Jays Embarrass Sox at Fenway (7/22/22)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Chris Sale was placed on the Injured List with a fractured pinkie finger and Connor Wong was sent back to Worcester. In their places, Brayan Bello and Yolmer Sanchez were called up from Worcester. Sucks that Sale got hurt AGAIN but this season is circling the drain anyway.

                                                                           OUT

                                                                          IN

As for the game, this may be one of the most embarrassing games in Boston Red Sox history. Back in 2000 the Yankees beat the Sox 22-1 at Fenway and in 2016 the Angels spanked the Sox 21-2 but this game was worse for one reason, the collective effort was AWFUL. The Toronto Blue Jays utterly demolished the Red Sox by getting TWENTY-NINE hits as well as 28 runs. Nathan Eovaldi was toast after just 2 2/3 innings and 9 runs allowed but the Boston bullpen got annihilated for 19 runs after he was gone. Worst yet, Raimel Tapia hit an inside the park grand slam when Jarren Duran lost the ball in the lights and didn't bother to go after the ball. The Sox also made two errors as the Jays poured on the attack. Only two of the nine innings the Jays didn't score as the Sox ineptitude against the AL East continued with a 28-3 massacre by the Jays at Fenway Park.

                                         A microcosm of the season for both Duran and the Sox

The Jays wasted no time getting to Eovaldi in the top of the first as Raimel Tapia struck out swinging. Vladimir Guerrero Jr doubled to left and Alejandro Kirk singled in the hole at short to move Vlad to third. Bo Bichette grounded out to Eovaldi but Guerrero scored to put the Jays on top. Teoscar Hernandez struck out swinging to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.

                                                      The carnage begins

Kevin Gausman got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Santiago Espinal. Ron Refsnyder took strike three but Rafael Devers doubled to left. Xander Bogaerts struck out swinging to end the inning. 

The Jays struck again in the top of the second as Lourdes Gurriel Jr got a base hit to center to start. Matt Chatman hit a home run all the way back to Toronto but Espinal popped up to short. Danny Jansen and Tapia both grounded out to short to end the inning with the Jays up 3-0.

                                                         It's about to get worse

Alex Verdugo grounded out to second to start the bottom of the second and Christian Vazquez got a base hit to right. Kevin Plawecki also got a base hit to right but Jackie Bradley Jr struck out swinging. Jeter Downs struck out swinging to end the inning. 

Things fell apart in the top of the third as Guerrero Jr grounded out to short to start. Kirk singled to right, Bichette doubled to left and Hernandez walked to load the bases. Gurriel Jr singled to center to score Kirk and Bichette, but Chapman struck out swinging. Espinal got a base hit to right to score Hernandez and everyone moved up. Jansen walked to re-load the bases and the plug was pulled on Eovaldi. Austin Davis came in and Tapia hit a fly ball to center.....that Duran never saw..it bounced 20 feet behind him and he just stared at it. Verdugo had to throw it back in but by the time he sis, Tapia had made it around for an inside the park grand slam. Guerrero Jr walked and took second on a wild pitch but Kirk lined out to right to end the inning with the Jays up 10-0.

                                                      Eovaldi can't bear to watch this

Duran struck out swinging to start the bottom of the third and Refsnyder lined out to right. Devers struck out swinging to end the inning. 

The Jays teed off on Davis in the top of the fourth as Bichette struck out swinging to start. Hernandez hit a home run all the way to Venus but Gurriel Jr flied out to right. Chapman was hit with a pitch and Davis fielded a grounder by Espinal then threw it away for an error. Jansen hit a home run all the way to Mongolia to increase the lead. Tapia grounded out to short to end the inning with the Jays up by two touchdowns 14-0.

                                                      Home run derby at Fenway

Bogaerts struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth before Verdugo grounded out to second. Somehow Vazquez belted his 7th home run of the year to break up the shutout. Espinal threw a grounder by Plawecki away for an error and JBJ smashed his second home run of the season to cut the lead. Downs took strike three to end the inning but the Sox kicked a field goal to trail 14-3.

                                                                Home run JBJ

Things got much worse in the top of the fifth with Kaleb Ort on the mound. Guerrero Jr took strike three and Kirk grounded out to first, but Bichette singled to right. Hernandez got a base hit to right and Gurriel Jr singled to center to score Bichette. Chapman hit a pop up on the infield and naturally no one called it, allowing it to drop in for a "hit" to score Hernandez. Espinal walked and Jansen singled to right to score Gurriel. Tapia doubled to center to score Chapman and Espinal then Guerrero Jr got a base hit to left to score both runners. Finally Ort was pulled and Darwinzon Hernandez came in to get beat up. Kirk walked and JBJ missed a pop up by Bichette to score Guerrero. Hernandez singled to right to score Kirk and Gurriel Jr doubled to center to clear the bases. Chapman took strike three to end the inning but the Jays scored 11 runs with two outs in the inning to lead 25-3.

                                                           Jays are all smiles

Duran doubled to left to start the bottom of the fifth but Refsnyder took strike three. Devers lined out to left and Bogaerts struck out swinging to end the inning. 

Bobby Dalbec came in for Devers as the massacre continued in the top of the sixth. Downs threw a grounder away by Espinal for an error and Jansen hit yet another home run to increase the lead. Tapia ate up Downs at second for another hit and Zack Collins pinch hit for Guerrero. Collins popped up to short but Kirk singled to center. Cavan Biggio pinch hit for Bichette and forced Kirk at second. Bradley Zimmer pinch hit for Hernandez and struck out swinging to end the inning with the Jays up 27-3.

                                                          Jays can't miss tonight

The Sox got a run back against Jeremy Beasley in the bottom of the sixth as Verdugo flied out to left to start. Vazquez pounded his second home run of the night to cut the lead and Plawecki singled to left. JBJ and Downs both struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 27-4.

                                                     Vazquez is still fighting

Yolmer Sanchez came in for Bogaerts with Jake Diekman now on the mound for the top of the seventh. Gurriel Jr singled to right but Chapman hit one up the elevator shaft. Espinal popped up to short but a wild pitch moved Gurriel to second. Jansen took strike three to end the inning for Boston's first scoreless inning of the game. Duran struck out swinging to open the bottom of the seventh but Jansen dropped a pop up by Refsnyder. Rob made him pay back by hitting his fourth home run of the season but Dalbec took strike three. Sanchez struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 27-5.

                                                           Refsnyder jacks one

Hiro Sawamura came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Tapia grounded out to third to start. Collins watched strike three go by and Kirk grounded out to third to end the inning. Franchy Cordero pinch hit for Verdugo and flied out to center to start the bottom of the eighth. Vazquez grounded out to second and Plawecki also grounded out to second to end the inning.

Sanchez the infielder took over on the mound to start the top of the ninth and Biggio doubled to left. JBJ made a running catch to rob Zimmer of a hit but Gurriel Jr got a base hit to center. Chapman singled to left to score Biggio to wrap up the scoring. Espinal forced Chapman at second and Jansen popped up to third to end the inning with the Jays up 28-5.

                                     Sanchez didn't even allow the most runs by a pitcher

Anthony Banda came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and JBJ grounded out to short to start. Downs flied out to center and Duran struck out swinging to end the game. The Jays had beaten the crap out of the Sox 28-5.

                                                             Jays win

Jackass of The Night is Jarren Duran. Lollygagging after fly balls you lost in the lights is a bad look, doesn't matter what the score is

                                                                Nice one Jackass          

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 1 for 3.

Christian Vazquez was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs.

Kevin Plawecki was 3 for 4 with a run scored.

Jake Diekman pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Hiro Sawamura pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Bobby Dalbec struck out in his only at-bat.

Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Yolmer Sanchez struck out in his only at-bat and gave up a run in the ninth inning on the mound.

Alex Verdugo was 0 for 3.

Franchy Cordero was 0 for 1 in his only at-bat.

Jeter Downs was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts and an error.

Nathan Eovaldi took the loss by allowing 9 runs in just 2 2/3 innings off 8 hits and 2 walks.

Austin Davis allowed 5 runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Kaleb Ort allowed 8 runs in 2/3 of an inning.

Darwinzon Hernandez allowed 5 runs in 1 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Rob Refsnyder was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but hit a home run.

Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Final Thoughts:

I think its time to sell at the trade deadline. Xander Bogaerts, Nathan Eovaldi and JD Martinez are all free agents after this season and Sox GM Chaim Bloom might want to get something for them. Lourdes Gurriel Jr had 6 hits and the Sox as a team had 10, that's just inexcusable. Duran also needs to be sent back to Worcester because lollygagging after balls is what got Izzy Alcantara sent on a rocket ship to obscurity back in 2000. Speaking of 2000, the Sox getting smashed at home by the Yankees in June of 2000 was somehow not as bad as this. Getting beat by the World Champs is one thing, getting dominated by THIS Jays team is another. Jake Diekman and Hiro Sawamaura were the only pitchers not to give up runs and what do you say at this point? Here's the worst part, they allowed 27 runs to the Yankees in the two games before the all-star break and 28 in this one. That's 55 total runs in three games, that'll get you a one way ticket to last place in team ERA. The offense managed four home runs and scored 5 runs, not the best but any other night that would at least put them in a position to win. Jeter Downs looked as lost as Duran did so things are not looking good for the youngsters. The less said of this, the better. The loss dropped the Sox to 48-46, 16.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow against the Jays as Kutter Crawford (2-2) takes on Alek Manoah of the Jays. The game begins at 4:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Off-Day News: Draft Day 3 Coverage (7/19/22)

Today concluded the 2022 MLB Draft and the Boston Red Sox kicked things off with their 11th round pick. Right handed pitcher Marques Johnson of Long Beach State was chosen after tossing 44 innings and posting a 3.25 ERA out of the bullpen. Last year's 11th round pick Niko Kavadas is second in the organization in home runs and may see Portland this year. It would be unfair to expect Johnson to be in Portland next year but you never know.

                                                      Long Beach in the HOUSEEEEEEE

In the 12th round the Sox took injured right handed pitcher Hayden Mullins from Auburn University. Mullins was 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 34 innings before suffering a season ending elbow injury. He's got a low 90's fastball but a great curveball. Just like when the Sox drafted Hunter Dobbins knowing they'd have to wait for him, they're going to take the same approach with Mullins. Hope this turns out to be a sneaky good pick.

                                                               Get well soon Mullins

Once again the Sox yet another shortstop when they made their 13th round selection Gavin Kilen out of Milton High School in Milton, Wisconsin. Why they chose yet another shortstop is anyone's guess, not to mention he's already committed to Louisville, University. He can either turn pro for $125,000 now or go to Louisville and up his stock, the choice is his.

                                                             Boston or Louisville?

Not learning anything, the Sox used their 14th round pick on ANOTHER shortstop. This time they took Copperas Cove Texas infielder Travis Sanders. He's 6'1 and has pretty good speed. Only drawback is he's committed to Texas Tech. Once again, will he turn pro for 125K or improve his draft stock by going to Texas Tech. With so many damn shortstops drafted this year, he may as well go to school.

                                                         And the crowd goes wild!

The Sox got another pitcher when they took left handed Nathan Landry from the Missouri Tigers in the 15th round. The Quebec native made 4 starts and 11 relief appearances as a Junior for the Tigers, posting a 3.67 ERA. He struck out 54 batters in 41 innings but the good news is he only walked 7. If he can keep the contact down, he could be a good reliever down the road.

                                                              A lefty with control

The Sox 16th round pick was another pitcher, right handed pitcher Garrett Ramsey of Southern Miss University. He posted a 2.61 ERA out of the bullpen while going 5-1 with 4 saves this year. The Greenville Drive and Salem Red Sox are dominated by the end of the Dave Dombrowski era draft picks not counting last year's picks. Its very apparent Bloom is restocking the lower minors with pitching to see if any of them at least can be an improvement over the current Greenville Drive that's 20 games under .500.

                                                              Another reliever drafted

The Sox finally did something different in the 17th round when they chose high school outfielder Deundre Jones from Lutheran South Academy out of Texas. He isn't projected to be a top 10 star so this pick is a big crapshot. Not to mention he's also committed to Kansas State University. This may be the last time you hear of him so take a good look.

                                                     Tall task to make the majors for Jones

The Sox went to Junior College to take their 18th round pick. Right handed pitcher Austin Ehrlicher is a 6'5 former basketball player that's spent the year at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. Apparently he wanted a career change and tried his hand at pitching. Last year the JuCo pitcher the Sox drafted was Luis Guerrero who's currently 2-3 with a 3.78 ERA at Salem. Let's see how Ehrlicher turns out.

                                       From the basketball court to the baseball mound

In the 19th round, the Sox took right handed pitcher Jaret Goodman of Oklahoma University. Just like their 19th round pick last year (Tyler Uberstine), Goodman can maintain status of a bum as he allowed 17 runs in 19 innings to post a hideous 6.98 ERA. Uberstine is currently 5-4 with a mediocre 4.37 ERA in Salem so the bar won't be set too high for Goodman. If he doesn't develop, oh well.

                                   UrinatingTree "He's going to be nothing, he's a BUM!"

Rounding out this crew, the Sox took a left handed pitcher named Connor Butler out of little known Biola University in the 20th round. He was 1-2 with 2 saves and a 4.50 ERA for Biola which isn't good. If he allows 5 runs in one inning to Fresno Pacific University, what's he going to do when he faces minor league hitters that are of much better quality? Biola actually stands for Bible Institute of Los Angeles so if Butler doesn't work out as a pitcher, he can go be an ordained minister.

                                                       Father Connor Butler

As an extra bonus, the Sox signed an undrafted free agent. UConn catcher Matt Donlan. Donlan actually started out at Stonehill before transferring to UConn. He hit .260 with 12 home runs for the Huskies and since the Sox are desperate for catching prospects, may as well give him a shot.

                                             Let's see if Donlan can fight his way to Boston

Rounding out the group, the Sox took another undrafted free agent when they signed 18 year old infielder Bryant Zayas out of Miami Christian High School. He was one of the top 500 players in high school baseball so let's see how he does.

                                                          Another longshot, Bryant Zayas

Late round picks usually don't turn into superstars so it would be unfair to expect any of these guys to be a major league regular. Although Niko Kavadas has been one of the better hitters for Single A this season, that's the exception rather than the norm. Still, the endgame for Bloom drafting so many pitchers is to replenish the system that's relying on Dominican League graduates and the dregs of the Dombrowski draft. If nothing else, these guys will fill out the lower level rosters to end this season. This may be the last time you ever hear of these guys so take a good look.

Off-Day News: 2022 MLB Draft Coverage (7/18/22)

Last night was the first and second rounds of the 2022 draft and Matt Holiday's son Jackson went first overall to the Baltimore before Druw Jones went second to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Texas Rangers picked Kumar Rocker giving them BOTH 2021 Vanderbilt pitchers along with Jack Leiter. The Boston Sox chose yet another shortstop in Mikey Romero from Orange Lutheran High School 24th overall. After drafting Nick Yorke in 2020 and Marcello Mayer last year, its become quite clear that Sox GM Chaim Bloom is going to send Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers packing in a few weeks. Since the Sox desperately need pitching, they could be trading Bogaerts and Devers for elite pitching prospects or major league ready starters. Romero is nowhere near the "can't miss" status of Marcelo Mayer so its going to be a few years before we hear from him again. It should be noted the New York Yankees drafted 6 foot 7 lefty hitting outfielder Spencer Jones from Vanderbilt, guess who they have in mind to replace Aaron Judge and take advantage of the short porch in right field? Adding insult to injury, the Chicago White Sox took 6'9 giant lefty pitcher Noah Schultz, keep that name in mind down the road if Romero doesn't develop.

                                                      See you in a few years Romero

If drafting Romero wasn't bad enough, the Sox got the 41st pick in the draft as compensation for not signing Jud Fabien last year (who went to the Baltimore Orioles in the second round). Guess what they took....ANOTHER SHORTSTOP! This time they took high school shortstop Cutter Coffey from Liberty High School in California. Pessimistic Sox fans are comparing Chaim Bloom to the Detroit Lions who kept drafting receivers year after year with all these shortstops. No disrespect to Coffey or Romero but that's not what the Sox need. Besides, he's committed to Texas University so he may go there instead.

                                                               Another shortstop??

The last pick of the first day was 79th overall pick Roman Anthony, an outfielder from Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The Sox got this pick from the Detroit Tigers signing Eduardo Rodriguez. If Anthony develops that would be a hell of a coup to let a declining Rodriguez go for a potential stud....if he develops.....or signs. He's committed to Ole Miss so who knows where he ends up.

                                              Rodriguez for Anthony....this better work

The Sox kicked off today's portion of the draft with their third round pick. Bloom shocked the whole world as he finally took a LEFTY PITCHER! Their choice was Southern Miss sophomore reliever Dalton Rogers. Dalton posted a 1.95 ERA in 37 innings last year for the Golden Eagles and are hoping this translates to the minors. The Salem Red Sox are using last year's 9th round pick Christopher Troye as their closer and are going to need another one if Troye gets promoted or falters. That could be Rogers at the end of this year or next.

                                              Finally a lefty pitcher was drafted

In the fourth round guess what the Sox drafted? Yet another shortstop. This time they took San Diego University sophomore Chase Meidroth. Chase hit a solid .329 with 10 home runs for the Toreros in his redshirt sophomore season. Sad part is he's probably more reliable than Romero or Coffey at this point. Chaim Bloom REALLY isn't going to be bringing Bogaerts back.

                                                            3 shortstops in one draft

The Sox once again did the right thing in the fifth round by taking another pitcher. This time they chose Old Dominion lefty Junior reliever Noah Dean. Dean pitched in 19 games out of the bullpen for the Monarchs going 3-2 with a mediocre 4.15 ERA. His fastball tops out at 97 so Sox brass are hoping they can add some movement to the fastball so he doesn't get clobbered.

                                                    Can hit 97, but can he get guys out?

The Sox used their sixth round pick on UNC Greensboro right handed pitcher Alex Hoppe. Hoppe went 8-2 with 3 saves and a 2.97 ERA his senior year although he tailed off at the very end. Bloom may be thinking about his minor league clubs with these picks considering every level has no distinct closer. Drafting Dean and Hoppe to immediately help the lower level bullpens could be the gameplan here on top of hoping they develop into major leaguers.

                                                         From UNC to the Red Sox

Keeping with the theme, the Sox took another pitcher with their seventh round pick. This time they took TCU right handed pitcher Caleb Bolden. This one was a crapshoot because he transferred after 4 years with the Arkansas Razorbacks to play a year with TCU where he posted a lousy 6.23 ERA. Last year the Sox picked Wyatt Olds in the seventh round after he had a bad senior year and Olds is currently 1-6 with a 6.39 ERA for Grenville. Hopefully the Sox have better luck with Bolden.

                                                  6.23 ERA in college isn't a good sign

Moving right along the Sox eighth round pick was another right handed pitcher. Miami Redhawks senior Jonathan Brand was arguably Miami's best starter going 8-2 with a 1.40 ERA. Apart from two games, he didn't allow more than 3 runs in any other game he pitched. Getting a guy like that in the eighth round could be a steal if he develops.

                                                                 Pretty good year for Brand

Boston's ninth round pick was another crapshot but not for the normal reason. No, they drafted highly touted North Carolina high school catcher Brooks Brannon who's ranked 155th in the entire country. The problem is he's committed to UNC. It would take a lot of money to get him to spur UNC for the pro's already. The Sox missed out on four guys last year who chose college over them so this could be another one.

                                                      Brannon could be headed to UNC

To close out the first day of the draft, the Sox chose two way player/pitcher Isaac Coffey of Oral Roberts University. As a batter he had 12 hits in 31 at-bats and as a starter he averaged 6 innings a game for the Golden Eagles. If the Sox are looking for a dollar store Shohei Ohtani, they may have found him for $149,000.

                                                                 Two way threat

This year has a much different vibe than last. The Sox were rolling in July of 2021 and were handed the fourth pick in the draft. This year they're spiraling down the tubes and their first round pick isn't a can't miss like Marcello Mayer is. That's not to say Romero or the other guys featured here won't develop but the Sox are going to need them sooner rather than later. There's still Day 3 tomorrow to pick at least ten more guys so we're not done yet. Some of these guys may start with Salem or the Complex League so get your tickets now.

Sox Lose Sale, Game To Yankees (7/17/22)

Chris Sale (0-1, 3.18 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox are legitimate cursed. He was out with a fractured rib since Spring Training then returned five days ago. Then in the first inning of today's first half finale against the New York Yankees, he takes a line drive off his pitching hand, breaking his pinkie finger just six batters into the game. The Yankees feasted on the Red Sox bullpen and added to Boston's AL East misery by pounding out 14 hits with 13 runs. Meanwhile Gerrit Cole stymied the shell-shocked Boston bats for just 2 runs in 7 innings. The Yankees relentless attack pounded the Sox in the last game before the All-Star break 13-2 at Yankee Stadium.

                                               A microcosm of the season, down and out

Cole got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran struck out swinging. Rafael Devers also went down hacking and Xander Bogaerts grounded out to third to end the inning. The game and the season fell apart in the bottom of the first inning as DJ LeMahieu doubled to right to start. Aaron Judge was hit with a pitch and both runners moved over on the Anthony Rizzo grounder to first. Gleyber Torres hit a routine grounder to Devers who turned and threw the ball into the left field bleachers for an error to score LeMahieu. Matt Carpenter grounded out to short but Judge scored another run. Hicks then hit a bullet off the hand of Sale into right to score Torres and knock Sale out with a broken finger. He lasted just 2/3 of an inning and charged with 3 runs. Hiro Sawamura came in to pitch and Isiah Kiner-Falefa grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Yankees up 3-0.

                                                              So much for Sale

JD Martinez struck out swinging to start the top of the second before Alex Verdugo lined out to right. Christian Vazquez lined out to right to end the inning. Tim Locastro singled to center to start the bottom of the second before Kyle Higashioka popped up to short. Locastro stole second and LeMahieu walked. Judge lined out to third and Darwinzon Hernandez came in to pitch to Rizzo. Naturally he hit Rizzo to load the bases but Torres flied out to right to end the inning.

Franchy Cordero struck out swinging to start the top of the third but Jackie Bradley Jr singled to center. Jeter Downs then clubbed his first career home run to cut the lead. Duran struck out swinging and Devers lined out to first to end the inning with the Sox down 3-2.

                                                         First home run for Downs

Carpenter struck out swinging to start the bottom of the third but Hicks walked to chase Hernandez. Ryan Brasier came in and got Kiner to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Bogaerts grounded out to short to start the top of the fourth before Martinez took strike three. Verdugo struck out swinging to end the inning. The Yankees exploded in the bottom of the fourth as Locastro singled to left to start the inning before stealing second. Higashioka singled in the hole at short and LeMahieu singled to right to score Locastro. Judge singled to left to chase Brasier and Jake Diekman came in to pour gas on the fire. Rizzo walked to load the bases but Torres struck out swinging. Carpenter doubled to right to score LeMahieu and Judge and Hicks singled to right to score Rizzo. Carpenter moved to third on the Hicks single and scored on the Kiner sac fly to left. Locastro hit the exclamation point with a two run home run. LeMahieu took strike three to end the inning with the Yankees scoring eight runs to take an 11-2 lead.

                                                        Eight run inning thanks to Locastro

Vazquez grounded out to first to start the top of the fifth before Cordero struck out swinging. JBJ popped up to short to end the inning. Tanner Houck came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth with Kevin Plawecki now behind the plate. Judge began with a base hit to left but Rizzo flied out to left. Torres flied out to right but Carpenter walked. Hicks grounded out to first to end the inning.

Downs doubled to left to start the top of the sixth but Duran struck out swinging. Devers went down hacking and Bobby Dalbec pinch hit for Bogaerts. Dalbec took strike three to end the inning. Connor Wong took over for Devers with Garrett Whitlock now on the mound for the bottom of the sixth. Kiner flied out to left to start and Locastro struck out swinging. Higashioka went down hacking to end the inning.

Joey Gallo came in for Judge and Marwin Gonzalez came in for Rizzo to start the top of the seventh. Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Martinez and took strike three before Verdugo got a base hit to right. Plawecki grounded into a double play to end the inning. John Schreiber came in to crap his pants in the bottom of the seventh as LeMahieu singled to right to start. Gallo hit a home run all the way to Pasadena to increase the lead. Gonzalez flied out to left, Torres grounded out to third and Carpenter lined out to center to end the inning with the Yankees up 13-2.

                                                          Home run Gallo

Lucas Luetge came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Cordero struck out swinging to start. JBJ grounded out to first and Downs took strike three to end the inning. Kaleb Ort came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Hicks took strike three to start. Kiner singled to left but Locastro flied out to left. Higashioka walked and LeMahieu was hit with a pitch to load the bases, but Gallo flied out to right to end the inning. 

Jonathan Loaisiga came in to close out the top of the ninth and Duran struck out swinging to begin. Wong singled to right and Dalbec took strike three to end the game. The Yankees had won it 13-2.

                                                     "We suck" - Bogaerts

Jackass of The Night is Ryan Brasier. He let the flood gates open by allowing 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth.

                                           "Yeah you're out, Jackass, now beat it!" - Cora

The Good:

Connor Wong got a base hit in his only at-bat.

Rob Refsnyder was 1 for 2.

Jackie Bradley was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Jeter Downs was 2 for 3 with a 2 run home run.

Hiro Sawamura pitched a full scoreless inning.

Darwinzon Hernandez tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning.

Tanner Houck tossed a full scoreless inning.

Garrett Whitlock tossed a full scoreless inning.

The Bad:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4 with the golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts.

Rafael Devers was 0 for 3 with an error and 2 strikeouts.

Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 2.

Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts.

JD Martinez was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts.

Christian Vazquez was 0 for 2.

Kevin Plawecki was 0 for 1.

Franchy Cordero was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Chris Sale was knocked out of the game after being charged with 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning.

Jake Diekman got lit up for 4 runs in 1 full inning.

John Schreiber allowed 2 runs in an inning.

The Ugly:

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Final Thoughts:

If you thought this season couldn't get more embarrassing, think again. Not only can the Boston Red Sox not beat the AL East, they're not even competitive. The Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and the Yankees not just beat them, but feast on them. The Sox starting rotation is decimated by injury but at the same time, they're not supposed to be THIS bad against the AL East. On top of that, whatever deal John Henry made with the devil for 15 years of success has expired because now they can't do anything right. Their entire rotation got hurt, but here comes Chris Sale. Now Sale is hurt again with a broken pinkie and who knows when he'll be back. Its just more bad vibes in a season full of them that's spiraling down the drain. The less said of this disaster, the better. The loss dropped the Sox to 48-45, 16.5 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox are now off for four days for the MLB Draft and will face the Toronto Blue Jays when action resumes this Friday night. It looks like Nathan Eovaldi will be getting the start for the Sox and Kevin Gausman for the Blue Jays at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Yankees Blast Sox (7/16/22)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a predictable roster move. Trevor Story was placed on the Injured List with a bad wrist and Connor Wong was recalled from Worcester to take his place. Story never recovered after being hit with a pitch and this was the right move to make to keep him from aggravating it.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                               IN

As for the game, the Sox cannot compete with the AL East. The New York Yankees knocked the Red Sox around again just like every other AL East team this season. Nick Pivetta (8-7, 54.50 ERA) got rocked for 7 runs and didn't make it out of the 5th inning. The Yankees then got another seven runs off the Sox bullpen, scoring 14 runs off of 12 hits. Meanwhile Jameson Taillon shut down the impotent Sox offense by tossing 6 innings of 1 run ball. The ultimate kick in the ass was when old friend and punching bag Ryan Weber tossed 3 scoreless innings to earn the save. It all added up to a 14-1 victory by the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

                                                 "They can't beat the AL East"

Taillon got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran led off flied out to right to start. Rafael Devers continued to torture the Yankees with his 22nd home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Xander Bogaerts got a base hit to left but JD Martinez flied out to center. Alex Verdugo forced Bogaerts at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0. 

                                                         Devers with another home run

Pivetta got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Jackie Bradley Jr made a great catch to rob DJ LeMahieu of a double to begin. Aaron Judge effortlessly singled to left and Anthony Rizzo laughed as he pounded a double to center for 3 consecutive absolute rockets off Pivetta. Giancarlo Stanton walked on 5 pitches not even close to load the bases. Josh Donaldson grounded out to third to score Judge and Matt Carpenter effortlessly pounded a 3 run home run to Neptune to put the Yankees up for good. Aaron Hicks grounded out to second to end the inning with the game over already 4-1 Yankees.

                                                              Carpenter ends it early

The Sox failed to respond in the top of the second as Christian Vazquez struck out swinging to start. Franchy Cordero struck out swinging and Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed as well to end the inning. The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the second as Isiah Kiner popped up to second to start. Jose Trevino flied out to the right field wall but LeMahieu closed his eyes and still got a base hit to right. Judge walked on pitches not even close but somehow Rizzo struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox did nothing in the top of the third as Jeter Downs flied out to left to start. Duran lined out to center and Devers grounded out to short to end the inning. Stanton flied out to the centerfield wall to start the bottom of the third before Donaldson somehow struck out swinging. Carpenter struck out swinging to end the inning.

Bogaerts lined out to left to start the top of the fourth before Martinez grounded out to short. Verdugo flied out to left to end the inning. Hicks walked to open the bottom of the fourth and Kiner flied out to the centerfield wall. Trevino popped up to second and LeMahieu lined out to the centerfield wall to end the inning.

Vazquez popped up to third to start the top of the fifth and Cordero struck out swinging. JBJ flied out to center to end the inning. The Yankees knocked out Pivetta in the bottom of the fifth as Judge hit a home run all the way to Queens to start. Rizzo effortlessly singled to center and Stanton laughed as he doubled to right. Somehow Donaldson took strike three and Sox manager Alex Cora had seen enough. That was it for Pivetta who would be charged with 7 runs in just 4 1/3 innings. Darwinzon Hernandez came in and Carpenter easily smashed a home run all the way to Finland to ice the game. Hicks struck out swinging but Kiner was plunked. Trevino flied out to the right field wall to end the inning with the Yankees up 8-1.

                                                  Carpenter outscores the Sox by himself

Downs struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth and Duran grounded out to short. Devers flied out to left to end the inning. Kaleb Ort came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and LeMahieu walked on pitches not even close before Judge closed his eyes and smashed a home run all the way to Neptune. Rizzo walked on pitches not even close but Stanton struck out swinging. Donaldson struck out swinging and Carpenter grounded out to short to end the inning with the Yankees ahead 10-1.

                                                        Judge hits another one out

Old friend Ryan Weber came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Bogaerts grounded out to short to start. Martinez flied out to center and Verdugo grounded out to second to end the inning. Connor Wong came in for Verdugo, Kevin Plawecki came in for Bogaerts and Bobby Dalbec came in for Devers to start the bottom of the seventh with Hiro Sawamura now on the mound. Hicks walked to start then moved to second on the Kiner grounder to third. Trevino grounded out to third and Marwin Gonzalez pinch hit for LeMahieu. Gonzalez flied out to right to end the inning.

Tim Locastro replaced Judge for the top of the eighth and Vazquez grounded out to short to start. Cordero took strike three and JBJ walked. Downs lined out to center to end the inning. Rob Refsnyder replaced Vazquez with Austin Davis now on the mound for the bottom of the eighth. Locastro struck out swinging but Rizzo was plunked. Stanton walked and Davidson effortlessly singled in the hole at short to load the bases. Carpenter walked to score Rizzo and Hicks hit a routine grounder to Dalbec.....who threw the ball completely out of Yankee Stadium for an error to score Stanton. Kiner singled to center to score Donaldson and Carpenter to wrap up the scoring. Trevino got a bae hit to right to load the bases and chase Davis. Jake Diekman came in and Gonzalez struck out swinging before Locastro grounded out to short to end the inning with the Yankees up 14-1.

                                                             Sox can't hit or field

Weber put the Sox out of their misery in the top of the ninth as Duran grounded out to second to start. Dalbec grounded out to short but Plawecki doubled to center. Martinez grounded out to third to end the game. The Yankees had won it 14-1.

                                                          Yankees win

Jackass of the Night is Nick Pivetta. He got lit up for 7 runs in 4 1/3 innings to take the loss.

                                                            Jackass Pivetta

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 1 for 3 with a home run.

Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3.

Kevin Plawecki was 1 for 1.

Hiro Sawamura pitched a scoreless inning.

Jake Diekman got the final two outs of the eighth inning.

The Bad:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4.

Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 1 and committed an error.

JD Martinez was 0 for 4.

Alex Verdugo was 0 for 3.

Christian Vazquez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout. 

Franchy Cordero was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Jeter Downs was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Darwinzon Hernandez was charged with a run in 2/3 of an inning.

Kaleb Ort allowed 2 runs in an inning.

Austin Davis allowed 4 runs in 2/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Jackie Bradley Jr was 0 for 2 with a strikeout but drew a walk.

Honorable Mention:

Rob Refsnyder played left field in the bottom of the eighth.

Connor Wong played second base in the bottom of the eighth.

Final Thoughts:

What more can be said? The Red Sox simply roll over and die when they face a team from the AL East. They have yet to win a single series and we're in the middle of July. Pivetta got rocked and Taillon looked unbeatable. The main problem is everyone they kept over Hunter Renfroe and Kyle Schwarber has failed miserably. The rotation being decimated by injury didn't help but the lack of offense is appalling. The less said of this disaster, the better. The loss dropped the Sox to 48-44, 15.5 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow against the Yankees in the final game before the All-Star break when Chris Sale takes on Gerrit Cole of the Yankees. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Yankee Stadium.