Game 110: Tribe 7 Sox 3

Sox couldn't quite do it this game as this one slipped away from them. Bedard made his first start as a Red Sox and pitched well but left the game tied and the bullpen couldn't keep the Indians off the board. Bedard was on a pitch count limit and left after 70 pitches in 5 innings. He gave up 3 runs on 7 hits with 5 Ks and no BBs. More impressively, his stuff looked amazing. It seemed like he needed to throw more strikes but you could easily see why when he pitches, he's a great player. We've just got to keep him healthy.

Morales gave up a 2 run home run in a third of an inning to take the loss. Aceves finished the inning for him. Miller pitched in long relief with Bedard on the pitch count limit and gave up another 2 runs in 2 2/3 innings on 4 hits and 2 walks. He's obviously not built for the bullpen. Wheeler had to come in to finish the game for him.

Ellsbury lead the batters going 2-3 with a walk. Reddick hit his 5th home run in the 4th, something sinkerballer Masterson does not give up very often. Otherwise it was a very quite night with the Sox batters only mustering 5 hits all game. Fortunately, 3 of those came in the first inning to plate 2 runs.

Well, with the Sox loss and the Yankees win, the Yankees series will start with both teams tied. The Yankees have been on an absolute tear lately but I'm honestly very surprised. They have good batters but their pitching seems very, very suspect. But they've managed to be successful and as always, the series will be exciting. Lester squares off against Colon in the first game, one we should really take.

Game 109: Tribe 3 Sox 4

Another walkoff from Ellsbury! Sox struggled all game to push people across the plate but Ellsbury saved the day by hitting a solo shot with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, his 18th HR of the season. Sox had managed to collect 9 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings against the Indians' starter but could only get three runs out of it. Pedroia and Gonzalez had multi-hit games again and Reddick continues to hit well going 2-2 with a walk.

Wakefield started but still couldn't find win no. 200. He went 6 2/3 innings but ran into trouble in the 7th inning. Jason Kipnis hit another home run for the Indians in the 4th; I swear he's hit a home run in every game this series. Randy Williams somehow managed to pitch well in relief to finish the 7th and 8th. Papelbon pitched a perfect 9th and got his 2nd win in a row.

Ellsbury's really turned it on this year. He's been a real star in CF and gives the Sox so much depth. Sox try to win the series next before hosting the Yankees this weekend.

Game 108: Tribe 2 Sox 3

Walk off! Actually, it was a lot closer than that. Saltalamacchia scores from second on a frozen rope single by Ellsbury. He had no business trying to score on that hit but third base coach Bogar sent him despite all reason and only an awful throw up the first base line combined with a picture perfect slide by Salty scored the run. Bogar has made some awful choices so far this year. I miss DeMarlo Hale who is now Tito's bench coach; he always seemed to make the right decision. Hopefully Bogar can learn when to put up the stop sign and when to send 'em in.

Beckett didn't get the win despite pitching well. I was surprised he only went 6 innings as he had only thrown 85 pitches. I didn't hear anything about an injury. He gave up 2 runs, both on solo home runs. There were only 4 other hits allowed, no walks, and 7 Ks. Typical odd year Beckett. Morales looked good going 2 innings in relief. Papelbon got the save after pitching a clean ninth.

Sox struggled offensively collecting only 5 hits in the first 8 innings. They scored one run on a wild pitch strikeout with the bases loaded. The other came on a solo home run from Youkilis. Pedroia was the only batter to get more than one hit, going 2-4. He continues to be hot and Crawford continues to look bad.

Wakefield going for win number 200 next!

Game 107: Tribe 9 Sox 6

Well, this was a back and forth game until Orsillo worked his magic again. With the game tied at 5 and Bard coming in, Orsillo comments on how long it's been since Bard gave up a run and they go to an interview with Tito on Bard. Like clockwork, Bard gives up a two run home run to Cabrera as well as the lead. Williams comes in to finish the inning and is terrible per his usual and gives up his one inherited runner. Then, as if he hadn't had enough, Orsillo comments on Albers scoreless innings streak and Albers gives up a home run to the next batter. Sheesh.

Lackey pitched okay, not great, again, going 6 2/3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits on 5 Ks. He kept the Sox in the game which is all you can ask for with this offense. Morales finished the 7th inning but the rest of the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. Thanks Don!

Crawford finally got some good hits, going 2-4 with a double and a home run. Saltalamacchia also went 2-4 with a double and a home run. Aviles got some action the 2nd half of the game, made some good defensive plays, and got his first hit as a Red Sox. He ended up scoring the Sox final run on a bloop ground rule double by Ellsbury.

Difficult loss to take especially from the bullpen which had been so good this season (thanks Don!). Bounce back tomorrow with Beckett pitching.

Game 106: BOS 5 CHI 3

Sox win the rubber series as Miller does just enough to keep the Sox in the game. On the trade deadline, the Sox trade for Erik Bedard sending prospects to the Dodgers and the Mariners to make it happen. Bedard is poised to take Miller's spot in the rotation as Buchholz appears to be more injured than was first thought. Rumor has it he may be done for the season.

Miller pitched okay in this game trying to hold onto his job. He only gave up 3 runs and struck out 8 but he gave up 10 hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings, walking a tightrope the entire time. He left down by one. Aceves finished the sixth and, as the Sox took the lead in the top of the 7th, walked away with the win. Bard and Papelbon finished the game with Papelbon striking out all three batters he faced to get the save.

The nine through three hitters (Scutaro, Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Gonzalez) each had two hits a piece to drive the offense and Varitek hit a 2 run home run in the 2nd. Crawford went 0-4 and continues to disappoint this year. I just can't figure out how someone goes from consistent .300 hitter and 50 SBs to the total lack of any offensive contribution in just one season. I sure hope the Sox signing Crawford is not the second coming of the Mariners signing Chone Figgins.

Great to win the series against a team we've struggled against. The Indians are next, in Boston. I'm looking forward to seeing Bedard in a Red Sox uniform. Hopefully he'll look better than he did when I saw him last Friday.

Game 105: Red 10 White 2

Sox finally beat the White Sox this season and the offense come back alive. Lester looked great going 8 innings on only 98 pitches. Two earned runs on solo home runs in the 7th and 8th. Otherwise only two other hits and a walk while striking out 8. Tito pulled him after the Sox put up a crooked number in the top of the ninth as he's still recovering from his DL stint. Wheeler got two quick outs but then got in trouble giving up a walk and a double before getting that third out to finish the game.

The Sox offense was led by Gonzalez who had sat out yesterday's game with a stiff neck. He went 3-5 with his 19th home run in the ninth. Youkilis followed his shot with a deep ball of his own and went 2-5 on the night. Ortiz was the only starter without a hit as the Sox put up crooked numbers in the 5th and in the 9th.

The trade deadline looms and the Sox picked up utility infielder Mike Aviles from Kansas City for Navarro. I didn't think much of Navarro but I'm surprised the Sox went after Aviles. He seems to be too much of a free swinger. They must think Lowrie is done for the season as there doesn't seem to be room for him and Aviles. Sox are also rumored to be in the hunt for a number of starters (Jimenez, Bedard, Harden). I was at the M's game on Friday as Bedard made his first start off the DL. He looked terrible. I'm not sure if the Sox should go after any of these guys unless they know for sure Buchholz won't be available come October.

More to come as it comes!

Game 104: Carmine 1 Pale 3

Sox offense continued to struggle in this game mustering only 3 hits and 2 walks over the entire game. That made for a quick 2:10 game but a disappointing start to the series. Saltalamacchia hit a solo home run in the 3rd but the only other hits were a single by Sutton right after Saltalamacchia's shot and an infield hit by Scutaro in the 6th. Thus, Pedroia's streak came to an end at 25 games. Seemed like the Sox were always behind in the count against Floyd.

Wakefield actually pitched really well going 7 innings and only giving up 3 runs on 3 hits. He also allowed 2 walks but struck out 5. Aceves finished with a perfect 8th inning. Watching the games this season, I've become a fan of having computers call the balls and strikes. I don't think umpires are biased towards one team or another or that the Sox in particular have been hurt but every now and then there's an umpire whose zone alters the outcome of the game. Today's zone was so big that I think it benefited the White Sox more than the Red Sox. It's not that the umpire was giving Floyd calls he wasn't giving Wakefield; instead a control pitcher like Floyd is better able to take advantage of the huge zone than the knuckleballer. That gave the Sox offense little chance while Wakefield only benefited slightly. With a consistent zone every pitch of every game, the outcome might have been the same but it would have at least felt more fair and less arbitrary.

Anyway, the Red Sox continue to struggle against the White Sox. Lester takes the hill next so hopefully our luck will change.

Game 103: Suicide Kings 4 Sox 3

Shoot! Wasted a Beckett start and split the series with the Royals. Beckett looked good in all but one inning. He gave up a 3 run home run to Billy Butler after walking the first two batters in the 4th. A two-base error by Sutton and a double after that scored the 4th run. Beckett's final line was 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hs, 3 BBs, and 8 Ks. If it was Lackey we would be ecstatic; since it's Beckett we're disappointed. Morales pitched a clean 8th and Albers weaseled his way out of a scoreless, 3 base runner inning. Sox twice pitched out in that 9th inning and both times the runner was going. Unfortunately only once did they catch the runner.

Not much hitting by the Sox today. Ellsbury knocked in two in the 3rd with a single as the Sox piled up 3 hits in a row. Pedroia greeted the first Royals reliever with a home run in the 8th, extending his hit streak to 25 games. But only 8 hits on the game means the Sox aren't going to score more than 3 runs. Crawford did pitch hit in the 9th with Sutton on first and the Sox down by one. He hit a ball that looked like a sure-thing home run to right field for the win. But the wind knocked it down and seemed to even surprise the Royals outfielder as he had to come back to the front of the warning track to make the catch. Made for a exciting game.

Disappointing to only split with the Royals. Next up is three against the White Sox in Chicago. We've really struggled to get wins against the South Siders but hopefully we'll play good ball and get some wins.

Game 102: One-Eyed Jacks 5 Sox 12

Sox put up another big number against the Royals, scoring 10 runs in the first 4 innings. Ellsbury and Pedroia led off the game with back to back home runs. In fact the top three batters (Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Gonzalez) drove the engine today with 3 hits each. Gonzalez has certainly been getting his hits but he still doesn't look right to me. He's not really going the other way, dictating, the pitches he hits, or hitting with power. It seems like it's been quite awhile since he's hit a home run.

Ortiz also hit his 20th home run, a grand slam that capped the scoring in the 4th. It feels like the old Big Papi is back. He's batting in the 300's and hitting for power. If he can keep this up he's going to force the Sox FO to sign him to another contract.

Lackey started today and seemed very very lucky again getting the win. He only gave up 3 ERs in 5 2/3 but he gave up 11 hits and only struck out 3. You're not going to get away with giving up that much contact too often. Williams pitched 1 2/3 in relief and gave up another run. Wheeler finished the game going 1 2/3 with 3 hits and 2 Ks. He's seemed to pitch very well since coming off the DL but it's always been in low pressure situations. Hopefully his confidence will be up and the Sox will be able to use him in high leverage situations during the playoffs.

Beckett going next with the day game to finish the series. Sox going for the series win.

Game 101: Royales 9 Sox 13

Messy, messy game. We got the win only because our pitching wasn't quite as bad as the Royals' pitching. Miller gave up 7 runs, 5 earned, in 3 2/3 inning on 9 Hs, 2 BBs, and 1 K. Aceves came in during the 4th and cleaned it up going 3 1/3 shutout innings to get the win. He's been a real find for the Sox this year, eating up innings and keeping the Sox in games. Albers has also been a good find and he pitched a clean frame in the 8th. Morales gave up 2 runs on 3 Hs and a walk in the 9th.

Pedroia extended his hit streak to 23 games and went 4 for 5, just a home run shy of the cycle. Ortiz also went 4 for 5 with 5 RBI. Varitek hit his 6th home run in the 7th. McDonald was the only starter without a hit as the Sox had an odd lineup giving Ellsbury and Youkilis the day off.

This was a very long 9-inning game at 3 hours and 52 minutes. The Royals even ran out of pitchers and sent outfielder Mitch Meir out to pitch the 9th (Pedroia nearly hit a home run off of him). These long games and the long stretch of games are conspiring with the beautiful weather this summer to help me start to lose interest in finishing this season. We'll see how long I can keep it up.

Game 100: Royale with Cheese 3 Sox 1

Arrgh! What a frustrating game! The Royals didn't win this game; the Sox lost it. First they didn't take advantage of Kyle Davies pitching, he of the 1-9, 6.75 ERA, 1.79 WHIP variety. One run over 6 innings is poor execution by the vaunted Sox offense. Next, Carl Crawford strikes out with 2 on and 1 out in the 9th, 2 on and 2 out in the 11th, and then leading off the 14th inning. The definition of un-clutch; -0.444 WPA for any Fangraphs fans out there. Then, in the bottom of the 12th, the Sox have Reddick standing on 3rd base with 1 out, and they screw the pooch on a suicide squeeze. Reddick gets caught halfway home as Scutaro missed the sign and took ball one. Adding insult to injury, Scutaro hit a ringing single two pitches later (aargh!). Finally, the Royals got runners on the corners with nobody out in the 14th off of Williams, who is terrible if I haven't already mentioned it. The Royals put on the suicide squeeze and it's a pop up, one of the worst bunts ever. Except, it's a pop up that gets behind Gonzalez and lands literally right next to 1st base so the runner scores. That's your game.

On the bright side, Lester looked good albeit a little rough in his first game back from the DL. 5 1/3 innings, 1 run, only 2 BBs. Reddick continues to hit, going 3-6. And Pedroia extends his hit streak to 22 games.

But otherwise, a very frustrating game to watch the Sox squander. My TV is lucky there wasn't anything hard within my reach to throw at it after the 12th inning.

Game 99: M's 8 Sox 12

Wakefield earned his 199th win today in a game in which the knuckler was both dancing too much and too little. In the first he couldn't control it and gave up a 2 run homer to Olivio. Then he settled down until the 7th as the knuckler stopped dancing. Ryan ran into a grand slam after three consecutive singles and Wakefield's day was over. Fortunately for him, the Sox jumped all over Pineda in the first for 5 runs and in the 5th for five more. That would be all they would need for the win.

Gonzalez, Crawford, and Saltalamacchia all had three hits on the day and Ellsbury continued to hit the ball hard. Youkilis added a 2 run homer and Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 21 games with a double in the 5th. In fact everyone got a hit except Scutaro in this one. This Sox team sure can hit the ball, even against good pitching like Pineda, and they showed it today. A fun game to watch.

Next up, the Royals. Go Sox!

Game 98: M's 1 Sox 3

Exciting game from start to finish! Mariner's sent rookie starter Blake Beavan to the mound against Beckett and he did everything he could to keep up. Beckett pitched very well per his norm this year, giving up only one run on a home run to Carp in the top of the 7th. Beavan was in line for the win but ended up fatiguing with two outs in the bottom of the inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 consecutive hits before getting pulled. The third run came on a wild pitch by reliever Laffey.

In the top of the 8th, the Mariners loaded the bases with no outs against Bard on a single, a walk, and a close play at third on the sac bunt (he was out). But he wiggles his way out of it with a short pop up to Crawford, a K, and a ground ball out to Youkilis. In the ninth, the Mariners had the tying run at the plate after Olivo led off with a bloop single but Papelbon got the save on a foul out by Ichiro, a pop out by Ryan (in a long, tough at bat), and a strikeout of Ackley who had been 3-4 on the day before ending the game.

Ellsbury continued to hit the ball well with 2 hits. It was his two run single that gave the Sox the lead and he scored the insurance run as well. Pedroia extended his streak to 20 games with 2 hits. Youkilis and Reddick were the only starters without a hit although Youkilis had some very hard hit balls.

Going for the sweep this afternoon!

Game 97: M's 4 Sox 7

Sometimes baseball is not fair. Hernandez was clearly the better pitcher than Lackey but got tagged for 6 runs and the L as the Sox won. Everything the Mariners hit seemed to be on a line right at a fielder as Lackey went 7 innings with 1 run on 8 hits. On the other side, Hernandez seemed to give up several softly hit ground balls that found holes in the infield. One ball that was not hit softly though was Ellsbury's 16th home run, a solo home run in the 3rd. He's swinging a hot bat. And Pedroia got three hits to extend the streak to 19 games. But as I said, all of the batters seemed to have lady luck on their side against Felix as every batter got at least one hit.

Lackey's sole run came on a single by Suzuki on the first pitch, stole second on the 2nd pitch, and stole third on the 3rd pitch. Ackley hit a single to knock him in. Morales came in the 8th and had two on with 2 outs before giving up a home run to Carp. He's got really good stuff sometimes but seems to run into some bats every now and then. Bard finished the inning for him and Papelbon pitched a uneventful 9th.

Apparently it was in the upper 90's at Fenway for this game. Too bad for the Mariners as it's been a beautiful 70 degrees here in Seattle. They picked the wrong time to travel rather than host.

Game 96: Sox 4 Oreos 0

Miller's line looks way better than he deserved. Five and 2/3 innings, 0 runs on 2 hits. What jumps out is the 6 BBs to 3 Ks. He just couldn't throw his fastball for a strike to save his life. He was very lucky the Orioles didn't take advantage and even had a no-hitter going into the 5th inning despite walking the bases loaded in the 2nd. Albers, Bard, and Papelbon each had perfect outings to close out the game. Papelbon was pitching with the day off the next day just to give him some work.

At the plate, this game was powered by Ellsbury. He hit two home runs and they were both no-doubters. Gonzalez collected 4 hits the day after he responded to questions about whether participating in the home run derby had impacted his swing. He responded along the lines of once I have a 3-hit game, this will all go away. So there. It is still disturbing though his lack of power recently. He's still sitting on 17 HRs, only 2 more than Ellsbury. Pedroia hit a single in the 5th to extend his streak to 18 games but that was his only contribution at the plate.

Sox have the day off and then series against cellar dwellers Seattle (3-game) and Kansas City (4-game) next. Time to put the pedal to the metal.

Game 95: Sox 2 Oreos 6

Guthrie stymied the Sox this time around. Sox managed to only push across two on a two-run shot by Saltalamacchia, his second in as many games. Sox did manage to get 8 hits and a walk in 7 innings against Guthrie but he did a good job of keeping the batters off balance and staying in the game for 7 innings. Reddick continues his torrid pace collecting three hits. And Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 17 games. But not much more offense. Gonzalez, Crawford, and Drew combined to go 1 for 11 on Drew's single. We need these three to contribute, especially with Ortiz suspended.

Weiland made another spot start with Lester on the DL. He looked more comfortable this go around and got the tough luck loss giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. Aceves was looking good getting 5 outs before giving up a walk and back to back home runs in the bottom of the 8th.

Oh well, you can't win them all. And we've really been pounding the Orioles this year. Hopefully the hatchet is buried after the fireworks last series. Glad that the HBPs haven't been rearing their ugly head so far.

Game 94: Sox 15 Oreos 10

Well, how about that. After 16 innings of 1 run ball, the Sox and Orioles explode for 25 runs. This was actually a close game until the 8th. With the game tied at 7, the Sox exploded for 8 runs in the 8th. The Orioles brought in a pitcher with the strangest delivery I've ever seen, Mark Worrell. He's right handed and takes a step towards 1st base and then almost shot puts the ball in. Didn't seem to have great stuff but with a delivery like that you're living off of deception. Too bad for him Pedroia does not get deceived while he's on fire. Pedroia plated two to take the lead against Worrell.

Wakefield started the game but still couldn't add to his career wins total. He seemed to really have the knuckler dancing in the first four innings but after striking out the first two batters in the fifth, he gave up five hits including 2 home runs and 5 runs. Wheeler relieved him and went 2 1/3 scoreless innings to get the win. Williams pitched the 8th and gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk. He looked terrible and I hope he's not with the big league team for very long.

Sox offense looked good against the Orioles pitching. Saltalamacchia and Reddick both hit solo home runs. Ellsbury got back into the swing of things collecting 3 singles. And Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 16 games with 2 hits. Gonzalez continues to struggle at the plate going 1-5 and Drew was the only batter who went hitless on the day. Crawford finally came off the DL and played in left today. With Ortiz serving his suspension for fighting with Gregg during the last Orioles series, Ellsbury was DHing and Reddick moved to centerfield. Boy, he did not look good playing in the middle but the Sox really need to find playing time for him as Drew and Crawford have both been disappointing this year.

Good start. Let's win three.

Game 93: Sox 1 Rays 0

Marathon! The ESPN announcers (who by the way, are infinitely better than last game's Fox announcers) were joking in the 10th that the Yankees, who play the Rays next, were probably at the hotel hoping this game goes 15 innings. Well, they got more than they wished for as the Sox and Rays played 16.

Great starting pitching from both teams. Beckett went eight innings and only gave up an infield single off of his foot in the first. No walks and 6 Ks. Jeff Niemann matched him going 8 innings with 2 hits, 2 walks, and 10 Ks. After the starters were out of the game, the Sox relievers outshone the Rays going 8 innings with 2 hits, 1 walk, and 7 Ks. The Rays relief gave up only 1 hit between the 9th and 15th but walked 9 batters! The Sox loaded the bases twice (the 9th and the 11th) and scored no runs. In the 11th, the Rays walked the first three batters in the inning and managed to sneak out of trouble unscathed.

Pedroia was really the only bright spot offensively for either team. Three for seven with a walk and the game's only RBI. Reddick walked to start the inning and Varitek sacrificed him over to 2nd. Scutaro reached on an infield single that got Reddick to third but it looked like the Rays were going to escape again as Ellsbury flew out to short left field for the 2nd out in the inning. But Pedroia hit a solid single to plate the run and win the game.

Good to win that series and put a little more distance between us and the Rays.

Game 92: Sox 9 Rays 5

Sox managed to get to Big Game James in this one and sneak a win in for Lackey. Rays jumped out to a 3 run lead in the first but the Sox came back with a long 2-run home run by Reddick in the second and 3 runs on back to back doubles by Ortiz and Drew. Ellsbury and Pedroia added solo home runs of their own as well. Ellsbury and Pedroia are both really hitting the ball well right now. Gonzalez continues to struggle however joining Saltalamacchia as the only 0-fers in the lineup.

Lackey pitched just well enough to win and Francona again pulled him before he could finish an inning for the win. Five and 2/3 innings, 10 hits, 1 BB, and 3 ER. The 7 Ks were good but he got lucky to get out of a couple of innings on a pair of double plays. In a close game he gets the L but the offense bailed him out this time. Jenks apparently went back on the DL for the third time this year so his replacement, Randy Williams, pitched a clean inning in relief. Bard went 4 outs and looked dominant. Papelbon gave up a run in the non-save situation but pitched pretty well. Kotchman's fly ball found the outfield wall and got by Drew for a triple. Longoria hit a solid line drive for the RBI but no one else even hit the ball hard.

A good win to get especially after yesterday's loss. The more I see the Rays, the more I feel like we should take care of business regularly against these guys. Outside of Longoria, there's not much punch in the lineup. And with their young pitchers, we shouldn't see more than 6 innings of them. Rubber game's tomorrow. Let's do it.

Game 91: Sox 6 Rays 9

We're back from the All Star break. It was really nice having 4 days off and with me being gone this weekend, it's been a week since I posted. Unfortunately, the Sox did not get to a great start in the 2nd half. Miller didn't pull his weight and gave up 7 runs in 2 and 2/3 innings. The nail in the coffin was Zobrist's grand slam in the 3rd. That was only 4 of the 9 runs the Rays scored but the whole game, that felt like the difference maker. Aceves pitched well in long relief going 2 1/3. Wheeler gave up a 2-run home run to Kotchman which really was the difference maker. Albers and Morales each pitched a clean frame to end it.

At the plate the Sox showed off some power and were almost able to climb back into it. McDonald, Ellsbury, and Pedroia each hit solo shots off of Price. Scutaro added a 2-run shot in the 7th. Sox did a great job of getting to Price and getting him out of the game. He left after 6 with 121 pitches. But we just couldn't climb out of that hole.

Lackey v Shields is next. Sox have really struggled against Shields so it's gonna take a clean game to even up the series.