Actually, we do, but the Red Sox didn't need him last night.
David Ortiz hit a three-run bomb off James (When Was The Last Time I Pitched a Big Game?) Shields in the fifth to break a scoreless tie and the Red Sox cruised into an 8-5 win. It was Papi's 17th dinger of 2010, and he now has 50 RBI.
Bill Hall hit a two-run shot and by the eighth it was 8-1. Tampa Bay tried to get back in the game, scoring two runs in each of the final innings, but try as they might, the Red Sox pen didn't give this one away. Jonathan Papelbon had to come in to get the final out for his 18th save, which on a night when you have a seven-run lead with six outs to get is just a little disconcerting.
John Lackey went seven innings, allowing eight hits and one run, while striking out three. Again not dominating, but he was good enough with all the run support. He stranded two Rays runners at third when the game was still scoreless.
Jason Varitek drove in two runs and Adrian Beltre continued his hot hitting, going 4-for-4.
Hideki Okajima continued his steep decline as he allowed a two-run home run to Willy Aybar in the 8th that made the game 8-3. It's pretty obvious where the Red Sox need to look for help as the July 31st trading deadline approaches: the bullpen.
The Mariners won in New York last night, so the Red Sox cut the deficit in the East to one game, and lead the Rays by two. It was the 3rd straight Red Sox win, and they close the brief two-game series with Tampa Bay tonight with Daisuke Matsuzaka taking on Matt Garza.
agreed on the bullpen. Okajima's contributions to the Sox are probably almost over - hey his deal worked out great for us. Papelbon throwing 92 mph certainly is very troublesome. Bullpens often have to be made during the season and I guess we have to do the same like we did in 2003
ReplyDeleteAnd it looks like Delcarmen's on his way out too, Rick. Another meltdown tonight. Theo has some serious work to do by July 31.
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