Sox Hold Off O's (4/25/23)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made an unfortunate roster move. Yu Chang was placed on the Injured List with a hamate fracture of his left wrist and Enmanuel Valdez was called up from Worcester to take his place. Chang has been given a 6 week timetable to return so at least his season isn't over. Its just one injury after another for the Sox it seems. It'll be interesting to see if Valdez can show the promise he showed in 2022.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                        IN

The bad news was the Boston Celtics lost Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series to the Atlanta Hawks but the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles. Corey Kluber (1-4, 6.75 ERA) pitched his best game of the season, holding the O's to just 5 hits and a run in six solid innings. Offensively the Sox pounded O's starter Kyle Brandish for three runs in the top of the second and Jarren Duran hit a grand slam in the top of the third.  The Sox got another run in the top of the eighth and ended up needing it as Kaleb Ort gave up two home runs and a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth. Kenley Jansen had to come in for the save but slammed the door on the 8-6 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards.

                                                             Otto Anderson approves of the win

Bradish got the ball in the top of the first inning and Alex Verdugo struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers and Justin Turner drew back to back walks but Masa Yoshida grounded into a double play to end the inning. Kluber got the ball in the bottom of the first and Cedric Mullins flied out to right to start. Adley Rutschman grounded out to first and Anthony Santander flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox struck first with a rally in the top of the second as Kike Hernandez grounded out to short to start. Triston Casas walked and Jarren Duran doubled him to third. Christian Arroyo got a base hit to right to score Casas and Reese McGuire got a single to left to score Duran. Verdugo dumped a base hit to right to load the bases and Devers scored Arroyo with a sac fly to center. Turner grounded back to the mound to end the inning but it was 3-0 Sox.

                                                            Verdugo drives in a run

Ryan Mountcastle singled past Kluber to start the bottom of the second but Gunnar Henderson flied out to center. Ramon Urias flied out to left and Adam Frazier also flied out to left to end the inning.

The Sox exploded in the top of the third as Yoshida got a base hit to left to begin. Hernandez got a base hit to left and Casas singled to right to load the bases. Duran then pounded his first career grand slam to put the Sox up big. Arroyo grounded out to third but McGuire walked to chase Bradish from the game. Mike Baumann struck out Verdugo swinging and Devers grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox up 7-0.

                                                                     Grand slam Duran

Kluber cruised in the bottom of the third as Austin Hays flied out to right to start. Jorge Mateo struck out swinging and Mullins took strike three to end the inning.

Terrin Vavra came in for Hays to start the top of the fourth and Turner flied out to right to begin. Yoshida dumped a base hit to right but Hernandez banged into a double play to end the inning. Rutschman singled to right to begin the bottom of the fourth but Santander popped up to third. Mountcastle flied out to right but Henderson singled to right. Urias flied out to center to end the inning.

Casas flied out to center to start the top of the fifth before Duran flied out to center. Arroyo struck out swinging to end the inning. Enmanuel Valdez came in for Arroyo for the bottom of the fifth and Frazier flied out to center to start. Vavra grounded out to first but Mateo hit a home run all the way into the Baltic Sea to cut the lead. Mullins flied out to center to end the inning but the O's were down 7-1.

                                                        Mateo tags Kluber

Austin Voth came in to pitch the top of the sixth and McGuire grounded out to second to start. Verdugo grounded back to the mound and Devers flied out to right to end the inning. Kluber came back for the bottom of the sixth and Rutschman flied out to left to start. Santander struck out swinging but Mountcastle singled to center. Henderson grounded out to second to end the inning with Kluber at 80 pitches. For whatever reason Sox manager Alex Cora felt Kluber had done enough and he was out after pitching 6 innings of 1 run ball. He allowed 5 hits, walked nobody and struck out 3.

                                                      Kluber gets it done

Turner flied out to right to start the top of the seventh before Yoshida grounded out to second. Hernandez took strike three to end the inning. Josh Winckowski came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Urias flied out to right to start. Frazier flied out to center but Vavra singled to left. Mateo flied out to right to end the inning.

The Sox got another run in the top of the eighth as Casas flied out to center to start. Duran got a base hit to center, Valdez singled to right and McGuire grounded out to first to score Duran. Verdugo took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 8-1.

                                                     Sox get another run

Mullins took strike three to start the bottom of the eighth and Rutschman flied out to left. Santander singled to left but Mountcastle forced him at second to end the inning.

Cionel Perez came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Devers grounded out to second to start. Turner flied out to right but Yoshida walked. Hernandez flied out to left to end the inning. Kaleb Ort came in to crap his pants in the bottom of the ninth and Henderson hit a home run all the way to Jupiter to start. Urias singled to left but Frazier flied out to left. Vavra got a base hit to right but Mateo hit a double play ball to Ort. Ort threw to second but Valdez dropped it for an error to load the bases. Mullins then hit a grand slam to Madison Square Garden in New York to cut the lead. Instead of a quiet inning, Kenley Jansen had to come in a close the game out. Rutschman grounded out to short and Santander lined out to right to end the game. The Sox had won it 8-6.

                                                               Sox win

Hero of the Night is Corey Kluber. He pitched his best game of the season allowing just 1 run in 6 strong innings. He allowed just 5 hits and struck out 3.

                                                            Hero Kluber

The Good:

Masa Yoshida was 2 for 4 with a walk and an rbi.

Triston Casas was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Jarren Duran was 3 for 4 with a grand slam and 3 runs scored.

Christian Arroyo was 1 for 3 with an rbi and a run scored.

Reese McGuire was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 rbis.

Josh Winckowski tossed 2 scoreless innings.

Kenley Jansen earned his sixth save with 2/3 of a scoreless inning.

The Bad:

Kaleb Ort allowed 5 runs in the ninth in 1/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 5 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Rafael Devers was 0 for 3 but walked and drove in a run.

Justin Turner was 0 for 4 but walked.

Kike Hernandez was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Enmanuel Valdez was 1 for 1 but committed an another error.

Final Thoughts:

Its a crime against humanity Jansen had to pitch this game but it just goes to show that Kaleb Ort has no business being on this team. He throws 97 but it has no movement and ANY major league hitter can time a fastball. Even Niko Goodrum can hit a home run if you throw it straight down the middle. Otherwise this was a great game, Kluber looked like he had his command for the first time all season and Duran broke out with 3 big hits. Yoshida continues to drive the ball all over the field and Winckowski has become a lock-down late inning pitcher. Valdez can certainly hit the ball, he just can't field it. All in all things are looking up, they just need to stay healthy. They're going to get Trevor Story back eventually and some of their bullpen arms to replace guys like Ort and Ryan Brasier. The rotation is going to work itself out and its good to see Kluber pitching in. All in all it was a good win and hopefully the Sox can build on the momentum going into the rubber game against Baltimore tomorrow. afternoon. Tanner Houck (3-0) gets the start for the Sox against Tyler Wells of the Orioles. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Camden Yards.

Red Sox Maul Twins (4/20/23)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. New daddy Yu Chang returned from the paternity list and Enmanuel Valdez was sent back to Worcester. Valdez looked good at the plate but committed two errors at second base. He'll be back at some point.

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                                                                       IN

As for the game, turnabout is fair play. After the Minnesota Twins beat the daylights out of the Red Sox last night, today it was Boston's turn for revenge. Alex Verdugo set the tone with a first inning home run and Jarren Duran knocked Minnesota starter Kenta Maeda out with a line drive off his ankle. The Sox pounced on the Twins bullpen for ten runs including a big six run rally in the third inning. Yu Chang hit another home run while Tanner Houck (3-0, 4.29 ERA) went 7 strong innings to give the tired bullpen a rest after cleaning up Corey Kluber's mess yesterday. Ryan Brasier struggled in the ninth inning but the Sox still won this one going away 11-5 at Fenway Park.

                                                       Greef Karga approves of the win

Houck got the ball in the top of the first inning and Max Kepler struck out swinging to start. Carlos Correa grounded out to short and Edouard Julien struck out swinging to end the inning. Maeda got the ball in the bottom of the first and Alex Verdugo immediately greeted him with a solo home run to put the Sox on top. Rafael Devers grounded out to first, Justin Turner popped up to second and Masa Yoshida lined out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                               Sox strike first

Trevor Larnach struck out swinging to start the top of the second but Joey Gallo drew a walk. Jose Miranda flied out to center and Nick Gordon flied out to center as well to end the inning. Kike Hernandez flied out to left to start the bottom of the second but Triston Casas drew a walk. Connor Wong flied out to center but Casas took second on a wild pitch. A scary scene occurred when Jarren Duran lined a ball off the ankle of Maeda. Kenta made the play at first to end the inning but he was out of the game, hope he's okay.

                                                               Get well soon Maeda

Christian Vazquez struck out swinging to start the top of the third inning before Will Castro took strike three. Kepler grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox pounded Maeda's replacement, Emillio Pagan, in the bottom of the third. Yu Chang grounded out to third but Verdugo got a seeing eye single past second. Devers smacked a double to left to score Verdugo but Turner popped up to first. Yoshida got a base hit to center to score Devers and Hernandez followed with a single to left. Casas singled in the hole at short to load the bases and Wong lined a base hit to center to score both Yoshida and Hernandez. Duran followed with a double to score Casas and Wong to complete the beat down. Chang struck out swinging to end the inning but it was 7-0 Sox.

                                                             Sox pour it on

Houck got in trouble in the top of the fourth as Correa singled to right to start. Julien forced Correa at second but Larnach singled to center. Gallo struck out swinging and Miranda forced Larnach at second to end the inning. Verdugo grounded out to third to start the bottom of the fourth before Devers flied out to center. Turner got a base hit to left to chase Pagan. Jorge Alcala came in to get Yoshida to ground out to second to end the inning.

The Twins got a run back in the top of the fifth as Gordon grounded out to first to start. Vazquez grounded out to short but Castro hit a ground rule double into the left field stands when a fan touched the ball. Kepler then hit a double down the right field line touched by a fan to score Castro. Correa grounded out to short to end the inning with the Twins down 7-1.

                                                                    Twins get a run

The Sox iced the game in the bottom of the fifth as Hernandez singled to right to start. Casas drew another walk before Hernandez moved to third on the Wong fly out to center. Duran scored Hernandez with a sac fly and Chang belted his second home run of the season to increase the lead. Verdugo struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 10-1.

                                                               Dad strength by Chang

Julien struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth before Larnach lined out to right. Gallo flied out to center to end the inning. Donovan Solano took over for Correa to start the bottom of the sixth and Devers flied out to center to start. Turner grounded out to center and Yoshida lined out to left to end the inning.

Houck returned for one final inning to start the top of the seventh as Miranda singled past him to begin. Gordon lined out to left but Miranda moved to second on a grounder to the mound by Vazquez. Castro then pounded a home run all the way to Santo Domingo to cut the lead. Kepler lined out to center to end the inning. Apart from the home run, Houck was outstanding. He tossed 7 innings of 3 run ball allowing 6 hits and a walk while striking out 7.

                                                                 Houck gets it done

Jovani Moran came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Hernandez got a base hit to center. Casas took strike three but a wild pitch moved Hernandez to second. Wong struck out swinging but Duran drew a walk. Chang grounded out to third to end the inning.

Kaleb Ort came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Solano was plunked to start. Julian took strike three, Larnach struck out swinging and Gallo flied out to left to end the inning. Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Verdugo to start the bottom of the eighth and flied out to right. Christian Arroyo pinch hit for Devers and doubled to left before moving to third on Turner's grounder to short. Yoshida ripped a base hit to left to score Arroyo and for some odd reason, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli decided that Castro should pitch to Hernandez. Kike grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 11-3.

                                                                  Yoshida drives in a run

Ryan Brasier came in to close out the top of the ninth but got tagged. Miranda struck out swinging but Gordon doubled to left. Vazquez got a base hit to right to score Gordon but Castro flied out to right. Kepler got a base hit to left and Solano walked to load the bases. Julien ripped a base hit to center to score Vazquez but Kepler was thrown out at home to end the game. The Sox had won the game 11-5

                                                                Sox win

Hero of The Night is Tanner Houck. He tossed 7 innings of 3 run ball to not only win the game but save the tired bullpen for another day

                                                                Hero Houck

The Good:

Alex Verdugo was 2 for 4 with an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Christian Arroyo was 1 for 1 and scored a run.

Masa Yoshida was 2 for 5 with 2 rbis and a run scored.

Kike Hernandez was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Triston Casas was 1 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.

Jarren Duran was 1 for 2 with a walk and 3 rbis.

Kaleb Ort pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Rob Refsnyder was 0 for 1 at the plate

Ryan Brasier allowed 2 runs in the top of the ninth.

The Ugly:

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run and scored a run.

Justin Turner was just 1 for 5.

Connor Wong was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in 2 runs and scored a run.

Yu Chang was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Final Thoughts:

That's a little more like it. After getting beat up by the Twins last night, it was their turn to return the favor. The best sign was Houck going 7 strong and looking great despite the Castro home run. Apart from Corey Kluber and a rusty Brayan Bello, the Sox have gotten some great pitching lately from Garrett Whitlock, Kutter Crawford Chris Sale and now Houck. The Sox still have some work to do in the bullpen with Ryan Brasier on his last legs but the pitching as a whole is keeping them in the game....for the most part. Offensively the Sox are going to be hit or miss and today was a big hit. If Duran can hit consistently and Yoshida can adjust to hard throwing American pitching, things would be looking up. Jake Faria is a bum but I'd rather see if he's got anything left than to see Brasier give up hits and runs left and right. All in all, it was a good win and the Sox have at least been entertaining in their games this year. The Sox now travel to Milwaukee for a three game set with the Brewers. Nick Pivetta (0-1, 4.50 ERA) gets the start tomorrow night against Freddy Peralta of the Brewers. The game begins at 8:10 PM Eastern time at American Family Field.

Twins Smash Kluber, Sox (4/19/23)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Jake Faria accepted his demotion to Worcester while Yu Chang was placed on Paternity Leave, congrats to Yu. In his place the Sox called up none other than their power hitting prospect Enmanuel Valdez. The 24 year old hit 28 home runs in AA and AAA last year and is expected to play the infield at some point with Christian Arroyo dealing with nagging injuries. The sky is the limit for Valdez, but Jarren Duran last year is what happens if he falters.

                                                                            OUT

                                                                          IN

It was bad news all around as the Boston Bruins lost Game 2 of their first round NHL playoff series to the Florida Panthers and the Boston Red Sox got manhandled by the Minnesota Twins. Corey Kluber (0-4, 8.50 ERA) has shown to be pretty much washed up as he was knocked around again, this time by the Minnesota Twins. The Twins bolted out to a 3-0 lead before the Sox could even bat and a four run rally in the top of the third pretty much ended the game right there. Kluber did manage to gut it out for five innings but Ryan Brasier ended any hope for a comeback by allowed three runs in the top of the sixth. Offensively the only bright spots were rookie Enmanuel Valdez getting 2 hits in his major league debut, Jarren Duran driving in a run and Kike Hernandez coming out of his slump with a home run. That was it for any good news as the Twins decimated the Red Sox 10-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                           Everything stinks

Kluber got demolished in the top of the first inning as Max Kepler walked to start. Carlos Correa flied out to right but Byron Buxton doubled to center. Trevor Larnach grounded out to first to score Kepler to put Minnesota up for good four batters into the game. Edouard Julien then hit a homer all the way to Finland to ice the game early. Jose Miranda lined out to right to end the inning with the Twins up 4-0.

                                                                  That didn't take long

Ryan got the ball in the bottom of the first and Alex Verdugo grounded out to short to start. Raimel Tapia grounded out to second and Justin Turner flied out to center to end the inning.

Joey Gallo got a base hit to right to start the top of the second but Ryan Jeffers struck out swinging. Michael A Taylor grounded out to third to move Gallo to second but Kepler was hit with a pitch. Correa forced Kepler at second to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the second as Rafael Devers grounded out to third to start. Kike Hernandez struck out swinging and Reese McGuire's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Ryan to end the inning.

The Twins pounded Kluber in the top of the third as Buxton flied out to left to start. Larnach walked, Julien was plunked and Miranda got a base hit to center to score Larnach. Gallo then pounded a home run all the way to Brazil to turn the game into a rout. Jeffers grounded back to the mound and Taylor struck out swinging but the Twins led 7-0.

                                                                    Gallo jacks one

The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the third as Triston Casas drew a walk to start. Jarren Duran struck out swinging but Enmanuel Valdez got his first Major League hit with a single to left. Verdugo was plunked to load the bases but all Tapia could do was score Casas with a grounder to short. Not only are the Sox dead last in starter ERA but they're also dead last in hitting with the bases loaded. Turner lined out to short to end the inning with the Sox down 7-1.

                                                          Sox get a run back

Kepler lined out to right to start the top of the fourth before Correa struck out swinging. Buxton grounded out to third to end the inning. Devers grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fourth but Hernandez ripped a base hit to center. McGuire struck out swinging and Casas lined out to center to end the inning.

Kluber did return for the top of the fifth and Larnach grounded out to second to start. Julien ate up Valdez at second but it was ruled a "hit" before Miranda forced Edouard at second. Gallo hit a routine grounder to Valdez who did a backflip onto the ball for another error. Jeffers struck out swinging to end the inning. Kluber sucked again but did manage to go five innings. He allowed 7 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4.

                                                           "I sucked tonight" - Kluber

The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fifth as Duran doubled to center to start. Valdez got a base hit to left to move Duran to third, but all Verdugo did was bang into a double play to score Duran. Tapia grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox down 7-2.

                                                               At least Duran looks good

Ryan Brasier poured gas on the fire in the top of the sixth as Taylor struck out swinging to start. Kepler pounded a ground rule double down the right field line but Correa flied out to right. Buxton walked and Larnach hit a home run all the way to Norway to put the game out of reach. Julien got a base hit to right but Miranda flied out to center to end the inning with the Twins up 10-2.

                                                            Larnach hits a bomb

The Sox did get a run back in the bottom of the sixth although Turner popped up to first to start. Devers grounded out to second but Hernandez clocked his third home run of the season to cut the lead. McGuire doubled to left but Casas grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox down 10-3.

                                                                Hernandez with a big fly

Richard Bleier came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Gallo took strike three to start. Jeffers lined out to center and Taylor grounded out to second to end the inning. Brent Headrick came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Duran popped up to third to start. Valdez struck out swinging and Verdugo popped up to second to end the inning.

Kepler flied out to center to start the top of the eighth before Correa grounded out to third. Buxton grounded out to third to end the inning. Tapia grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the eighth before Turner struck out swinging. Devers also went down hacking to end the inning.

Kaleb Ort came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Nick Gordon pinch hit for Larnach, flying out to center. Julien flied out to center as well but Miranda drew a walk. Gallo flied out to right to end the inning. Willi Castro came in to play short in the bottom of the ninth and Hernandez walked to start. McGuire got a base hit to right and Casas walked to load the bases. All Duran could do was hit a sac fly to center then Valdez lined out to third. Verdugo flied out to center to end the game. The Twins had won it 10-4.

                                                                 Twins win

Jackass of the Night is Corey Kluber. He got hammered by allowing 7 runs in just 5 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 walks including two big home runs.

                                                             Jackass Kluber

The Good:

Kike Hernandez was 2 for 3 with a walk, a home run and 2 total runs scored.

Reese McGuire was 2 for 4.

Triston Casas walked twice in four at bats and scored a run.

Jarren Duran was 1 for 3 with an rbi and a run scored.

Enmanuel Valdez was 2 for 4.

Richard Bleier pitched two scoreless innings.

Kaleb Ort pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Alex Verdugo was 0 for 4.

Justin Turner was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Ryan Brasier allowed 3 runs in the sixth inning.

The Ugly:

Raimel Tapia was 0 for 4 but drove in a run.

Final Thoughts:

You know what the worst part about Kluber is? He and James Paxton cost the Sox 20 million dollars combined the last two years. If Brayan Bello starts pitching better, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Garrett Whitlock continue to pitch well and Chris Sale is back to normal....they really don't need Kluber, Paxton or Nick Pivetta. Talk about a waste of money. The offense was taken out of the game early but there were definitely some positives, mainly Duran, Valdez, McGuire and Hernandez. Those four need to show that they can play and they definitely did tonight despite the score. The good news is the more Brasier and Kluber stink it means the less time they'll have on the team. The Sox have plenty of pitchers in Worcester that can do Brasier's job and Crawford at least has promise, Kluber doesn't. Things are looking up slowly but surely for the Sox compared to the start of the season even if tonight didn't go their way. The less said of this disaster, the better. The Sox look to take the rubber game of this series tomorrow afternoon against the Twins. Tanner Houck (1-0) gets the start for the Sox against Kenta Maeda of the Twins. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.

Whitlock, Turner Drop Angels (4/16/23)

Before the game it was announced Chris Martin was placed on the Injured List with right shoulder inflammation. In his place the Boston Red Sox called up Jake Faria from Worcester. After Zack Kelly was placed on the long term IL, losing Martin hurts with Joely Rodriguez already out. 

                                                                       OUT

                                                                        IN

As for the game, this might have been the best game all year in more ways than one. In a beautiful hour and 57 minutes, Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock (1-1, 4.50 ERA) tossed the best game by any starter all season by going 7 innings while allowing just 1 run on 3 hits. On a day the Red Sox honored the 2013 World Series Champion Red Sox, the Sox didn't do much against Reid Detmers but one Justin Turner two run jack was all the offense Boston needed. Kaleb Ort pulled off a huge pickoff and the unlikely closer Ryan Brasier mowed down the Angels in the ninth. The Sox had won their third game in a row with a 2-1 victory over the Angels at Fenway Park.

                                                    The 2013 Sox approves of the win

The Lock got the ball in the top of the first and Zach Neto grounded out to third to start. Mike Trout struck out swinging and Shohei Ohtani grounded out to short to end the inning. Detmers got the ball in the bottom of the first and Alex Verdugo grounded out to short to start. Justin Turner flied out to right but Rob Refsnyder walked. Rafael Devers popped up to center to end the inning.

The Angels struck first in the top of the second as Anthony Rendon tucked a double down the right field line before moving to third on the grounder to second by Hunter Renfroe. Gio Urshela hit a bullet....right to Devers but Luis Rengifo walked. Brandon Drury got a base hit to right to score Rendon to put the Angels up early. Drury was thrown out trying to steal to end the inning with the Angels up 1-0.

                                                          Angels take the lead

Kike Hernandez tried to start a rally with a base hit to left to start. Masa Yoshida was hit by a pitch but Christian Arroyo banged into a double play. Logan O'Hoppe dropped a pop up behind the plate by Connor Wong only for Connor to strike out swinging anyway to end the inning.

O'Hoppe got a base hit to center to start the top of the third inning but Neto grounded into a double play. Trout popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the third as Yu Chang flied out to left to start. Verdugo ripped a base hit up the middle, stole second and scored on the first home run of the season by Turner. Refsnyder took strike three and Devers flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-1.

                                                           Turner hits one out

Ohtani lined out to a running Verdugo to start the top of the fourth before Rendon grounded out to third. Renfroe struck out swinging to end the inning. Hernandez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth before Yoshida also went down hacking. Arroyo completed the trifecta by striking out swinging to end the inning.

The Lock turned up the intensity in the top of the fifth as Rengifo struck out swinging to start. Urshela also went down hacking and Drury popped up to Wong at the fence to end the inning.

Wong popped up to right to start the bottom of the fifth before Chang went down swinging. Verdugo complained about a strike two call so naturally home plate umpire Carlos Torres rung him up on strike three in the other batter's box to end the inning. Ironically the king of calls like that, Ron Kulpa, was at second base today. 

Whitlock became the first pitcher all season to sniff the sixth inning and naturally he walked O'Hoppe to start. Neto hit into another double play and Trout lined out to right to end the inning. Turner ripped a base hit to left to start the bottom of the sixth before Refsnyder lined a base hit to center. Unfortunately Devers banged into a double play and Hernandez flied out to right to end the inning.

Whitlock came back for the top of the seventh and Ohtani grounded out to second to start. Rendon flied out to right and Renfroe struck out swinging on a slider away to end the inning. The Lock was outstanding, tossing 7 innings of 1 run ball. He allowed just 3 hits, 2 walks and struck out 5.

                                                           Whitlock with a gem

Detmers also returned for the bottom of the seventh and Yoshida grounded out to second to start. Arroyo hit a seeing eye single in the hole at short to chase Detmers from the game. Andrew Wantz came in to pitch and Wong banged into a double play to end the inning.

Kaleb Ort came in to cough up the lead in the top of the eighth as Urshela effortlessly singled to left to start. Taylor Ward pinch hit for Rengifo but popped up to center. Drury walked on four pitches not even close and Brett Phillips ran for him. O'Hoppe flied out to center and Ort suddenly turned around to pick off Phillips to end the inning. Way to go Ort! 

                                                          Good work Ort

Jake Lamb came in to play first for the bottom of the eighth and Chang grounded back to the mound to start. Verdugo got a base hit to right but Turner flied out to right. Refsnyder flied out to the centerfield warning track to end the inning.

With Kenley Jansen unavailable, none other than Ryan Brasier came in to close out the top of the ninth. Neto lined out to center to start before getting Mike Trout swinging on a nasty slider. Ohtani popped up to left to end the game. The Sox had won it 2-1 in just an hour and 57 minutes.

                                                           Sox win

Hero of the Night is Garrett Whitlock. In his best start of his career he tossed 7 innings of 1 run ball while allowing 2 walks and 3 hits.

                                                         The Lock is The Hero

The Good:

Alex Verdugo was 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Justin Turner was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run.

Rob Refsnyder was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Kike Hernandez was 1 for 3.

Christian Arroyo was 1 for 3.

Kaleb Ort pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Ryan Brasier earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Rafael Devers was 0 for 3.

Connor Wong was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Yu Chang was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Masa Yoshida was 0 for 2 with a strikeout but was hit with a pitch.

Final Thoughts:

Unlike the first two games against the Angels, this one wasn't marred by bad defense or miscues by the opposing team. This was Whitlock's best start and that's what Sox GM Chaim Bloom is counting on moving forward. The Sox may have some answers in the rotation if Chris Sale, Corey Kluber and James Paxton can't get it done anymore. Tanner Houck has been solid and Whitlock took a big step today. The third member of the new trio makes his season debut tomorrow. The Sox offense was absolute crap today but one swing of the bat by Turner is all they needed today. A bottom five of Hernandez, Chang, Wong/McGuire, Casas and Arroyo along with Refsnyder and Yoshida aren't going to cut it moving forward.  The Sox are going to have to pitch their way to victories until Trevor Story and Adam Duvall come back or someone from Worcester like Enmanuel Valdez or Jarren Duran can contribute. Still, Whitlock took a big step and the Sox survived the makeshift team of Ort and Brasier to save the big guns for tomorrow's showdown. The Sox go for the series sweep tomorrow morning on Patriots Day when Brayan Bello makes his season debut against Shohei Ohtani of the Angels. The game starts at 11:00 AM at Fenway Park.

Chang, Sox Rally Past Angels (4/15/23)

It was a great day for Boston sports as the Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox rallied past the Los Angeles Angels due to an unlikely hero. Yu Chang hadn't had a hit all season for the Sox but he delivered big time. Down 4-3 in the fourth inning, Chang belted a 2 run homer to put the Sox on top. Down 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth, Chang ripped a two run single to put the Sox back on top. Nick Pivetta got rocked for 6 runs in just 4 innings and Richard Bleir allowed what looked to be the dagger run in the sixth but the trio of John Schreiber, Ryan Brasier (1-0, 5.40 ERA) and Kenley Jansen slammed the door on the Angels. The Sox got some more help from bad defense but Yu Chang's heroics overshadowed all of that as the Sox had won the game 9-7 at Fenway Park.

                                                      Jaylen Brown approves of the win

The Angels pounded Pivetta in the top of the first inning as Taylor Ward flied out to center to start. Mike Trout doubled to left but Shohei Ohtani grounded out to third. Anthony Rendon and Hunter Renfroe drew back to back walks to load the bases....for Gio Urshela to hit a grand slam all the way to China to put the Angels on top. Brandon Drury struck out swinging to end the inning with the Angels up 4-0.

                                                      Grand slam Urshela

The Sox wasted no time getting back in the game against Los Angeles starter Tyler Anderson. Alex Verdugo walked to start but Justin Turner banged into a double play. Rob Refsnyder bashed a doubled to center and Rafael Devers mauled his 7th home run of the season to cut the lead in half. Kike Hernandez walked and stole second, but Christian Arroyo popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox down 4-2.

                                                        Devers with a big fly

The Angels threatened in the top of the second although Zach Neto grounded out to third to start. Matt Thaiss was plunked but Ward flied out to right. Trout walked and Ohtani reached on catcher's interference to load the bases. Rendon grounded out to second to end the inning. Triston Casas flied out to left to start the bottom of the second but Connor Wong made up for the interference with a base hit to left. Yu Chang popped up to short and Verdugo struck out swinging to end the inning.

Renfroe grounded out to third to start the top of the third before Urshela lined out to right. Drury took strike three to end the inning. The Sox got a run back in the bottom of the third as Turner doubled to left to start. Refsnyder walked but the ball four pitch got away to move Turner to third. Devers banged into a double play but Turner scored to cut the lead. Hernandez grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox down 4-3.

                                                              Sox get another run

Zeto grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth before Thaiss took strike three. Ward struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox took command in the bottom of the fourth as Arroyo popped up to first to start. Casas struck out swinging but Wong doubled to center. Chang got his first hit of the season by belting his first home run of the year to put Boston on top. Verdugo singled to left and took second on a wild pitch. Turner walked and Refsnyder lined a base hit to left. Verdugo scored but Turner got thrown out at third to end the inning with the Sox up 6-4.

                                                            Welcome to the party Chang

Pivetta fell apart in the top of the fifth as Trout doubled to center to start. Ohtani singled to left to move Trout to third and Rendon singled to left to score Trout. That was it for Pivetta who got knocked around for 6 runs in just 4 plus innings of work, not good. Kaleb Ort came in to pitch and Renfroe struck out swinging, but Urshela got a base hit to center to score Ohtani with the tying run. Drury flied out to right but a wild pitch moved the runners over. Neto took strike three to end the inning with the game tied 6-6.

                                                            "I sucked today" - Pivetta

Matt Moore came in to pitch in the bottom of the fifth and Devers grounded out to short to begin. Hernandez flied out to right and Arroyo struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Angels took the lead in the top of the sixth against Richard Bleier as Thaiss was hit with a pitch to begin. Ward forced Thaiss at second and Trout took strike three, but a wild pitch moved Ward to second. Ohtani got a base hit to center to score Ward with the go-ahead run. Another wild pitch moved Ohtani to third but Rendon lined out to center to end the inning with the Angels up 7-6.

                                                                  Ohtani drives in a run

John Schreiber came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Renfroe singled to left to start. Urshela popped up to second, Drury struck out swinging and Neto went down hacking to end the inning. Carlos Estevez came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Turner flied out to center to start. Refsnyder flied out to right and Devers popped up to short to end the inning.

Ryan Brasier came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Thaiss took strike three to start. Ward lined out to short but  Trout blooped a single to right. Ohtani grounded out to first to end the inning. Ryan Tepera came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and the Sox pulled off a rally. Hernandez started with a base hit to left and Raimel Tapia pinch hit for Arroyo....taking first on catcher's interference. Casas struck out swinging and Reese McGuire pinch hit for Wong. McGuire also reached on catcher's interference to load the bases. Chang did the honors with a base hit to left to score both Hernandez and Tapia to give the Sox the lead. Verdugo flied out to right but Turner was plunked to load the bases. Refsnyder drew a walk to score McGuire with the insurance run, chasing Tepera. Tucker Davidson got Devers to ground out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-7.

                                                               Chang drives in a pair

Kenley Jansen came in to close out the top of the ninth and Rendon lined out to first to begin. Renfroe flied out to right and Urshela popped up to short to end the game. The Sox had won it 9-7.

                                                                   Sox win

Hero of the Night is Yu Chang, his two big hits put the Sox ahead while driving in four runs.

                                                            Chang The Hero

The Good:

Justin Turner was 1 for 3 with a walk, hit by pitch and a run scored.

Rob Refsnyder was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, 2 rbis and a run scored.

Kike Hernandez was 1 for 3 with a walk, run scored and a stolen base.

Raimel Tapia scored a run in the eighth inning.

Connor Wong was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Reese McGuire scored a run in the eighth inning.

John Schreiber tossed a scoreless seventh inning.

Ryan Brasier got the win with a scoreless eighth inning.

Kenley Jansen earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Christian Arroyo was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Nick Pivetta got lit up for 6 runs in just 4 plus innings of work. He allowed 5 hits and 3 walks.

Richard Bleier allowed a run in the sixth inning.

The Ugly:

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 5 but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Triston Casas was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Kaleb Ort allowed an inherited runner to score but none of his own in an inning of work.

Final Thoughts:

Better late than never for Yu Chang. Essentially Sox GM Chaim Bloom signed him because of his hot streak in the World Baseball Classic and it took until today for him to get his first hit. Him being the hero overshadowed the Angels incompetence in the field as they keep giving away outs, but the Sox will take it. Pivetta looked like garbage today but the bullpen sans Bleier did a good job in relief. Hernandez looks like he's starting to pick it up but Arroyo and Casas are really struggling. Arroyo is only starting due to injuries but Casas looks completely lost, that's disconcerting. The Sox are also the only team in baseball not to have their starter reach the sixth inning, way to go Alex Cora and Chaim Bloom. That's not a recipe for success but this team already knows that. Its just a question of when the bottom falls out, especially with injuries mounting. Still, a win is a win and today was a good one despite the circumstances. The Sox look to make it three in a row tomorrow afternoon against the Angels when Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock takes on Reid Detmers of Los Angeles. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.