Tempers Flare as O's Shut Out Sox (4/21/17)

Before the game Jackie Bradley Jr was removed from the Disabled List with his knee injury healed. Unfortunately the Sox placed Brock Holt on the DL with a case of vertigo.

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The damn Baltimore Orioles ruined what should have been a great night in Boston sports. The Boston Celtics won an emotional Game 3 of their NBA playoff first round series against the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Bruins stayed alive with a double overtime Game 5 win over the Ottawa Senators in their first round NHL playoff series.  It was bad enough the Boston Red Sox offense evaporated against Orioles starter Dylan Bundy, but to add insult to injury Dustin Pedroia had to be helped off the field after getting spiked at second base by Manny Machado. Tempers flared as the Sox thought it was a late slide and they were quite angry by the end of the game. In the end the O's blanked the Sox 2-0 at Camden Yards. How many runs did the Sox score Dean Wormer?

Things went south right from the start in the top of the first inning. Dustin Pedroia singled to right but Andrew Benintendi bounced into a double play. JJ Hardy decided to throw a ground ball hit by Mookie Betts into the O's radio booth allowing Betts to reach first. Mr. Mookie swiped second but Mitch Moreland struck out to end the inning. Sox starter Drew Pomeranz (1-1) was game in the bottom of the first inning. Chris Gentry looked at strike 3, Adam Jones lined out and Machado popped up to end the inning.

The Sox had one of their only chances in the top of the second inning. Hanley Ramirez and the returning Jackie Bradley Jr stroked back to back singles. The rally ended abruptly when Pablo Sandoval whiffed and Christian Vazquez banged into a double play to end the inning. Pomeranz ran into trouble in the bottom of the second inning. Mark Trumbo singled but Chris Davis struck out. Wellington Castillo flied out but Pablo Sandoval decided to do a cannonball on a ground ball rather than field it, allowing Trey Mancini to reach first. Jonathan Schoop flied out to end the inning.

The Sox made another boo-boo in the top of the third inning. Marco Hernandez got the start for Xander Bogaerts and he singled. He was erased on the Pedroia force play and the inning ended when Benny The Kid banged into yet another double play. The O's struck first in the bottom of the third inning. Hardy popped up but Gentry doubled and took third on a passed ball by Vazquez. Jones slammed a single to score Gentry to give the O's the lead. Machado lined out and Trumbo popped up to end the inning with the O's up 1-0.

Bundy settled down in the top of the fourth inning. Mr, Mookie flied out, Moreland lined out and Ramirez whiffed to end the inning. The O's threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning. Davis singled and moved to second on the force by Castillo. Mancini struck out but Schoop walked. Hardy grounded out to end the inning.

The Sox still failed to hit Bundy in the top of the fifth inning. JBJ flied out, Sandoval lined out and Hernandez was robbed on a liner to second to end the inning. The O's struck again in the bottom of the fifth inning. Gentry walked but Jones grounded into a double play. Unfortunately Machado launched a solo home run to left to increase the lead. Trumbo struck out to end the inning.

The Sox threatened again in the top of the sixth inning but once again failed. Hernandez singled and Pedroia walked, but Benny The Kid lined out without advancing anyone. Mr. Mookie and Moreland popped up to end the inning, what a waste. Pomeranz returned briefly to pitch to Davis in the bottom of the sixth inning. Davis grounded out and that was it for Pomeranz, done after 5 1/3 although he only allowed 2 runs. Joe Kelly relieved him and got Castillo and Mancini to line out to end the inning.

Bundy returned for the top of the seventh inning and cruised. Ramirez lined out, JBJ grounded out and Sandoval popped up to end the inning. Kelly returned for the bottom of the seventh and got Schoop to ground out. Hardy lined out but Gentry walked again. Jones grounded out to end the inning.

Bundy returned for the top of the eighth but Vazquez quickly chased him with a single. Donnie Hart replaced Bundy as Chris Young pinch hit for Hernandez and walked. Pedroia flied out but advanced Vazquez to third. Coming up with men on base for the fourth time, Benny The Kid failed for the fourth time by striking out. Mychael Givens replaced Hart and Mr. Mookie popped up to end the inning. Another waste.

                                                   "Really Andrew??"

Things got intense in the bottom of the eighth with Xander Bogaerts taking over at short. Machado singled and slid hard into second base on the force by Trumbo, spiking Pedroia and injuring him. Sox manager John Farrell and especially 3rd base coach Brian Butterfield were incredibly angry and demanded a double play penalty called on Baltimore. The umpires refused as Pablo Sandoval took over at second with Steve Selsky coming in to play third. Fernando Abad came in to pitch and got Davis to line out. Castillo flied out to end the inning.

Pedroia gets spiked

Brad Bach got the call to close in the top of the ninth as Sox third base coach Brian Butterfield was tossed for chirping at the umpires, still mad over Pedroia. The Sox went quietly as Moreland grounded out, Ramirez lined out and JBJ grounded out to end the game, The O's had shut out the Sox 2-0.

Jackass of the Night is Andrew Benintendi. He came up with men on base 4 times and grounded into 2 double plays, failing the other two.

                                                           Better luck next time Jackass


The Good:

Dustin Pedroia was 1 for 3 with a walk before leaving injured.

Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3

Marco Hernandez was 2 for 2

Chris Young walked in his only plate appearance

Joe Kelly tossed 2 scoreless innings.

Fernando Abad retired the only two men he faced.



The Bad:

Mitch Moreland was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Pablo Sandoval was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Mookie Betts was 0 for 4 but stole a base.

Hanley Ramirez was just 1 for 4.

Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4.

Drew Pomeranz took the loss but pitched reasonably well, allowing 2 runs in 5 1/3 innings. More run support would have been nice.



Honorable Mention:

Steve Selsky played third base in the bottom of the eighth.

Xander Bogaerts played shortstop in the bottom of the eighth.



Final Thoughts:

Heads are gonna roll after this one. It was bad enough getting blanked, the boys are miffed at Machado for spiking Pedroia. It looked like an accident but it could have been avoided. If it wasn't Steven Wright going tomorrow, you could have bet that Machado eats a fastball under the chin at one point. Still, Bundy has been pitching much better this year and he proved it in this one. Benintendi stunk the joint out but that's part of adjusting in the majors. Gotta have the bad days with the good if you hope to improve. Once again the Sox allowed 2 or fewer runs but couldn't score. Tomorrow night Wright takes the ball opposite Jayson Aquino who is making his major league debut. The Sox look to make it a rude awakening at 7:05 PM.

Kimbrel Blows Outstanding Sale Start, Sox Still Win (4/20/17)

Chris Sale just can't catch a break. After pitching 8 shut-out innings and striking out 13 Toronto Blue Jays, he turned the game over to Craig Kimbrel only for him to give up the lead. The Sox bats picked them up with a furious 10th inning rally to win the game 4-1 and take the series at a near empty Skydome.

                                                   Mick Foley approves of the win

Marco Estrada got the ball in the top of the first inning and he walked leadoff hitter Dustin Pedroia. Andrew Benintendi erased Pedroia with a force out and Mr. Mookie Betts struck out. Benny The Kid swiped second base but Hanley Ramirez flied out to end the inning. Sale came out for the bottom of the first and Kevin Pillar flied out to center. Jose Bautista whiffed and Kenrys Morales grounded out to end the inning.

The Sox offense remained dormant in the top of the second inning. Mitch Moreland flied out, Xander Bogaerts struck out and Pablo Sandoval flied out to end the inning. Sale matched Estrada in the bottom of the second inning. Justin Smoak popped up then Sale struck out Steven Pearce and Darwin Barney to end the inning.

The Sox mounted one of their only threats in the top of the third inning. Sandy Leon flied out and Brock "Hitman" Holt struck out but Pedroia singled. Benny The Kid singled but Mr. Mookie struck out again to end the inning. Sale remained hot in the bottom of the third inning. Old pal Jarrod Saltalamachia struck out but Devon Travis singled. Travis moved to second on the force by Ryan Goins. Pillar and Bautista struck out to end the inning.

The Sox mustered nothing in the top of the fourth inning. Ramirez struck out, Moreland flied out and Bogaerts grounded out to end the inning. Sale ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth inning. Morales flied out but Smoak singled and Pearce walked. Barney grounded into a fielder's choice that moved Smoak to third before Pearce swiped second. Sale struck out Saltalamacchia to end the inning.

The Sox still couldn't score in the top of the fifth inning. Sandoval singled but Leon lined out. Hitman Holt flied out and Pedroia grounded out to end the inning. Sale was up to the task in the bottom of the fifth inning. Travis flied out, Goins grounded out and Pillar popped up to end the inning.

Estrada returned for one last inning in the top of the sixth inning. Benny The Kid struck out but Mr. Mookie walked. Ramirez lined out and Mookie swiped second. The infielder shifted on Moreland so Betts literally walked to third. Moreland ended up striking out anyway to end the inning. Sale refused to budge in the bottom of the sixth inning. Bautista struck out yet again but Morales singled. Smoak grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Joe Biagini relieved Estrada in the top of the seventh inning. Bogaerts flied out then both Sandoval and Leon grounded out to end the inning. Sale turned up the heat in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pearce, Barney and Saltalamacchia all struk out swinging in short order.

Unfortunately the Sox couldn't respond in the top of the eighth against Joe Smith. Hitman Holt looked at strike three, Pedroia grounded out and Benny The Kid struck out to end the inning. Sale came out for the bottom of the eighth and blew away Travis to start. Troy Tulowitzky pinch hit for Goins and grounded out as Sale struck out Bautista for the fourth time and his 13th overall. Once again the pitched outstanding but got no run support.

                                                   8 shut-out innings for Sale

Jays closer Roberto Osuna got the call in the top of the ninth and the Sox finally struck, Barney moved to short and Chris Coghlin took over at third. Mr. Mookie popped up and Ramirez struck out, but Moreland lined a double past the diving Bautista. Bogaerts stepped up with a line drive double down the right field line to give the Sox the lead. Bogaerts jammed his finger sliding into second but stayed in the game. Jays manager John Gibbons wanted the play reviewed and Bogaerts was called out at second after all. The inning was over but it was up to Craig Kimbrel to preserve the 1-0 game in the bottom of the ninth. One pitch to Morales ended that as he blasted a solo home run to dead center to tie the game. Smoak flied out and Ezequiel Carrera pinch hit for Pearce only to strike out. Barney struck out as well to end the inning but Sox manager John Farrell pulling Sale for Kimbrel did not work. On to extra innings.

                                                        "Haha Kimbrel!" - Morales

Jason Grilli came out for the top of the 10th and the Sox rallied. Sandoval nearly hit one out but was robbed on the centerfield warning track. Leon walked and Hitman Holt singled. Marco Hernandez pinch ran for Leon at second but Pedroia popped up. Benny The Kid walked to load the bases for Mr. Mookie. He delivered big time with a bases clearing double to give the Sox a 4-1 lead. Grilli was lifted for Jason Barnes and Ramirez lined out to end the inning.

                                                     Betts makes it 4-1

As if bringing in Kimbrel wasn't bad enough for John Farrell, he brought him back out for the bottom of the tenth. Christian Vazquez was the new catcher and Kimbrel turned up the heat. Saltalamacchia earned a golden sombrero of his own with his 4th strikeout. Travis looked at strike three and Coghlan whiffed to end the game. The Sox had prevailed 4-1.

Hero of the Night is Chris Sale. Yes, Bogaerts and Betts got the big hits but Sale was the one who kept the Sox in the game. He was outstanding, pitching 8 shut-out innings and striking out 13. He deserved the win if Kimbrel didn't blow it.

                                                Hero of the Night: Chris Sale



The Good:

Marco Hernandez pinch ran for Sandy Leon and came around to score.



The Bad:

Hanley Ramirez was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.



The Ugly:

Dustin Pedroia was just 1 for 4 with a walk.

Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but came around to score after his 10th inning walk.

Mookie Betts was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was a bases clearing triple. He also swiped two bases.

Mitch Moreland was just 1 for 4 with a walk.

Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was the 9th inning rbi single.

Pablo Sandoval was just 1 for 4.

Sandy Leon was 0 for 3 but worked the 10th inning walk.

Brock Holt was just 1 for 4 but scored a crucial run in the 10th inning

Craig Kimbrel vultured the win from Sale by giving up the game tying home run to Morales but struck out 5 of the next 6 guys.



Honorable Mention:

Christian Vazquez caught the bottom of the 10th inning.



Final Thoughts:

Great to see the bats wake up late and great to see Sale continue to pitch well, sucks that they can't score enough or maintain the leads for him. He really should be 3-0 but he's keeping them in games, that's all that can be asked. Hanley Ramirez is struggling but he's been known to go on hot streaks. Moreland continues to be a doubles machine and its nice to see Betts and Bogaerts deliver in the clutch. With David Ortiz retired, they need new stars to step up and deliver. Kimbrel blew the save but there's a huge difference in someone beating him on a fastball and being totally wild. You can live with Craig getting beat on a home run, and he came back to strike out 5 of the next 6 guys he faced. A win is a win so not much else to complain about. Tomorrow night the Sox travel to Baltimore to face the Orioles in a rematch between Drew Pomeranz and Dylan Bundy. The Sox hope for another Pomeranz win at 7:05 PM.

Bats Fall Silent To Jays (4/19/17)

Before the game, Brian Johnson was sent back to Pawtucket as Eduardo Rodriguez was reinstated from paternity leave.

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It was a bad day for Boston sports as the Boston Bruins lost Game 4 of their first round NHL playoff series against the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Red Sox lost to the Toronto Blue Jays. Poor Rick Porcello can't catch a break so far this year. Tonight both his offense and his defense let him down with costly errors and ineptitude at the plate as the  Red Sox fell to the Blue Jays 3-0 at Skydome.

                                                  "Worthless offense" - Captain Picard

Fransisco Liriano was the one who pitched well for the Jays and he cruised in the top of the first inning. Dustin Pedroia led the game off by flying out and Andrew Benintendi struck out. Mr. Mookie Betts grounded out to end the inning. At first Porcello did well in the bottom of the first. Kevin Pillar hit a leadoff single but got ground outs from Ezequiel Carrera, Jose Bautista and Kenrys Morales to end the inning.

Liriano picked up where he led off in the top of the second inning. Hanley Ramirez lined out and Mitch Moreland struck out, but Xander Bogaerts singled. Chris Young struck out to end the inning. Things all went to hell in the bottom of the second inning. Porcello got a ground ball off the bat of Troy Tulowitzky but Sandoval threw the ball away. Then Porcello got a ground ball off the bat of Russell Martin but Moreland booted it. Back to back errors had runners on second and third although Porcello struck out Justin Smoak. Darwin Barney singled home both runners to make it 2-0. Devon Travis lined out but Pillar singled. Carrera singled home Barney but Bautista flied out to end the inning. Brutal display of defense by the Red Sox led to a 3-0 lead by Toronto.

2-0 may as well been 200-0 the way Liriano was pitching in the top of the third inning. Sandoval looked at strike three, Sandy Leon popped up and Pedroia grounded out in short order. Porcello walked Morales to begin the bottom of the third inning. Tulowitzky, Martin and Smoak all flied out in short order to end the inning.

Liriano remained red hot in the top of the fourth inning. Benny The Kid grounded out and Mr. Mookie struck out although Tulowitzky booted a ground ball to allow Ramirez to reach base. Moreland struck out to end the inning. Porcello matched Liriano in the bottom of the fourth inning. Barney and Travis grounded out then Pillar struck out to end the inning.

The Sox got their first real chance in the top of the fifth. Bogaerts worked a leadoff walk but was erased on the Young force. Sandoval singled to bring the tying run to the plate but Leon banged into a double play to end the inning. Porcello did what he could to keep the Sox in it in the bottom of the fifth inning. Carrera and Bautista struck out and Morales flied out to end the inning.

The Sox wasted their last real chance in the top of the sixth inning. Pedroia grounded out but Benny The Kid and Mr. Mookie hit back to back singles to chase Liriano. Joe Biagini came in....only for Ramirez to ground into a double play to end the inning. Porcello remained tough in the bottom of the sixth inning although Tulowitzky hit a single to begin. Martin and Smoak flied out before Barney grounded out to end the inning.

Moreland earned a hat trick for his third strikeout to open the top of the seventh. Bogaerts and Young grounded out to end the inning quickly. Porcello returned for the bottom of the seventh inning and it got dicey. Travis lined out but Pillar singled. Pillar swiped second as Carrera flied out. Pillar swiped third but Bautista struck out to end the inning. A strong effort by Porcello who would have been working a shut-out if not for lousy defense in the second inning.

                                                  Porcello deserved better

Jason Grilli replaced Biagini in the top of the eighth inning and Sandoval greeted him with a single. Leon whiffed and Pedroia moved Sandoval to second with a ground out. Benny The Kid walked to put the tying run at the plate but Mr. Mookie grounded out to end the inning. Making his first relief appearance ever, the activated Eduardo Rodriguez came in to pitch the 8th inning, getting some work in before his Sunday start. Morales struck out, Tulowitzky grounded out and Martin struck out to end the inning.

Jays closer Roberto Osuna was brought in to close out the game. Ramirez grounded but Moreland singled. Bogaerts whiffed and Young grounded out to end the game. The Jays had won it 3-0.

                                                             Jays win

                                             
Jackass of the night is a tough one but I'm gonna go with Mitch Moreland. He earned a hat trick of 3 strikeouts at the plate and made a crucial error which led to the 3 run rally in the second inning.

                                                "Yeah I'm looking at you Jackass"


The Good:

Andrew Benintendi was 1 for 3 with a walk

Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3 with a walk.

One of the few times the losing pitcher ends up on the Good list but Rick Porcello pitched good. He tossed 7 innings of 3 run ball and none of the runs were earned while striking out 5. He would have gotten the win had the Sox generated any offense.

Eduardo Rodriguez pitched a scoreless eighth inning.



The Bad:

Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 4.

Hanley Ramirez was 0 for 4.

Chris Young was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Sandy Leon was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Mookie Betts was 1 for 4.

Pablo Sandoval was 2 for 3 at the plate but his error in the second started the 3 run rally.



Final Thoughts:

There are going to be games where the Sox won't be able to generate any offense and this was one of them. Fransisco Liriano turned back the clock to his Minnesota Twins days to shut out the Sox and the boneheaded errors by Sandoval and Moreland led to their demise. Still, Porcello showed some life and pitched very well apart from the errors so its a step in the right direction. Nothing more to say as the Sox just didn't have it tonight. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox look to bounce back with Chris Sale on the mound against Marco Estrada at 12:35 PM.

Sox Bats Come Alive, Hang On To Beat Jays (4/18/17)

Before the game, Ben Taylor was once again set back to Pawtuket in favor of spot-starter Brian Johnson, who hadn't started a game in 2 years. Eduardo Rodriguez was scheduled to re-join the team tomorrow.

                                                                      OUT

                                                                           IN

The bad news was the Boston Celtics lost Game 2 of their first round NBA playoff series to the Chicago Bulls but the good news was the Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays.As for the game. It looks like the Boston bats are over the flu for good as they plastered the Blue Jays pitching staff for 15 hits and 8 runs. They survived a horrible ninth inning to hang on to win 8-7 at Skydome.

                                                       Dani Daniels approves of the win

Xander Bogaerts hit lead-off for the first time ever and singled to right to begin the top of the first. Andrew Benintendi quickly erased Bogaerts by bouncing into a double play. Mr. Mookie Betts grounded out quickly to end the inning. Brian Johnson made his season debut and first big league start in two years and Kevin Pillar greeted him with a lead-off double. Johnson recovered to strike out Jose Bautista on an 89 mph fastball right down the middle. Kendrys Morales gave Toronto the lead with a single to score Pillar. Sandoval then bobbled a ground ball hit by Troy Tulowitzky and everyone was safe. Justin Smoak made Pablo pay by smashing a double to the centerfield wall to score Morales. Johnson got some help when Marco Hernandez gunned down Tulowitzky at home on the force by Russell Martin. Steve Pierce struck out to end the inning but Brian had thrown 35 pitches and was trailing 2-0.

The Sox couldn't answer in the top of the second inning. Hanley Ramirez whiffed badly but Mitch Moreland stroked a base hit. Chris Young grounded out but Moreland moved to second. Pablo Sandoval worked a rare walk but Christian Vazquez grounded out to end the inning. Johnson returned for the bottom of the second and struck out Darwinn Barney on a nasty pitch. The Jays threatened when Devon Travis walked on 4 pitches. Pillar doubled down the line and Sox manager John Farrell took no chances by having Bautista intentionally walked. Johnson recovered to strike out Morales and got Tulowitzky to line out to Betts to end the inning.

The Sox struck back in the top of the third as Hernandez waived at a pitch in the dirt to begin. Bogaerts lashed a single to right and Benny The Kid singled past the diving Tulowitzky. Mr. Mookie singled up the middle to score Bogaerts but the throw by Pillar tried to nail Benny at third, failing. Betts moved to second on the throw. Ramirez whiffed but the red hot Moreland singled home both runners to give the Sox a 3-2 lead. Young popped up to end the inning but the Sox had the lead.

                                                  Moreland gives the Sox the lead

The lead lasted approximately 5 seconds as Smoak launched Johnsons's first pitch for a solo home run to tie the game. Johnson recovered to strike out Martin and get Pierce to pop up. Barney popped up to end the inning.

The Sox botched a hit and run situation in the top of the fourth inning. Sandoval singled but was thrown out at second when Vazquez swung and missed. Vazquez ended up lining a single up the middle anyway. Hernandez whiffed and Bogaerts grounded out to end the inning. Travis walked to open the bottom of the fourth but Pillar flied out. Bautista flied out and Morales struck out to end the inning.

The Sox staged a furious rally in the top of the fifth inning. Benny The Kid grounded out but Mr. Mookie singled. Ramirez and Moreland stroked back to back doubles to put the Sox up 5-3. Young grounded out to chase Stroman. Aaron "Fruit" Loup came in to pitch to Sandoval and Sandoval slammed home a single to score Moreland. One batter and out for Loup as Dominic Leone replaced him to get Vazquez to ground out to end the inning.

                                                Betts scores during the rally

Johnson returned for the bottom of the fifth inning. Tulowitzky and Smoak grounded out but Martin blasted a solo home run to cut the lead. Pearce flied out to end the inning but Johnson had kept the Sox in it with a 6-4 lead.

                                     Spot starter Johnson pitches well enough to win

The Sox went quietly in the top of the 6th inning. Hernandez grounded out, Bogaerts popped up and Benny The Kid struck out to end the inning. Heath Hembree was first out of the pen in the bottom of the 6th inning. Barney greeted him with a single but Travis flied out. Pillar grounded out but Bautista walked. Morales grounded out to end the inning.

Joe Smith got the call in the top of the seventh inning and Mr. Mookie got the monkey off his back by blasting his first home run of the year to increase the lead 7-4. Ramirez grounded out and both Moreland and Young struck out to end the inning.

                                               1st homer of the year for Mr. Mookie

Hembree returned for the bottom of the seventh inning and Tulowitzky singled. Smoak grounded out and Martin struck out, but Bogaerts booted a ground ball by Pearce to extend the inning. Barney grounded out to end the inning on a great play by Hembree.

                                                  Hembree going above and beyond

Ryan Tepera relieved Smith as the Sox got a huge insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. Sandoval singled and advanced to second on the Vazquez ground out. Hernandez walked but Bogaerts struck out. Benny The Kid lashed a ground rule double to score Sandoval and advance Hernandez to third. That chased Tepera as Danny Barnes relieved him and got Mr. Mookie to pop up to end the inning with the Sox ahead 8-4.

Fernando Abad came on to pitch the bottom of the eighth with Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly resting. Travis grounded out but Pillar doubled. Bautista flied out and that was it for Abad. Sox manager John Farrell wasted no time bringing in Matt Barnes to get the final four outs. Morales grounded out to end the inning.

The Sox wouldn't score again in the top of the ninth. Ramirez grounded out and Moreland popped up but Young walked. Sandoval grounded out to end the inning. Barnes returned for the bottom of the 9th and nearly gave it away. Tulowitzky and Smoak grounded out in short order but Martin walked. Martin took second on defensive indifference and scored on the Pearce single. Ezequiel Herrera pinch hit for Barney and belted a 2 run home run to left to cut the lead to 1. Luckily Travis lined out to end the game. The Sox had held on to win 8-7.

Hero of the Night is a tough one. I'll have to go with Mookie Betts. He was 3 for 5 with an rbi and 3 runs scored along with his first home run of the year.

                                                 Hero of the Night: Mookie Betts


The Good:

Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 5 with a run scored and an rbi.

Mitch Moreland was 3 for 5 with 3 rbi's and a run scored.

Pablo Sandoval was 3 for 4 with a walk, a run scored and an rbi.

Heath Hembree pitched two scoreless innings.

Fernando Abad got the first two outs of the eighth inning.



The Bad:

Matt Barnes nearly gave the game away by giving up 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth despite closing it out in the end.



The Ugly:

Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 5 with a run scored and an rbi.

Chris Young was 0 for 4 with a walk.

Christian Vazquez was just 1 for 4.

Marco Hernandez was 0 for 3 but walked.

Brian Johnson got the win but struggled, lasting just 5 innings and giving up 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.



Final Thoughts:

That got a little hairy again but that was a pretty good win. Missing Dustin Pedroia and having a Pawtucket call up struggle only to win the game anyway shows balls. It also highlights a complete 180 from last year. When the Sox were down, they rarely came back (sans the 11 game win streak in September) but they're finding ways to come back so far this season. Tomorrow night Rick Porcello gets the start looking to bounce back from his previous stinker as he goes up against Fransisco Liriano at 7:07 PM.

Sox Sweep Rays, Wright Rights Himself (4/17/17)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Eduardo Rodriguez left the team to witness the birth of his first child and was placed on paternity leave. Ben Taylor was called up in his place for today's game and it looks like Brian Johnson will take his spot tomorrow. Congratulations to Eduardo.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                     IN

The bad news was the Boston Bruins lost Game 3 of their first round NHL playoff series in overtime to the Ottawa Senators but the good news was the Boston Red Sox swept the Tampa Bay Rays. Once again the Sox overcame a shaky first inning by Steven Wright to once again edge the Rays. This time Wright got himself on track to toss 6 solid innings and the Sox got some timely hitting and shut down late inning relief to take the game 4-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                           Happy Fan

Corey Dickerson added to Wright's misery by smashing a flat knuckleball to left to begin the top of the first. Marco Herandez dropped a routine pop up by Kevin Kiermaier and Kevin made him pay by lashing a single to right. Evan Longoria singled down the left field line to load the bases. Brad Miller grounded to the right of the mound and Wright tagged him out, but Dickerson scored and the runners advanced. Steven Souza Jr grounded out to third but Kiermaier scored. Logan Morrison walked. Rickie Weeks Jr struck out to end the inning but Wright tossed over 30 pitches and the Sox were trailing in the first again, 2-0.

                                                  Wright says "Woooof"

The Sox fought back in the bottom of the first. Dustin Pedroia greeted Tampa starter Blake Snell with a single up the middle and Andrew Benintendi lashed a single in the hole at short. Mr. Mookie Betts banged into a double play, but Hanley Ramirez singled to right to score Pedroia. Xander Bogaerts popped up to end the inning but the Sox had cut the deficit in half, 2-1.

                                           Hanley puts the Sox back in it.

Wright somewhat redeemed himself in the top of the second. Derek Norris doubled off the wall but Tim Beckham grounded to short, failing to advance the runner. Norris made a boo-boo when Dickerson flied out to deep right but didn't tag up. Kiermaier flied out to the wall to end the inning. A scoreless inning for Wright but several loud outs. The Sox roared back in the bottom of the second although Snell struck out Mitch Moreland and Chris Young back to back. Sandy Leon singled and the Sox caught a break when Miller dropped a routine ground out off the bat of Hernandez. Pedroia walked to load the bases and Benny The Kid made the Rays pay for the error with a 2 run bloop sngle to center to give the Sox a 3-2 lead. Mr. Mookie singled to center to score Pedroia, advance Benintendi to third and advance to second on the throw home. Ramirez walked to load the bases but Bogaerts looked at strike 3 to end the inning but the Sox were now ahead 4-2.

                                               Benintendi The Kid gives the Sox the lead

Wright ran into more trouble in the top of the third. Longoria grounded out to third but Miller doubled off the Monster and Dickerson singled him to third. Wright caught a break when Morrison popped up to third. Weeks struck out to end the inning. Snell decided to pitch out of the stretch in the bottom of the third and it worked to get Moreland to ground out. Young popped up and Leon grounded out to end the inning.

Wright settled down in the top of the fourth. Norris flied out and Beckham grounded out. Dickerson also grounded out to end the inning. Snell was also locked in by striking out Hernandez in the bottom of the fourth. Pedroia grounded out but Benny The Kid slid into first on a slow roller safely. Mr. Mookie grounded out to end the inning.

Wright came out for the top of the fifth and Kiermaier stroked a leadoff single, but was erased on the Longoria double play. Miller looked at strike three to end the inning and wasn't happy about it. Snell returned for the bottom of the fifth and Ramirez grounded out to start. Bogaerts grounded out and Moreland waived at a pitch in the dirt to end the inning. Snell had thrown 100 pitches so if the Sox wanted anymore runs, they'd have to crack the Tampa bullpen.

Wright returned for the 6th and Souza Jr whiffed to start. Hernandez made a great play to rob Morrison of a hit but Mr. Mookie lost a ball in the sun, allowing Weeks to reach on a double. Norris lined one to Bogaerts to end the inning. Great bounce back effort by Wright to go 6 innings and not allow another run after his rocky first inning.

Young rocketed a single to open the bottom of the sixth off new pitcher Tommy Hunter but was foolishly picked off. Leon flied out and Hernandez whiffed to end the inning.

Wright came back for the top of the seventh inning and Beckham chased him with a leadoff single. Robbie Ross Jr came in and got a routine fly ball but Hernandez, Bogaerts and Young all missed it and it bounced into the stands for a ground rule double. Suddenly the Rays had the tying runs in scoring position. Ross recovered to strike out Kiermaier and Sox manager John Farrell had Longoria intentionally walked to set up the double play with the bases loaded. The move worked initially as Ross whiffed Miller on a full count. Rookie Ben Taylor was brought in to face Souza and Souza singled to score Beckham and cut the lead to a run. Taylor recovered to get Morrison to pop up to end the inning. It was shaky but the Sox still had a 4-3 lead.

                                                         Close call

The Sox mustered nothing in the bottom of the seventh inning against Chase Whitley. Pedroia popped up and Benny The Kid was robbed of a hit in left. Mr. Mookie doubled into the gap but Ramirez grounded out to end the inning.

Heath Hembree got the call in the top of the eighth inning with Joe Kelly, Matt Barnes and Craig Kimbrel all overworked. He blew away Weeks and got Norris to pop up. Beckham looked at strike three to end the inning, doing a little dance in the process. The Sox were just 3 outs away from hanging on. Whitley returned for the bottom of the eighth and Bogaerts popped up. Moreland walked but Young popped up. Leon popped up to end the inning.

Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel was brought in for the third day in a row to nail down the save. Kimbrel blew away Dickerson and caught Kiermaier looking to start the top of the ninth. Longoria watched strike three to go by to end the game. The Sox had held on to win 4-3 and earn their first 3 game winning streak of the season.

                                             Patriots Day Win, Dance, Repeat

Hero of the Night is Ben Taylor. The rookie just called up today who hadn't pitched in a week was brought into a bases loaded situation with the game on the line and got out of it with the lead.

                                                    Hero of the Night: Ben Taylor


The Good:

Dustin Pedroia was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored

Andrew Benintendi was 3 for 4 with the big 2 run single.

Mookie Betts was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi

Steven Wright got the win by tossing 6 innings of 3 run ball, only 1 of them earned. He struck out 4.

Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless 8th inning.

Craig Kimbrel earned his 6th save with a scoreless ninth inning.



The Bad:

Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Mitch Moreland was 0 for 3 but walked.

Chris Young was just 1 for 4 but walked...before getting picked off.

Sandy Leon was just 1 for 4 with a run scored

Marco Hernandez was 0 for 3 with an error but scored a run.

Robbie Ross Jr retired only 2 of the four men he faced.



Final Thoughts:

Nothing like a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays to get the Sox back on track after a shaky first two weeks of the season. Then again, when guys aren't sick, grieving or hurt, they can produce a lot of runs. They're having trouble hitting the long ball but a run is a run. Being 8-5 and last in home runs is better than 5-8 and first in home runs. Betts and Benintendi are swinging the bat better which is key for the Sox to score some runs. Tomorrow night the Sox head to Toronto for a 3 game set with the struggling Blue Jays. Marcus Stroman goes for the Jays and Brian Johnson makes his season debut for the Sox at 7:07 PM.

Sox Edge Rays Late (4/16/17)

The bad news was the Boston Celtics lost Game 1 of their first round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls but the good news was the Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. For 7 innings it looked as if the Red Sox would find a way to lose against the Rays whether it be due to a bizarre start by Drew Pomeranz or shoddy relief pitching, but this time the Sox pulled together led by Mitch Moreland to defeat the pests 7-5 in Game 2 of this series at Fenway Park

                                                Bonkoski approves of the win,

Drew Pomeranz got the ball and immediately put the Sox in a hole. Steven Souza Jr and Kevin Kiermaier worked back to back walks to begin the top of the first. Drew recovered to strike out Evan Longoria but Brad Miller tripled home both runners on a ball Jackie Bradley Jr would have caught if he wasn't out injured. Christian Vazquez allowed a rare passed ball which scored Miller. Pomeranz froze Rickie Weeks Jr but Corey Dickerson singled to bring out the boo birds already. A wild pitch moved Dickerson to second but Drew recovered to strike out Daniel Robertson to end the inning with the Rays ahead 3-0. Woof.....

The Sox weren't going to go quietly in the bottom of the first against Tampa starter Alex Cobb. Dustin Pedroia grounded out but Andrew Benintendi doubled. Mr. Mookie Betts drove home Benny with a ground rule double and Hanley Ramirez singled him to third. Mitch Moreland began his Herculean day by singling home Betts to cut the deficit to 1 but Xander Bogaerts killed the rally by banging into a double play. Still, it was great the Sox showed some life to trail 3-2.

Pomeranz turned up the power in the top of the second by striking out Jesus Sucre, Tim Beckham and Souza Jr in short order. Ironically he had gotten all 6 outs by way of the K. Pablo Sandoval grounded out to open the bottom of the second and Chris Young flied out. Christian Vazquez singled but Pedroia popped up to end the inning.

Pomeranz began the top of the third with his 7th strikeout, Kiermaier. Longoria grounded out and Miller lined out to end the inning. Benny The Kid lined out but Mr. Mookie singled. Unfortunately Betts was needlessly picked off because he was distracted by a hot woman in the crowd, thanks a lot Mookie. Ramirez grounded out to end the inning.

The Rays struck back in the top of the fourth. Weeks whiffed again but Dickerson crushed a solo shot to dead center. Robertson and Sucre both struck out to give Pomeranz a total of 10 in just 4 innings although he allowed 4 runs.

                                                      Nice going Drew

The Sox roared back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Moreland popped up but Bogaerts double. Sandoval then crushed a two run home run into the Monster Seats to tie the game. Its all or nothing with Sandoval this season. Young and Vazquez stroked back to back singles but Pedroia flied out and Benny The Kid popped up to end the inning but the game was tied 4-4.

                                                    Sandoval ties it up

Just as soon as the Sox got back in it, Pomeranz coughed it up in the top of the fifth inning. The light hitting Beckham blasted one to dead center to give the Rays the lead back. Souza Jr lined out but Kiermaier singled to chase Pomeranz. He lasted just 4 1/3 although he struck out 10 guys.

                                                   A home run to Beckham? Really?

Joe Kelly came on in relief and immediately got an inning ending double play by Longoria. That helped. The Sox couldn't crack Cobb in the bottom of the fifth. Mr. Mookie grounded out but Ramirez singled. Moreland walked but Bogaerts bounced into another double play to end the inning.

Kelly remained tough in the top of the 6th inning. Miller and Weeks grounded out and Dickerson flied out to end the inning. Danny Farquhar relieved Cobb in the bottom of the sixth and cruised. Sandoval and Young both struck out and Vazquez flied out to end the inning.

Kelly returned for the top of the seventh and got Robertson to ground out to start the inning. Sucre grounded out but Beckham singled. Souza grounded out to end the inning. Not a bad effort by Kelly to toss 2 2/3 scoreless innings to keep the Sox in it. The Sox finally took command in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pedroia flied out but Benny The Kid and Mr. Mookie stroked back to back singles. Ramirez worked a walk to chase Farquhar and lefty Xavier Cedeno was brought in to face Moreland. The move backfired as Morleland singled home both Benintendi and Betts to give the Sox a 6-5 lead with 6 outs to go. Unfortunately Ramirez was hurt running the bases and Steve Selsky came in to run for him. Bogaerts and Sandoval lined out to end the inning but the Sox had the lead.

                                                       Moreland does it again.

It was up to Matt Barnes to hold the fort in the top of the eighth. Kiermaier didn't make things easier by getting a base hit and somehow stealing second off Vazquez. Barnes recovered to whiff Longoria and Miller but pinch hitter Logan Morrison walked. Sox manager John Farrell then went for the lefty/lefty matchup, bringing in Robbie Scott to face Dickerson. Scott got him to pop up to end the inning. Great work Robbie. The Sox got some insurance in the bottom of the eighth inning off Austin Pruitt. Young singled and Vazquez doubled him home. Pedroia flied out and Vazquez was thrown out at third trying to advance. That extra run lost loomed large as Benny The Kid doubled. Mr. Mookie was intentionally walked but Selsky struck out to end the inning.

Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel came in to close out the game in the top of the ninth. Vazquez made a jumping catch behind home on a pop up by Robertson. Kimbrel locked up the save by blowing away Peterson and Beckham to win the game. The Sox had taken it 7-5

Hero of the Night is Mitch Moreland. He was 2 for 3 with a walk and drove in 3 crucial runs, including the go-ahead runs in the 7th.

                                             Hero of the Night: Mitch Moreland


The Good:

Andrew Benintendi was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Mookie Betts was 3 for 4 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 3 with a walk before leaving with a tight hamstring.

Chris Young was 2 for 4 with a run scored

Christian Vazquez was 3 for 4 with a run scored.

Joe Kelly earned the win by tossing 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Matt Barnes got the first 2 outs of the 8th inning

Robbie Scott got the final out of the 8th inning

Craig Kimbrel earned his 5th save with a scoreless 9th inning



The Bad:

Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 5

Steve Selsky was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter/runner.



The Ugly:

Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 with 2 double plays but scored a run.

Pablo Sandoval was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was a game-tying 2 run home run

Drew Pomeranz was the definition of ugly. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings and giving up 5 runs, but he struck out 10 guys which is a record for someone who failed to go 5.



Final Thoughts:

Moreland is never going to be David Ortiz but so far he's been as good as anybody. He was pegged as someone tailor made for Fenway and so far he has been. The long balls continue to elude anyone not named Sandoval but Betts and Bogaerts are heating up with singles and doubles. Its disheartening to see Pomeranz struggle especially since he dominated the Baltimore offense last time out. Still a win's a win. Farrell is trying to hold the fort in the bullpen until Tyler Thornburg and Carson Smith returns, and if they're effective when they return, watch out. The Sox play a Patriots Day matinee at 11 AM tomorrow against Tampa with Steven Wright looking to right himself (no pun intended) opposite Ian Snell.

Sale Gets 1st Win, Sox Nip Rays (4/15/17)

The bad news was the Boston Bruins lost Game 2 of their first round NHL playoff series in overtime against the Ottawa Senators but the good news is the Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox offense continued to scuffle but Chris Sale (1-1) was there to save the day against the Rays. The ace blew away the Rays lineup, striking out twelve and allowing just one run in 7 strong innings. The Sox scratched out two runs and the bullpen took care of the rest, giving the Sox a 2-1 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                    Dan Freebird approves of the win

Sale got the ball in the top of the first inning. Steven Souza Jr looked at strike threee Peter Bourjos popped up and Evan Longoria also popped up to end the inning. Jake Odorizzi got the start for Tampa Bay and Dustin Pedroia greeted him with a bloop single to left. Andrew Benintendi lined out to left. Mr. Mookie Betts lined out to center and Hanley Ramirez popped up to end the inning.

Rickie Weeks struck out to begin the top of the second inning. Derek Norris flied out but Mr. Mookie lost a fly ball by Logan Morrison in the sun, allowing Morrison to reach first. Daniel Robertson grounded out to end the inning. The Sox caught a break in the bottom of the second when Jake Odorizzi pulled a groin on the first pitch to Mitch Moreland and had to leave the game. Erasmo Ramirez came in to pitch and Moreland greeted him with a solo home run to give the Sox a 1-0. Poor Odorizzi. Xander Bogaerts flied out to left and Pablo Sandoval flied out to center. Chris Young struck out to end the inning but the Sox had the lead.

                                              Moreland gets a greeting from Sandoval

The Rays pounced on Sale in the top of the third inning. Sale then committed a sin by walking Kevin Kiermaier. Sale did strike out Tim Beckham but Souza Jr singled. Sale struck out Bourjos but Longoria tied the game with a single that scored Kiermaier and advance Souza to third. He walked Weeks to load the bases but Sale bore down to strike out Norris to end the inning, but the Rays had tied it. Sandy Leon lined out to open the bottom of the third. Pedroia whiffed and Benny The Kid grounded out to end the inning.

Morrison grounded into the shift to begin the top of the fourth inning. Robertson worked a walk and Sale snared a line drive by Kiermaier and doubled off Robertson to end the inning. The Sox almost did nothing in the bottom of the fourth inning. Mr. Mookie grounded out and Ramirez flied out but Moreland hit a double to extend the inning. Bogaerts grounded out to end the inning.

Sale turned up the power in the top of the fifth inning to strike out both Beckham and Souza Jr looking. Bourjos whiffed to end the inning. Sandoval was robbed of a double to begin the bottom of the fifth inning. Young legged out an infield single and moved to second on the ground out by Leon. Pedroia grounded out to end the inning. Once again the Sox couldn't generate any offense.

Sale returned for the top of the sixth inning. Longoria whiffed after Rays manager Kevin Cash challenged a fan reaching over to grab a foul ball. Weeks struck out and Norris grounded out to end the inning. Tommy Hunter took over for Ramirez in the bottom of the sixth. Benny The Kid froze on a strike three, Mr. Mookie grounded out and Ramirez did as well to end the inning. Sale just can't catch a break.

Sale returned for the top of the seventh and got Morrison to ground out. He struck out Longoria for his 11th strikeout and froze Kiermaier for his 12th to end the inning. An outstanding start by Sale as he tossed 7 innings of 1 run ball and struck out 12.

                                               Outstanding effort by Sale

Could the Sox get a run in the bottom of the seventh? YES! Moreland and Bogaerts stroked back to back singles...unfortunately that brought up Sandoval. Bogaerts was erased on a force by Sandoval but the Sox now had runners at the corners with just one out. Young walked to load the bases to chase Hunter. Xavier Cedeno was brought in to face Leon. Leon grounded out but it hit softly enough to score Moreland to give the Sox a 2-1 lead. Pedroia as intentionally walked but Benny The Kid grounded out to end the inning. The Sox needed just 6 outs to preserve Sale's win.

                                              "Herculean ground out Sandy!"

Matt Barnes took over for the top of the eighth with Brad Miller pinch hitting for Beckham. Barnes struck him out but walked Souza Jr. Chris Dickerson pinch hit for Bourjos and walked as well. Barnes got out of it by getting Longoria to bang into a double play to end the inning. 3 outs to go. The appropriately named Jumbo Diaz came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Mr. Mookie grounded out, Ramirez lined out to right and Moreland whiffed a triple shy of the cycle to end the inning.

Could Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel save the game for sale in the top of the ninth? He did manage to strike out Weeks. Shane Peterson hit for Norris and looked at strike three. Morrison grounded out to second to end the game. The Sox had held on to lock down Chris Sale's first win, 2-1.

Hero of the Night is Chris Sale. The ace got his first win with a 7 inning, 1 run gem where he struck out 12 Rays.

                                                          Hero of the Night: Chris Sale


The Good:

Dustin Pedroia was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Mitch Moreland nearly hit for the cycle, going 3 for 4 with a single, double and a home run.

Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3.

Chris Young was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless inning.

Craig Kimbrel earned his 4th save with a scoreless ninth inning.



The Bad:

Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Mookie Betts was 0 for 4.

Hanley Ramirez was 0 for 4.

Pablo Sandoval was 0 for 3.



The Ugly:

Sandy Leon was 0 for 3 but drove in the go-ahead run.



Final Thoughts:

This season has been up and down but Chris Sale has been as great as advertised, he just seems to be snakebit when it comes to run support. Luckily the punchless lineup was able to do just enough to scrape by in this one. Mitch Moreland has done all he can to replace David Ortiz, its too bad he's getting no help from anyone else right now. There will be better days, this lineup is too talented to be silent for too long. It was nice to see Barnes recover on a day he didn't have his best stuff and Kimbrel locked it down with no trouble. The Sox play Game 3 tomorrow at 1:35 PM with Drew Pomeranz (1-0) opposite Alex Cobb.