Tim Wakefield needs just 17 wins to tie the immortal Cy Young and the Texas Con Man for the record for wins in a Red Sox career with 192. And tonight it looked like he took a step toward that goal with seven solid innings, allowing just two solo homers to the Kansas City Royals.
But the bullpen, which has been a horror movie so far (9 walks in 13+ innings), gave up two runs in the eighth to give Kansas City a 4-3 comeback win. Tonight's culprits were Hideki Okajima and Daniel Bard, with Bard taking the loss. They aren't inspiring a lot of confidence right now.
KC? Come on. Wake deserved so much better, and he can't afford to get no-decisions against rotten teams like this, especially after pitching so well.
Wakefield also became the oldest pitcher ever to start a game in Red Sox history, at the age of 43 years and 250 days, breaking David Wells' record set in 2006.
It was also a night of blowing opportunities to score runs and add to the lead, as the Sox had the bases loaded on walks in the seventh, and two on in the eighth and came away with nothing.
J.D. Drew hit a two-run home run in the three-run fourth. Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits, but David Ortiz was tossed out in the sixth on a very questionable third strike call.
I know, I know. It's just four games. They won't be two under .500 for very long.
yes - bullpen has to quit walking people. Trying not to overreact but I was peeved.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Liverpool in Europa Cup
Thanks, Rick. Hopefully Liverpool can come away with some hardware after what's been a rough season.
ReplyDeleteBullpen's worrying me with this lackluster start...