Yesterday, the O's came back from nine runs down to beat the Red Sox; today, the Red Sox returned the favor to slip past the Orioles 6-5 and ruin another great outing by rookie starter Brad Bergesen.
Bergesen outpitched Josh Beckett by giving up one run in eight innings, striking out six, and walking none. Bergesen lowered his ERA to 3.53 in the process.
Unfortunately, Bergesen didn't return to the mound in the ninth inning, and the O's bullpen immediately ran into trouble. Jim Johnson relieved Bergesen, walked Dustin Pedroia, then gave up a two-run homer to Kevin Youkilis. With the score 5-3, Dave Trembley brought in George Sherrill to close the door on the Red Sox. Sherrill recorded consecutive strikeouts against Jason Bay and David Ortiz -- then things went horribly wrong. Jacoby Ellsbury singled and Jeff Bailey and Jason Varitek both walked to load the bases. Rocco Baldelli then singled up the middle to score two runs and tie the game.
Danys Baez relieved Sherrill and pitched well enough at first but then allowed a run in the 11th on a Julio Lugo single.
After Ty Wigginton's solo home run to lead off the bottom of the fourth, the Orioles didn't have a single batter reach base. So the bullpen blew the lead, but the offense certainly didn't help to widen the gap any more. So much for winning a series against Boston.
Still, even though the O's lost again, they battled Boston -- a vastly superior team -- to the end. Jon Lester threw a gem on Monday in a 4-0 Red Sox victory, but the Orioles mounted an enormous comeback last night and had Boston on the ropes again today. There are no moral victories, but no one can say the Orioles don't have any heart or aren't showing signs of improvement.
Showing posts with label Boston Red Sox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston Red Sox. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Red Sox place Ortiz on the 15-day DL
After hurting his wrist on a swing against the Orioles on Saturday, David Ortiz was placed on the 15-day disabled list today after an MRI on Monday revealed a partially torn tendon in Ortiz's left wrist. The injury also may be serious enough to threaten the rest of the season for Ortiz.
The Red Sox brought up Justin Masterson from Triple-A, but he's probably only going to make a spot-start today against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Obviously losing Ortiz's presence in the third spot in the lineup is huge. The Red Sox have a few options to consider on how to deal with the temporary or long-term loss.
1) No significant moves. The Red Sox are currently second in the AL in runs scored (302), first in batting average (.283), and first in on base percentage (.358). Obviously Ortiz helped the Red Sox reach those numbers, but they still have plenty of talented hitters who have helped them achieve those solid stats. The Red Sox can do what they did in the game last night and DH Manny Ramirez and have Jacoby Ellsbury play left field, Coco Crisp in center, and Drew in right. Manager Terry Francona placed Kevin Youkilis in the third slot, which isn't really a bad option considering how he's playing. With Ramirez as the DH, the Red Sox gain better outfield defense but certainly lose a big left-handed bat in the middle of the lineup.
2) Play Sean Casey more. The Red Sox have 1B Casey on their bench, and he can probably fill in at the DH spot when Francona wants to have Ramirez in left field or when the Red Sox face a right-handed pitcher. Casey doesn't have much power, which means he may not be placed in the middle of the lineup, but he's a solid contact hitter who is a more than reliable option as a replacement.
3) Promote someone from the minors. OF prospect Chris Carter is hitting .310 at Triple-A Pawtucket and has 10 HRs and 35 RBIs. He is also left-handed.
4) Make a trade. The Red Sox have a deep farm system, so if they wanted to go out and trade for a left-handed power hitter, they could. Again, they'd probably only do this if they lost Ortiz for the rest of the season. Ken Griffey, Jr? Adam Dunn? Jay Payton? (O's fans wish)
5) Sign Barry Bonds. Sounds crazy, right? Well, some Red Sox fans are already suggesting Bonds as a possible option. Through everything the Red Sox have done over the last few years, moves like this one have been avoided at all costs. The signing of Bonds would surely be a complete distraction, which is probably something the Red Sox want to stay away from.
The Red Sox will probably choose a combination of 1, 2, and 3 as long as Ortiz is scheduled to come back. But if he's lost for the season, don't be surpised if Theo Epstein tries to make a big move.
The Red Sox brought up Justin Masterson from Triple-A, but he's probably only going to make a spot-start today against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Obviously losing Ortiz's presence in the third spot in the lineup is huge. The Red Sox have a few options to consider on how to deal with the temporary or long-term loss.
1) No significant moves. The Red Sox are currently second in the AL in runs scored (302), first in batting average (.283), and first in on base percentage (.358). Obviously Ortiz helped the Red Sox reach those numbers, but they still have plenty of talented hitters who have helped them achieve those solid stats. The Red Sox can do what they did in the game last night and DH Manny Ramirez and have Jacoby Ellsbury play left field, Coco Crisp in center, and Drew in right. Manager Terry Francona placed Kevin Youkilis in the third slot, which isn't really a bad option considering how he's playing. With Ramirez as the DH, the Red Sox gain better outfield defense but certainly lose a big left-handed bat in the middle of the lineup.
2) Play Sean Casey more. The Red Sox have 1B Casey on their bench, and he can probably fill in at the DH spot when Francona wants to have Ramirez in left field or when the Red Sox face a right-handed pitcher. Casey doesn't have much power, which means he may not be placed in the middle of the lineup, but he's a solid contact hitter who is a more than reliable option as a replacement.
3) Promote someone from the minors. OF prospect Chris Carter is hitting .310 at Triple-A Pawtucket and has 10 HRs and 35 RBIs. He is also left-handed.
4) Make a trade. The Red Sox have a deep farm system, so if they wanted to go out and trade for a left-handed power hitter, they could. Again, they'd probably only do this if they lost Ortiz for the rest of the season. Ken Griffey, Jr? Adam Dunn? Jay Payton? (O's fans wish)
5) Sign Barry Bonds. Sounds crazy, right? Well, some Red Sox fans are already suggesting Bonds as a possible option. Through everything the Red Sox have done over the last few years, moves like this one have been avoided at all costs. The signing of Bonds would surely be a complete distraction, which is probably something the Red Sox want to stay away from.
The Red Sox will probably choose a combination of 1, 2, and 3 as long as Ortiz is scheduled to come back. But if he's lost for the season, don't be surpised if Theo Epstein tries to make a big move.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)