Game 31: Halos 11 Sox 0

Lackey really crapped the bed on this one. After last night's marathon, the Sox needed a solid game from Lackey to rest the bullpen. Before the game, Jenks and Wheeler were both put on the 15 day DL and Scott Atchison and Rich Hill were called up from Pawtucket. I think the official injuries were bicep cramps and a pull in Wheeler's calf but this seems more like a DL trip for suck-itis. Anyway, Lackey only gave the Sox 4 innings so both Atchison and Hill saw action in their first game in the Show.

Lackey was awful. Eight runs in 4 innings + 2 batters, 10 hits and 3 walks, and only 1 K. It seemed like most of the Angels' runs scored with 2 outs; at one point Lackey gave up 5 straight singles. The Angels were also running at will. They only got 4 SB ( and 1 CS) but they would have had more if their teammates hadn't gotten so many hits while they were running. Atchison looked decent in relief and Hill looks like he'll be death to left hand hitters. He might not be very good against righties though.

On the hitting side, Ortiz was on base 4 times with 3 hits and a walk. He's going the other way a lot this year. Seems like he's decided to forgo the power numbers to beat the huge shift they put on him instead. Otherwise, the Sox looked anemic against another mediocre pitcher (Pinero). I don't understand how they can get to Hernandez, Weaver, and Haren, but can't seem to touch the likes of Pinero or Fister. Is it a lack of familiarity thing? It's good to be able to hit the good pitchers during the playoffs, but we need to take care of business against the dregs during the season.

So the Sox end up splitting this series with the Halos and finishing the season series 6-2. The floundering Twins come into town next for a 4 game set. ESPN is saying Wakefield will start with Matsuzaka having pitched an inning on Wednesday.