Lester & Sizemore Were Sharp, But Waste Was Everywhere

There goes another undefeated season.

The Red Sox opened the defense of their 2013 World Series championship with a 2-1 loss to the Orioles at Camden Yards on Monday afternoon.

Jon Lester was very good, allowing both runs in seven innings while striking out eight. The first pitch of the 7th inning to Nelson Cruz was lined into the left seats to break a 1-1 tie.

It was a frustrating day for the Red Sox, as they left runners everywhere: 12 in all. They 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

But it sure wasn't frustrating for Grady Sizemore, who got hits in first two at-bats, including a home run that tied the game in the fourth. Not bad for a guy who hadn't played in an MLB game since September 22, 2011.

The Sox had chances all day to score runs, especially in the 8th and 9th, and left two on in both innings, with Jackie Bradley looking at called third strike with first and second to end it.

The Red Sox do the obligatory thing that championship teams do and go to the White House today to meet the guy that runs the country. It's an off day today, and John Lackey faces the Orioles tomorrow night in Game 2 of the 2014 season.