcia grounded out to short to start. Robles took strike three but naturally Turner got a hit to center. Soto singled to third but Cabrera grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the sixth although Peraza grounded out to third to start. Garcia booted a ground ball by Verdugo and Devers got a base hit to left. Verdugo moved to third on the fly out by Martinez but tragedy struck when a cardboard cutout fell out of the Monster Seats and onto the field. Red Sox medical staff sprinted onto the field and hauled the cutout out on a gurney. Bogaerts walked to load the bases but Pillar grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Josh Taylor took over for the top of the seventh and Thames walked to start. Gomes popped up to first, Eaton whiffed and Harrison went down hacking to end the inning. Plawecki grounded out to short to start the bottom of the seventh and Sean Doolittle was brought in to face lefties. JBJ singled to right and Dalback hit a wind aided pop up single over the head of Garcia. Peraza flied out to left and Verdugo flied out to right to end the inning.
Ryan Brasier came in for the top of the eighth inning and Garcia walked to start. Robles popped up to second before Turner whiffed. Soto grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox had not allowed a run after Godley was removed, that's surprising. Daniel Hudson took over for the bottom of the eighth and Devers greeted him with his second homer of the day to wrap up the scoring. Martinez was hit on the hand and he keeled over grabbing it. Martinez had to be carried out on a stretcher, loaded into an ambulance and rushed to Brigham & Women's ICU. Tzu-Wei Lin pinch ran for Martinez but Bogaerts flied out to center. Pillar lined one off of Hudson but he was thrown out at first. Plawecki walked and Ryne Harper was brought in to get JBJ to take strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-5.
Austin Brice came in to close out the top of the ninth and Cabrera lined out to first to start. Thames took strike three but Goms doubled to center. Eaton flied out to left to end the game. The Sox had won two straight over the Nationals with a 9-5 win.
Hero of the Night is Rafael Devers. He went 4 for 4 with not one but two home runs.
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4 with a walk and a 2 run home run.
Kevin Pillar was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
Kevin Plawecki was 2 for 4 with a walk, stolen base, 2 rbis and a run scored.
Bobby Dalbec was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run in his ML debut.
Josh Osich earned the win with a 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Austin Brice pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Jose Peraza was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Zack Godley allowed 5 runs in just 4 2/3 innings as the starter.
The Ugly:
Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout before leaving.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout.
Honorable Mention:
Tzu-Wei Lin pinch ran for JD Martinez in the bottom of the eighth.
Final Thoughts:
Losing Moreland hurts because he's been as consistent as anyone on the Red Sox the last 4 seasons. Still, he was a 34 year old impending free agent and to flip him for two 21 year old prospects is the best you were going to get. So far this year the Red Sox have traded Mookie Betts, Mitch Moreland, Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman for Verdugo, Connor Wong, Jeter Downs, Connor Seabold, Nick Pivetta, Jeisson Rosario and Hudson Potts. Verdugo and Pivetta are Major Leaguers but the other 5 are prospects. Chaim Bloom is doing what he can to salvage the franchise from the ground up. At least the Pawtuc.....Worcester Red Sox next year will be fun to watch. As for the game, that's two days in a row the Red Sox bullpen didn't allow a run after the bum of a starter was pulled. Thankfully there's only 26 games left of torture to sit through so the "opener" project can be thrown in the garbage in a month. Also the Luxury Tax resets after tomorrow so as long as there's not another race related incident, a Covid outbreak or a giant comet destroys the Earth, the Sox will be in the clear to spend some money this winter. The win improved the Sox to an unimpressive 12-22, last place in the AL East. The feel good wins go out the window tomorrow night when the Atlanta Braves come to Fenway. Their undefeated ace Max Fried goes for win number six as the Sox will start....Colten Brewer (0-2, 4.57 ERA). The carnage begins at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Sox Bullpen Holds Off Nationals (8/29/20)
Before the game the Boston Red Sox received even more bad news in a season full of it. Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the 10 Day Injured List with a strained calf. Its nothing too serious but he'll miss at least two starts, which the Sox can ill afford since he's one of only two starters the team has. Chris Mazza was called up from the Alternate Training Site to take his place starting for now. With Nick Pivetta also rumored to be out for the season without ever taking the ball for the Sox, can they just forfeit every game from here out?
OUT
IN
The bad news was the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their second round NHL playoff series but the good news is the Boston Red Sox defeated the world champion Washington Nationals. Four days out of five, the Red Sox bullpen is completely useless. This just happened to be the fifth day. Chris Mazza was called up to replace the injured Nathan Eovaldi and got his ass handed to him as usual. The Nationals lit up Chris for 3 runs in 2 1/3 innings before Sox manager Ron Roenicke called upon his bullpen to get the final 20 outs in a close game. Somehow they managed to get it done. Despite having baserunners on all night, the Sox bullpen managed to shut the Nationals down the rest of the way. The Sox got big home runs by Xander Bogaerts and Kevin Pillar to pace the offense as the Sox beat the champs 5-3 at Fenway Park.
Ike Clanton approves of the win
Mazza got the ball in the top of the first inning and Trea Turner greeted him with a ground rule double to right to start. Juan Soto flied out to center to move Turner to third and Howie Kendrick walked, but Asdrubal Cabrera whiffed. Adam Eaton grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Nationals starter and old Sox prospect Anibal Sanchez in the bottom of the first. Alex Verdugo greeted Sanchez with a base hit to left but Rafael Devers popped up to third. JD Martinez doubled to center and Xander Bogaerts smashed his 7th homer of the season to put the Sox up big early. Mitch Moreland grounded out to third and Christian Vazquez grounded out to second to end the inning but the Sox were up 3-0.
Bogaerts hits one out
Kurt Suzuki whiffed to begin the top of the second before Luis Garcia grounded out to second. Eric Thames dumped a base hit to center but Victor Robles grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the second as Kevin Pillar motored around for a triple into the triangle to start. Jackie Bradley Jr grounded out but Pillar scored to increase the lead. Michael Chavis singled to center but Verdugo banged into a double play to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-0.
Pillar triples and scores
Suddenly Mazza fell apart in the top of the third inning. Turner doubled to left to begin and Soto hit a comebacker to Mazza....who threw the ball away allowing Turner to score and Soto to reach second. Kendrick singled home Soto to cut the lead. Cabrera walked and Eaton singled home Kendrick to bring the tying run to second, but Suzuki swung at air for the second out. Sox manager Ron Roenicke had seen enough and pull Mazza before the Nationals tied the game or worse. Mazza threw 70 pitches and only managed to record 7 outs. Darwinzon Hernandez came in and blew away Garcia, but Thames walked to load the bases. Robles whiffed to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 4-3.
"How the hell are we gonna win this?" - Devers
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the third as Devers flied out to left to start. Martinez whiffed and Bogaerts grounded out to first to end the inning.
Phillips Valdez came in for the top of the fourth inning and Turner singled to left to start. Valdez blew away Soto and Kendrick but Cabrera walked. Eaton took strike three to end the inning. The Sox added a big insurance run in the bottom of the fourth although Moreland grounded out to first to start. Vazquez grounded out to third but Pillar cracked his fourth home run of the season to increase the lead. JBJ flied out to left to end the inning but the Sox were up 5-3.
Pillar goes yard
The Sox got a big assist from Verdugo in the top of the fifth as Suzuki singled to right to begin. Garcia grounded back to the mound to move Suzuki to second and Thames walked. Robles hit one up the elevator shaft and Sox manager Ron Roenicke felt Valdez had done enough. Austin Brice came in and Turner got a base hit to left. Suzuki tried to score and Verdugo gunned him down at home to end the inning. That was Verdugo's 7th assist of the season, more than some MLB teams have total.
YERRRRR OUT!
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Chavis struck out swinging to start. Verdugo singled to left and stole second on the Devers strikeout. Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Soto hit a routine grounder to third to start the top of the sixth and Devers threw his glove at the ball and barked at it for an error. Kendrick flied out to right but Cabrera walked. Eaton banged into a double play to end the inning. Bogaerts doubled to left to start the bottom of the sixth and that was it for Sanchez. Wander Suero came in and Moreland popped up to third. Vazquez flied out to center but Bogaerts swiped third. Pillar lined out to right to end the inning.
Josh Osich came in for the top of the seventh and Suzuki greeted him with a base hit to left. Josh Harrison pinch hit for Garcia and went down hacking. Thames forced Suzuki at second and Roenicke wanted Ryan Brasier to pitch to Robles. The move worked as Robles grounded into a force to end the inning. Will Harris came in for the bottom of the seventh and JBJ grounded out to third to start. Chavis whiffed again and Verdugo also went down swinging to end the inning.
Turner got his fifth hit of the day with a single to center to start the top of the eighth but Soto whiffed. Kendrick flied out to center and Cabrera flied out to right to end the inning. Kyle Finnigan came in for the bottom of the eighth and Devers grounded out to short to start. Martinez flied out to center but Bogaerts beat out an infield single to second. Moreland whiffed to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in to close out the top of the ninth and Eaton grounded out to short to start. Suzuki walked to bring the tying run to the plate and none other than old friend Brock "The Hitman" Holt (who was released by Milwaukee and signed today by Washington) came in to pinch hit for Harrison. Holt whiffed and Thames grounded out to second to end the game. The Sox bullpen got 20 of the final 27 outs to hold down the 5-3 win.
A rare win for the Sox
Hero of the Night is Xander Bogaerts. He was 3 for 4 with the big 3 run home run that set the tone for the game.
Xander Hero
The Good:
Alex Verdugo was 2 for 4 with a stolen base and a run scored.
Kevin Pillar was 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 total runs scored.
Michael Chavis was 1 for 3.
Darwinzon Hernandez retired 2 of the 3 men he faced.
Phillips Valdez tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Austin Brice tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Josh Osich got the first two outs of the seventh inning.
Ryan Brasier got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Matt Barnes earned his third save with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with an error and a strikeout.
Mitch Moreland was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Christian Vazquez was 0 for 3.
Chris Mazza lasted just 2 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs as the starter.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.
Final Thoughts:
So THAT'S how a bullpen is supposed to look. After Mazza was ran out of there, the bullpen recorded 20 outs without giving up a run. Games like these are few and far between which is why the Sox may easily lose 30 or more games this year. Still, for one day anyway the Sox bullpen did well. Pillar and Bogaerts pitched in big time and the team needed it with Nathan Eovaldi out. For those scoring at home the Sox are now down 4/5 of their original rotation (Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, Colin McHugh and Eovaldi) that they wanted headed into the season. Getting these guys back healthy will be big for next season if there's a massive rebuild in the next few days. Sox president Sam Kennedy says nobody is safe and we'll see what Chaim Bloom cooks up in the next few days. The win improved the Sox to a pathetic 11-22 on the season, good for last place in the AL East. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Nationals tomorrow afternoon when they send Zack Godley (0-3, 7.29 ERA) to the mound against Austin Voth of the Nationals. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.
The bad news was the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their second round NHL playoff series but the good news is the Boston Red Sox defeated the world champion Washington Nationals. Four days out of five, the Red Sox bullpen is completely useless. This just happened to be the fifth day. Chris Mazza was called up to replace the injured Nathan Eovaldi and got his ass handed to him as usual. The Nationals lit up Chris for 3 runs in 2 1/3 innings before Sox manager Ron Roenicke called upon his bullpen to get the final 20 outs in a close game. Somehow they managed to get it done. Despite having baserunners on all night, the Sox bullpen managed to shut the Nationals down the rest of the way. The Sox got big home runs by Xander Bogaerts and Kevin Pillar to pace the offense as the Sox beat the champs 5-3 at Fenway Park.
Mazza got the ball in the top of the first inning and Trea Turner greeted him with a ground rule double to right to start. Juan Soto flied out to center to move Turner to third and Howie Kendrick walked, but Asdrubal Cabrera whiffed. Adam Eaton grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Nationals starter and old Sox prospect Anibal Sanchez in the bottom of the first. Alex Verdugo greeted Sanchez with a base hit to left but Rafael Devers popped up to third. JD Martinez doubled to center and Xander Bogaerts smashed his 7th homer of the season to put the Sox up big early. Mitch Moreland grounded out to third and Christian Vazquez grounded out to second to end the inning but the Sox were up 3-0.
Kurt Suzuki whiffed to begin the top of the second before Luis Garcia grounded out to second. Eric Thames dumped a base hit to center but Victor Robles grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the second as Kevin Pillar motored around for a triple into the triangle to start. Jackie Bradley Jr grounded out but Pillar scored to increase the lead. Michael Chavis singled to center but Verdugo banged into a double play to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-0.
Suddenly Mazza fell apart in the top of the third inning. Turner doubled to left to begin and Soto hit a comebacker to Mazza....who threw the ball away allowing Turner to score and Soto to reach second. Kendrick singled home Soto to cut the lead. Cabrera walked and Eaton singled home Kendrick to bring the tying run to second, but Suzuki swung at air for the second out. Sox manager Ron Roenicke had seen enough and pull Mazza before the Nationals tied the game or worse. Mazza threw 70 pitches and only managed to record 7 outs. Darwinzon Hernandez came in and blew away Garcia, but Thames walked to load the bases. Robles whiffed to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 4-3.
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the third as Devers flied out to left to start. Martinez whiffed and Bogaerts grounded out to first to end the inning.
Phillips Valdez came in for the top of the fourth inning and Turner singled to left to start. Valdez blew away Soto and Kendrick but Cabrera walked. Eaton took strike three to end the inning. The Sox added a big insurance run in the bottom of the fourth although Moreland grounded out to first to start. Vazquez grounded out to third but Pillar cracked his fourth home run of the season to increase the lead. JBJ flied out to left to end the inning but the Sox were up 5-3.
The Sox got a big assist from Verdugo in the top of the fifth as Suzuki singled to right to begin. Garcia grounded back to the mound to move Suzuki to second and Thames walked. Robles hit one up the elevator shaft and Sox manager Ron Roenicke felt Valdez had done enough. Austin Brice came in and Turner got a base hit to left. Suzuki tried to score and Verdugo gunned him down at home to end the inning. That was Verdugo's 7th assist of the season, more than some MLB teams have total.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Chavis struck out swinging to start. Verdugo singled to left and stole second on the Devers strikeout. Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Soto hit a routine grounder to third to start the top of the sixth and Devers threw his glove at the ball and barked at it for an error. Kendrick flied out to right but Cabrera walked. Eaton banged into a double play to end the inning. Bogaerts doubled to left to start the bottom of the sixth and that was it for Sanchez. Wander Suero came in and Moreland popped up to third. Vazquez flied out to center but Bogaerts swiped third. Pillar lined out to right to end the inning.
Josh Osich came in for the top of the seventh and Suzuki greeted him with a base hit to left. Josh Harrison pinch hit for Garcia and went down hacking. Thames forced Suzuki at second and Roenicke wanted Ryan Brasier to pitch to Robles. The move worked as Robles grounded into a force to end the inning. Will Harris came in for the bottom of the seventh and JBJ grounded out to third to start. Chavis whiffed again and Verdugo also went down swinging to end the inning.
Turner got his fifth hit of the day with a single to center to start the top of the eighth but Soto whiffed. Kendrick flied out to center and Cabrera flied out to right to end the inning. Kyle Finnigan came in for the bottom of the eighth and Devers grounded out to short to start. Martinez flied out to center but Bogaerts beat out an infield single to second. Moreland whiffed to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in to close out the top of the ninth and Eaton grounded out to short to start. Suzuki walked to bring the tying run to the plate and none other than old friend Brock "The Hitman" Holt (who was released by Milwaukee and signed today by Washington) came in to pinch hit for Harrison. Holt whiffed and Thames grounded out to second to end the game. The Sox bullpen got 20 of the final 27 outs to hold down the 5-3 win.
Hero of the Night is Xander Bogaerts. He was 3 for 4 with the big 3 run home run that set the tone for the game.
The Good:
Alex Verdugo was 2 for 4 with a stolen base and a run scored.
Kevin Pillar was 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 total runs scored.
Michael Chavis was 1 for 3.
Darwinzon Hernandez retired 2 of the 3 men he faced.
Phillips Valdez tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Austin Brice tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Josh Osich got the first two outs of the seventh inning.
Ryan Brasier got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Matt Barnes earned his third save with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with an error and a strikeout.
Mitch Moreland was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Christian Vazquez was 0 for 3.
Chris Mazza lasted just 2 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs as the starter.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.
Final Thoughts:
So THAT'S how a bullpen is supposed to look. After Mazza was ran out of there, the bullpen recorded 20 outs without giving up a run. Games like these are few and far between which is why the Sox may easily lose 30 or more games this year. Still, for one day anyway the Sox bullpen did well. Pillar and Bogaerts pitched in big time and the team needed it with Nathan Eovaldi out. For those scoring at home the Sox are now down 4/5 of their original rotation (Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, Colin McHugh and Eovaldi) that they wanted headed into the season. Getting these guys back healthy will be big for next season if there's a massive rebuild in the next few days. Sox president Sam Kennedy says nobody is safe and we'll see what Chaim Bloom cooks up in the next few days. The win improved the Sox to a pathetic 11-22 on the season, good for last place in the AL East. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Nationals tomorrow afternoon when they send Zack Godley (0-3, 7.29 ERA) to the mound against Austin Voth of the Nationals. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.
Friday, August 28, 2020
Nationals Pound Perez, Sox (8/28/20)
Martin Perez (2-4, 4.58 ERA) has been the most consistent starter to this point for the Boston Red Sox this season. Even more so than "ace" Nathan Eovaldi, Perez has been solid apart from his first start. So naturally the defending WS champion Washington Nationals effortlessly pounded him and the Sox into submission in tonight's game. The Nationals pounced on Perez for 5 runs in the top of the third and naturally once the Sox were behind, they turtled against Nationals ace Max Scherzer. The Nationals added another 5 runs against the Sox miserable bullpen and cruised to an easy 10-1 victory over the lifeless Sox 10-2 at Fenway Park.
Perez initially cruised in the top of the first inning as Trea Turner grounded out to short to start. Juan Soto grounded out to short as well and Howie Kendrick took strike three to end the inning. Scherzer dominated the bottom of the first as Alex Verdugo whiffed to start. Rafael Devers took strike three and JD Martinez flied out to center to end the inning.
Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to second to start the top of the second before Kurt Suzuki flied out to right. Adam Eaton grounded out to second to end the inning. Xander Bogaerts singled to left to start the bottom of the second before Mitch Moreland got a base hit to right. Bogaerts moved to third on the Christian Vazquez fly out to right but Moreland was doubled off first on a bullet to Scherzer by Kevin Pillar to end the inning.
The floodgates opened in the top of the third as Josh Harrison singled to center to start. Harrison was forced at second by Michael A Taylor and Victor Robles doubled to left. Turner doubled to left to score both runners and Soto crushed a 56,000 foot home run to ice the game just like that. Kendrick put the exclamation point with a home run to Neptune to increase the lead. Cabrera grounded out to short but Suzuki doubled to left. Eaton lined out to left to end the inning but the Nationals iced it 5-0.
Soto ices it
The Sox did manage to fight back a little in the bottom of the third although Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed to start. Jose Peraza went down swinging but Verdugo singled to center and Devers doubled him home to put Boston on the board. Martinez whiffed to end the inning but the Sox were down 5-1.
Verdugo scores
The Nationals were so offended by the Sox scoring a run, they took advantage of a blunder to score another run in the top of the fourth. Harrison lined out to center and Taylor grounded out to third but Robles singled to left and Turner singled him to third. The Nats caught the Sox in a double steal where Turner was out at second but Robles scored to increase the lead before the tag to end the inning with the Nats up 6-1. That was it for Perez who got hammered for 6 runs in just 4 innings, on par with the rest of the bums this year.
"I sucked tonight" - Perez
Bogaerts whiffed to begin the bottom of the fourth before Moreland also went down hacking. Vazquez singled to center and a wild pitch moved him to second, but Pillar swung at air to end the inning.
Robert Stock took over for the top of the fifth and Soto grounded out to short to start. Kendrick singled to center but Cabrera banged into a double play to end the inning. JBJ grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fifth but Peraza singled over the head of Harrison and took second on a wild pitch. Verdugo lined out to left and Devers whiffed to end the inning.
The Nats threatened in the top of the sixth as Suzuki singled to left to begin. Eaton walked but Harrison banged into a double play. Taylor grounded out to short to end the inning....but wait! Nationals Manager Dave Martinez challenged the play and Taylor was ruled safe, scoring Suzuki. Robles grounded into a force to end the inning with the Nats ahead 7-1.
Scherzer earned his tenth strikeout of the game when Martinez whiffed to begin the bottom of the sixth. Bogaerts took strike three and Moreland flied out to right to end the inning.
Why can't the Sox get guys like this?
Jeffrey Springs took over for the top of the seventh and cruised. Turner popped up to second, Soto flied out to right and Kendrick whiffed to end the inning. Dave Martinez felt the game was well in hand and brought in Kyle Finnegan to pitch the bottom of the seventh. Vazquez lined out to right, Pillar popped up to second and JBJ whiffed to end the inning.
Springs got beat up in the top of the eighth as Cabrera singled to short to start. Suzuki flied out to center and Cabrera was forced at second by Eaton. Harrison then blasted a home run all the way to the Azores to increase the lead. Taylor was plunked, Robles singled to center and Turner doubled to right to score Taylor to wrap up the scoring. Soto grounded out to second to end the inning but the Nationals now led 10-1.
"Hey I found a dime!" - Pillar
Ben Braymer took over on the mound with Eric Thames taking over for Kendrick and Wilmer Difo taking over for Turner for the bottom of the eighth. Peraza led off with a double to left but Verdugo lined out to center, Devers flied out to center and Martinez popped up to second to end the inning.
Josh Taylor took over on the mound with Tzu-Wei Lin in for Bogaerts and Kevin Plawecki in for Moreland to begin the top of the ninth. Thames doubled to center but Cabrera flied out to right. Suzuki walked but Eaton forced Suzuki at second. Harrison grounded into a force to end the inning. At least the Sox made it interesting briefly in the bottom of the ninth with Luis Garcia in for Cabrera. Lin walked to start and Plawecki singled to left, but Vazquez whiffed. Pillar singled home Lin and JBJ singled to center to load the bases. Ryne Harper came in to pitch and Peraza lined out to left. Verdugo popped up to short to end the game. The Nationals had creamed the Sox 10-2.
Nats win
Jackass of the Night is Martin Perez. The offense wasn't going to do much with Scherzer but at least Perez could have gone long or not allow 6 runs.
Jackass Perez
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3.
Tzu-Wei Lin walked and scored in his only at-bat.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3.
Kevin Plawecki singled in his only at bat.
Jose Peraza was 2 for 4.
Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
JD Martinez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Jeffrey Springs allowed 3 runs in 2 innings of work.
The Ugly:
Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but drove in a run.
Christian Vazquez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Kevin Pillar was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Robert Stock allowed a run in 2 innings of work.
Final Thoughts:
Ho-hum yet another boring, lifeless loss in a season full of them. Its bad enough the offense got shut down by Scherzer but for Perez to get lit up was even more disheartening considering Perez has been consistent for most of the season. The good news for the Sox is there's only 28 games left in the season and the Luxury Tax resets on Monday. Not that it does this year's team any good, but here's what you're looking at going forward. Barring anymore trades, your rotation next year looks like Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez and Nick Pivetta. The Sox refusal to bring up Jay Groome or Tanner Houk means they retain valuable service time and will certainly get a look next year to see if they got anything. Connor Seabold will get a chance to prove himself as well. Offensively the Sox core of Verdugo, Devers and Bogaerts are gonna need some help. Who knows if Andrew Benintendi will be right again and JD Martinez may opt out. In terms of the bullpen, apart from Darwinzon Hernandez, anyone can be replaced. Hernandez as a hard throwing lefty is very valuable but everyone else is too inconsistent to be slated as "must stay" Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes may come back, they may not. They may be good, they may not. Still, the point of the Sox going cheap next year is to spend wisely next year. Bloom can prove himself to be a good GM if he spends money on the right starter or the right bullpen arm. But that's all this coming off-season and theoretical. For all I know the Sox could trade Bogaerts before the deadline and piss everyone off. As for this game? The hell with it. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox lose to the Nationals again when Austin Voth shuts them down while someone Sox manager Ron Roenicke pulls out of a hat gets hammered for Boston. The carnage begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.
Perez initially cruised in the top of the first inning as Trea Turner grounded out to short to start. Juan Soto grounded out to short as well and Howie Kendrick took strike three to end the inning. Scherzer dominated the bottom of the first as Alex Verdugo whiffed to start. Rafael Devers took strike three and JD Martinez flied out to center to end the inning.
Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to second to start the top of the second before Kurt Suzuki flied out to right. Adam Eaton grounded out to second to end the inning. Xander Bogaerts singled to left to start the bottom of the second before Mitch Moreland got a base hit to right. Bogaerts moved to third on the Christian Vazquez fly out to right but Moreland was doubled off first on a bullet to Scherzer by Kevin Pillar to end the inning.
The floodgates opened in the top of the third as Josh Harrison singled to center to start. Harrison was forced at second by Michael A Taylor and Victor Robles doubled to left. Turner doubled to left to score both runners and Soto crushed a 56,000 foot home run to ice the game just like that. Kendrick put the exclamation point with a home run to Neptune to increase the lead. Cabrera grounded out to short but Suzuki doubled to left. Eaton lined out to left to end the inning but the Nationals iced it 5-0.
The Sox did manage to fight back a little in the bottom of the third although Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed to start. Jose Peraza went down swinging but Verdugo singled to center and Devers doubled him home to put Boston on the board. Martinez whiffed to end the inning but the Sox were down 5-1.
The Nationals were so offended by the Sox scoring a run, they took advantage of a blunder to score another run in the top of the fourth. Harrison lined out to center and Taylor grounded out to third but Robles singled to left and Turner singled him to third. The Nats caught the Sox in a double steal where Turner was out at second but Robles scored to increase the lead before the tag to end the inning with the Nats up 6-1. That was it for Perez who got hammered for 6 runs in just 4 innings, on par with the rest of the bums this year.
Bogaerts whiffed to begin the bottom of the fourth before Moreland also went down hacking. Vazquez singled to center and a wild pitch moved him to second, but Pillar swung at air to end the inning.
Robert Stock took over for the top of the fifth and Soto grounded out to short to start. Kendrick singled to center but Cabrera banged into a double play to end the inning. JBJ grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fifth but Peraza singled over the head of Harrison and took second on a wild pitch. Verdugo lined out to left and Devers whiffed to end the inning.
The Nats threatened in the top of the sixth as Suzuki singled to left to begin. Eaton walked but Harrison banged into a double play. Taylor grounded out to short to end the inning....but wait! Nationals Manager Dave Martinez challenged the play and Taylor was ruled safe, scoring Suzuki. Robles grounded into a force to end the inning with the Nats ahead 7-1.
Scherzer earned his tenth strikeout of the game when Martinez whiffed to begin the bottom of the sixth. Bogaerts took strike three and Moreland flied out to right to end the inning.
Jeffrey Springs took over for the top of the seventh and cruised. Turner popped up to second, Soto flied out to right and Kendrick whiffed to end the inning. Dave Martinez felt the game was well in hand and brought in Kyle Finnegan to pitch the bottom of the seventh. Vazquez lined out to right, Pillar popped up to second and JBJ whiffed to end the inning.
Springs got beat up in the top of the eighth as Cabrera singled to short to start. Suzuki flied out to center and Cabrera was forced at second by Eaton. Harrison then blasted a home run all the way to the Azores to increase the lead. Taylor was plunked, Robles singled to center and Turner doubled to right to score Taylor to wrap up the scoring. Soto grounded out to second to end the inning but the Nationals now led 10-1.
Ben Braymer took over on the mound with Eric Thames taking over for Kendrick and Wilmer Difo taking over for Turner for the bottom of the eighth. Peraza led off with a double to left but Verdugo lined out to center, Devers flied out to center and Martinez popped up to second to end the inning.
Josh Taylor took over on the mound with Tzu-Wei Lin in for Bogaerts and Kevin Plawecki in for Moreland to begin the top of the ninth. Thames doubled to center but Cabrera flied out to right. Suzuki walked but Eaton forced Suzuki at second. Harrison grounded into a force to end the inning. At least the Sox made it interesting briefly in the bottom of the ninth with Luis Garcia in for Cabrera. Lin walked to start and Plawecki singled to left, but Vazquez whiffed. Pillar singled home Lin and JBJ singled to center to load the bases. Ryne Harper came in to pitch and Peraza lined out to left. Verdugo popped up to short to end the game. The Nationals had creamed the Sox 10-2.
Jackass of the Night is Martin Perez. The offense wasn't going to do much with Scherzer but at least Perez could have gone long or not allow 6 runs.
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3.
Tzu-Wei Lin walked and scored in his only at-bat.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3.
Kevin Plawecki singled in his only at bat.
Jose Peraza was 2 for 4.
Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
JD Martinez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Jeffrey Springs allowed 3 runs in 2 innings of work.
The Ugly:
Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but drove in a run.
Christian Vazquez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Kevin Pillar was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Robert Stock allowed a run in 2 innings of work.
Final Thoughts:
Ho-hum yet another boring, lifeless loss in a season full of them. Its bad enough the offense got shut down by Scherzer but for Perez to get lit up was even more disheartening considering Perez has been consistent for most of the season. The good news for the Sox is there's only 28 games left in the season and the Luxury Tax resets on Monday. Not that it does this year's team any good, but here's what you're looking at going forward. Barring anymore trades, your rotation next year looks like Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez and Nick Pivetta. The Sox refusal to bring up Jay Groome or Tanner Houk means they retain valuable service time and will certainly get a look next year to see if they got anything. Connor Seabold will get a chance to prove himself as well. Offensively the Sox core of Verdugo, Devers and Bogaerts are gonna need some help. Who knows if Andrew Benintendi will be right again and JD Martinez may opt out. In terms of the bullpen, apart from Darwinzon Hernandez, anyone can be replaced. Hernandez as a hard throwing lefty is very valuable but everyone else is too inconsistent to be slated as "must stay" Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes may come back, they may not. They may be good, they may not. Still, the point of the Sox going cheap next year is to spend wisely next year. Bloom can prove himself to be a good GM if he spends money on the right starter or the right bullpen arm. But that's all this coming off-season and theoretical. For all I know the Sox could trade Bogaerts before the deadline and piss everyone off. As for this game? The hell with it. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox lose to the Nationals again when Austin Voth shuts them down while someone Sox manager Ron Roenicke pulls out of a hat gets hammered for Boston. The carnage begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Game Postponed (8/27/20)
Get ready for a new one folks. Tonight's game between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays has been postponed due to ongoing protests toward racial injustice. The game may be rescheduled for Labor Day Monday or it could be cancelled completely given how horrid the Sox are. Who knows?
On This Day in Basebawful History:
2019: Red Sox Defeat Rockies
2017: Orioles Sweep Sox
2016: Sox Blow Away Royals
2010: Lester Outduels Price, Sox Beat Rays
Tomorrow night the Sox are supposed to be back action against the defending World Champion Washington Nationals. Their ace Max Scherzer goes for the Nats against....Chris Mazza (0-1, 6.35 ERA) at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park
On This Day in Basebawful History:
2019: Red Sox Defeat Rockies
2017: Orioles Sweep Sox
2016: Sox Blow Away Royals
2010: Lester Outduels Price, Sox Beat Rays
Tomorrow night the Sox are supposed to be back action against the defending World Champion Washington Nationals. Their ace Max Scherzer goes for the Nats against....Chris Mazza (0-1, 6.35 ERA) at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Jays Bash Sox in Buffalo (8/26/20)
It was a bad day for Boston sports. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their second round NHL playoff series and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox. The feel good story of last night's win lasted less than 24 hours as the Blue Jays went to down on the Red Sox. Who else but Rowdy "Roddy" Tellez continued his dominance over Red Sox pitching with 2 home runs. The Jays pounded out 11 hits and 9 runs against the incompetent Sox pitching. On the other side of the ball, the lifeless Sox offense could only muster 3 hits and a single run against Julian Merryweather and a host of Blue Jays relievers. It all added up to an embarrassing 9-1 loss at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY.
Will this season ever end?
Merryweather cruised in the top of the first inning as Alex Verdugo went down hacking to start. Rafael Devers whiffed and JD Martinez flied out to right to end the inning. Sox manager Ron Roenicke pulled Colten Brewer's name out of a hat to start the game and the Jays immediately took the lead. Cavan Biggio grounded out to first but Randal Grichuk hit a home run all the way to Ontario to put the Jays up for good two batters into the game. Travis Shaw whiffed but Teoscar Hernandez singled to center. Vladimir Guerrero Jr was called out on strikes to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.
Jays up early
The Sox did nothing in the top of the second as Xander Bogaerts flied out to right to start. Mitch Moreland whiffed but Christian Vazquez doubled to left. Kevin Pillar grounded out to second to end the inning. The Jays iced the game in the bottom of the second as Rowdy "Roddy" Tellez pulverized a home run all the way to Quebec to increase the lead. Lourdes Gurriel Jr walked and stole second, but Reese McGuire grounded out to short. Gurriel Jr moved to third on the Santiago Espinal liner to center and Biggio took strike three to end the inning with the Jays up 2-0.
Sox can't get him out
Shaun Yamaguchi came in for the top of the third and Jackie Bradley Jr singled to second to start. Michael Chavis walked but Verdugo banged into a double play. Devers grounded out to short to end the inning. Brewer somehow struck out Grichuk swinging to start the bottom of the third and Shaw grounded out to short. Hernandez grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Sox got a run back in the top of the fourth inning although Martinez lined out to center to start. Bogaerts flied out to right but Moreland cracked his eighth home run of the year to cut the lead. Vazquez grounded out to third to end the inning but the Sox were down 2-1.
Moreland hits his 8th home run
The Jays were personally offended the Sox had the audacity to score so they iced the game in the bottom of the fourth. Guerrero Jr doubled to left and who else but Tellez smashed a home run all the way to Edmonton to increase the lead. Gurriel Jr grounded out to third and McGuire grounded out ton second, but Espinal walked to chase Brewer. Once again the "opener" got lit up for 4 runs in just 3 2/3 innings. Ryan Weber came in and Biggio grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox down 4-1.
"I've had it up to HERE with you!" - RR
The Sox rolled over in the top of the fifth as Pillar grounded out to second to start. JBJ grounded out to third and Chavis whiffed to end the inning. Weber cruised in the bottom of the fifth as Grichuk flied out to right to start. Shaw lined out to third and Hernandez whiffed to end the inning.
Verdugo grounded out to first to begin the top of the sixth and Devers flied out weakly to center. Martinez walked but Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning. Guerrero Jr grounded out to short to start the bottom of the sixth and Tellez grounded out to first. Gurriel Jr walked but McGuire grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Rafael Dolls came in for the top of the seventh and Moreland took strike three to start. Vazquez walked but Pillar flied out to right. JBJ grounded into a force to end the inning. The Jays poured it on in the bottom of the seventh as Espinal singled to center to start. Biggio singled to right and Grichuk scored Espinal with a base hit to right. Shaw lined out to center and that was it for Weber. Austin Brice came in and uncorked a wild pitch before walking Hernandez to load the bases. Guerrero Jr cleared the bases with a double to add to the misery. Naturally Tellez singled home Guerrero Jr to wrap up the scoring. Gurriel Jr banged into a double play to end the inning but the Jays were up 9-1.
Who can stop Tellez?
Anthony Bass came in for the top of the eighth and Chavis grounded out to third to start. Verdugo grounded out to second and Devers took strike three to end the inning. The Sox hadn't had a hit since the Moreland homer in the fourth inning. Josh Osich came in for the bottom of the eighth and McGuire popped up to short to start. Espinal singled to center but Biggio whiffed. Grichuk popped up to short to end the inning.
Sean Reid-Foley had mop up duty in the top of the ninth and Martinez grounded out to second to start. Bogaerts also grounded out to second and Moreland hit one up the elevator shaft to end the game. The Sox had just 3 hits as the Jays pounded them 9-1.
Jays win
Jackass of the Night is Colten Brewer. Once again the "opener" put the Sox in a hole by allowing 4 runs in 3 2/3 innings.
Brewer the Jackass
The Good:
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 2 with a walk.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3.
Josh Osich pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
The Bad:
Alex Verdugo was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Kevin Pillar was 0 for 3.
Ryan Weber allowed 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Austin Brice allowed 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was 0 for 3 but walked.
Mitch Moreland was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a home run.
Michael Chavis was 0 for 2 but walked.
Final Thoughts:
Another loss in a season full of misery. Its bad enough the Sox pitching sucks but the offense only had 3 hits and a run against THIS team? These games are virtually unwatchable because once the Sox fall into a hole, they're done. Just when you think a comeback is in order, the bums in the bullpen come in and give up runs like the batters know what pitch is coming. The season is just getting worse with each passing day and everyone from the front office to the fans can't wait for it to end. The good news is 5 days until the Luxury Tax resets so Sox general manager Chaim Bloom has his work cut out for him this coming winter. As for this game? Throw the film of it in the trash and set it on fire. The loss dropped the Sox to an awful 10-21 on the season, good for last place in the AL East. Tomorrow night the Sox lose to the Blue Jays again when they send Chris Mazza (0-1, 6.35 ERA) to the mound against Hyun-Jin Ryu at 6:30 PM at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY.
Merryweather cruised in the top of the first inning as Alex Verdugo went down hacking to start. Rafael Devers whiffed and JD Martinez flied out to right to end the inning. Sox manager Ron Roenicke pulled Colten Brewer's name out of a hat to start the game and the Jays immediately took the lead. Cavan Biggio grounded out to first but Randal Grichuk hit a home run all the way to Ontario to put the Jays up for good two batters into the game. Travis Shaw whiffed but Teoscar Hernandez singled to center. Vladimir Guerrero Jr was called out on strikes to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.
The Sox did nothing in the top of the second as Xander Bogaerts flied out to right to start. Mitch Moreland whiffed but Christian Vazquez doubled to left. Kevin Pillar grounded out to second to end the inning. The Jays iced the game in the bottom of the second as Rowdy "Roddy" Tellez pulverized a home run all the way to Quebec to increase the lead. Lourdes Gurriel Jr walked and stole second, but Reese McGuire grounded out to short. Gurriel Jr moved to third on the Santiago Espinal liner to center and Biggio took strike three to end the inning with the Jays up 2-0.
Shaun Yamaguchi came in for the top of the third and Jackie Bradley Jr singled to second to start. Michael Chavis walked but Verdugo banged into a double play. Devers grounded out to short to end the inning. Brewer somehow struck out Grichuk swinging to start the bottom of the third and Shaw grounded out to short. Hernandez grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Sox got a run back in the top of the fourth inning although Martinez lined out to center to start. Bogaerts flied out to right but Moreland cracked his eighth home run of the year to cut the lead. Vazquez grounded out to third to end the inning but the Sox were down 2-1.
The Jays were personally offended the Sox had the audacity to score so they iced the game in the bottom of the fourth. Guerrero Jr doubled to left and who else but Tellez smashed a home run all the way to Edmonton to increase the lead. Gurriel Jr grounded out to third and McGuire grounded out ton second, but Espinal walked to chase Brewer. Once again the "opener" got lit up for 4 runs in just 3 2/3 innings. Ryan Weber came in and Biggio grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox down 4-1.
The Sox rolled over in the top of the fifth as Pillar grounded out to second to start. JBJ grounded out to third and Chavis whiffed to end the inning. Weber cruised in the bottom of the fifth as Grichuk flied out to right to start. Shaw lined out to third and Hernandez whiffed to end the inning.
Verdugo grounded out to first to begin the top of the sixth and Devers flied out weakly to center. Martinez walked but Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning. Guerrero Jr grounded out to short to start the bottom of the sixth and Tellez grounded out to first. Gurriel Jr walked but McGuire grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Rafael Dolls came in for the top of the seventh and Moreland took strike three to start. Vazquez walked but Pillar flied out to right. JBJ grounded into a force to end the inning. The Jays poured it on in the bottom of the seventh as Espinal singled to center to start. Biggio singled to right and Grichuk scored Espinal with a base hit to right. Shaw lined out to center and that was it for Weber. Austin Brice came in and uncorked a wild pitch before walking Hernandez to load the bases. Guerrero Jr cleared the bases with a double to add to the misery. Naturally Tellez singled home Guerrero Jr to wrap up the scoring. Gurriel Jr banged into a double play to end the inning but the Jays were up 9-1.
Anthony Bass came in for the top of the eighth and Chavis grounded out to third to start. Verdugo grounded out to second and Devers took strike three to end the inning. The Sox hadn't had a hit since the Moreland homer in the fourth inning. Josh Osich came in for the bottom of the eighth and McGuire popped up to short to start. Espinal singled to center but Biggio whiffed. Grichuk popped up to short to end the inning.
Sean Reid-Foley had mop up duty in the top of the ninth and Martinez grounded out to second to start. Bogaerts also grounded out to second and Moreland hit one up the elevator shaft to end the game. The Sox had just 3 hits as the Jays pounded them 9-1.
Jackass of the Night is Colten Brewer. Once again the "opener" put the Sox in a hole by allowing 4 runs in 3 2/3 innings.
The Good:
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 2 with a walk.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3.
Josh Osich pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
The Bad:
Alex Verdugo was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Kevin Pillar was 0 for 3.
Ryan Weber allowed 3 runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Austin Brice allowed 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was 0 for 3 but walked.
Mitch Moreland was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a home run.
Michael Chavis was 0 for 2 but walked.
Final Thoughts:
Another loss in a season full of misery. Its bad enough the Sox pitching sucks but the offense only had 3 hits and a run against THIS team? These games are virtually unwatchable because once the Sox fall into a hole, they're done. Just when you think a comeback is in order, the bums in the bullpen come in and give up runs like the batters know what pitch is coming. The season is just getting worse with each passing day and everyone from the front office to the fans can't wait for it to end. The good news is 5 days until the Luxury Tax resets so Sox general manager Chaim Bloom has his work cut out for him this coming winter. As for this game? Throw the film of it in the trash and set it on fire. The loss dropped the Sox to an awful 10-21 on the season, good for last place in the AL East. Tomorrow night the Sox lose to the Blue Jays again when they send Chris Mazza (0-1, 6.35 ERA) to the mound against Hyun-Jin Ryu at 6:30 PM at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY.