Orioles Throw the Game Away

Red Sox fans were glad to have the team back on the east coast so they would not have to stay up late to watch the games. So, what happens? The very first game in Baltimore ends up going 13 innings! So much for not staying up late. Once again the Red Sox offense was quiet. Perhaps with Josh Beckett on the mound, they felt the two runs they scored in the first inning would be all they would need. Beckett pitched a good game, only allowing two runs, one in the second and one in the fourth. But, Baltimore batters battled well against Beckett and were successful in driving his pitch count up, forcing him to leave after the 6th inning with the game tied at 2. But, working the pitch count was all they did well as Beckett used those pitches to strike out 10 Orioles.

The game went on and on as neither team could muster a real rally. The Red Sox bullpen needs some credit here. The only reliever for the Sox who did not get into the game was David Aardsma (guess who will be first out of the bullpen tonight?). The Red Sox relief squad went 7 scoreless innings, allowing only 4 hits, 4 walks, and striking out 7. For one night, the bullpen held their own!

The Sox offense finally went ahead, scoring 3 runs in the 13th inning, but they did it with a lot of help from the Orioles, who just may have finally wanted to get the game over with and get some sleep. All three Boston runs in the 13th inning were unearned. With one out, Manny Ramirez (who was celebrating his 36th birthday last night) got a gift from Melvin Mora who threw wide of first base for an error, sending Manny to second. Mike Lowell promptly hit a single to drive in Manny for the winning run. Kevin Youkilis would single, and surprisingly, with Jason Varitek batting, Mike Lowell took off for third and slid in safely. Youkilis was paying attention and took second base for a double steal. After Varitek struck out for the second out of the inning, shortstop Freddy Bynum could not handle Coco Crisp's ground ball, and the error allowed two runs to score.

Someone let Jacoby Ellsbury off the leash last night, and he ran free. We know Jacoby is half Navaho Indian, but from this stop action photo, I would guess that the other half is road runner! Ellsbury stole three bases last night to fall one short of tying Jerry Remy's Red Sox record of four in one game (don't you know that record will fall to Ellsbury sometime this season). In the 7th inning he stole second base, and an out later stole 3rd base. Unfortunately, he was stranded at 3rd when David Ortiz grounded out to end the inning. He stole his third base in the 12th inning but again was unable to score - but not for lack of trying.

The win was much needed, but with the Sox going so deep into their bullpen, they need Jon Lester to pitch deep into tonight's game to provide some relief (no pressure Jon).

If you have not already heard, Daisuke Matsuzaka was officially put on the 15 day disabled list (DL), and won't be available until June 12th. He was diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff. This is good news, as no structural damage was found. Just some rest and rehab should be all he'll need. The Sox have yet to commit to who will pitch on Dice-K's scheduled Tuesday start. The hottest rumor is that Justin Masterson will get his third call-up, and that seems pretty likely. What about Clay Buchholz? He pitched last night for Pawtucket (going 4 innings giving up 3 runs, 4 walks, and 5 strike outs), so he would not be available for Tuesday. However, I would not be surprised if Dice-K's absence provides at least one start for Buchholz.

Now, the question is, have you entered the DVD giveaway contest yet? Have some fun, test your prognostication skills and give it a try!