Sunday, July 18, 2010

Another Critical Road Trip Looms

Another day when the Red Sox injuries played a factor in a loss. No, thankfully, no one got hurt. But Jon Lester got almost no support, as C.J. Wilson struck out 10 and Texas took three out of four, 4-2.

Lester gave up three earned runs in eight innings. But the offense was again AWOL, and they really needed a huge spark. They really miss guys like Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Victor Martinez. You can only count on guys like Daniel Nava and Darnell McDonald for so long.

And when you are forced to have Kevin Cash bat in the ninth inning, you've got serious trouble.

It was also the day the Red Sox marked their 600th straight sellout at Fenway, but in the end, there was very little to celebrate.

Remember back in May, when the Red Sox went on a critical road trip, and many felt we were going to see what the Red Sox were truly made of in 2010?

Well, they had a terrific trip, as they got hot after that crushing loss in New York on May 17th.

Now, they are about to embark on an even more critical stretch of the season, as they start a 10-game road trip out west tomorrow in Oakland, and it will take them to Seattle and Anaheim.

They then return to Fenway for seven with Tigers and the Indians, and then hit the road for another ten, to New York, Toronto and Texas. That is 20 of the next 27 away from Boston, and by August 15th, we'll see where the Sox stand, and see if there is any reason to stay with the 2010 season.

They've got to get the Hurt Parade back, sooner rather than later, as the season hangs in the balance. (And one piece of good news after the game: Josh Beckett will make his first start back this Friday night in Seattle.)

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