After being embarrassed back in early May by the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, the Boston Red Sox were looking to return the favor while pushing the O’s losing streak to 11 games. But Nick Markakis had other plans as his RBI single in the 11th inning ended the misery as the Orioles prevented the Red Sox from the sweep.
John Lackey was much better this time out then in previous outings. He allowed just two runs over seven innings after throwing a season-high 124 pitches. Unforunately, those runs given up by Lackey came after Victor Martinez had put the Red Sox up 2-0 on a home run in the top of the 2nd.
Lackey battled all game though and you can see how fiery he is on the mound. When a call didn’t go his way, you could see the emotion on his face. What’s concerning to me though is the lack of velocity.
Although his fastball was coming in at 90-91 at the end of the 7th, it was coming at the same speed he had thrown it most of the game. His curveball wasn’t as sharp as it has normally been but he did pitch to contact and let the defense do the work behind him. But his bulldog effort kept the Red Sox in the game and that’s all you can ask for from him.
With Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester just humming along, if Lackey can get going things could get really nasty for opposing teams.
The Red Sox offense did battle back though against the Orioles bullpen they had battered during the series. But they were only able to get the tying run in the 9th and nothing else.
Even though it was a loss on Sunday, the Red Sox are still playing good baseball right now. This one loss won’t make break or this season. You know the Red Sox will put this behind them and look to take the four games from the Cleveland Indians before heading home to start interleague play on Friday.
We’ll be back later with tonight’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups, news and any links from the day but for now enjoy the overnight links.
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A day to shape a franchise: How one draft changed the Red Sox for years [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]
Red Sox get nicked up in the 11th [Boston Globe]
In return, Cameron at center of action [Boston Globe]
To Orioles, this was a big deal [Boston Globe]
Sox recap: Orioles 4, Red Sox 3 [Boston Herald]
Catching up to Mike Cameron [Boston Herald]
Not the same, old draft [Boston Herald]
Victor Martinez going back, back . . . [Boston Herald]
Red Sox fail to complete sweep, lose to O’s in 11 [CSN New England]
Ortiz says he’s fine after being hit by pitch [CSN New England]
Ortiz sore after being hit on the hand [ESPN Boston]
Delcarmen’s battling a stiff back [ESPN Boston]
Cameron produces as Sox lose in 11 innings [ESPN Boston]
SoxProspects.com: Red Sox draft preview [ESPN Boston]
Closing Time: Orioles 4, Red Sox 3 [Full Count]
Lackey plays the role of the horse [Full Count]
Postgame reaction to Sox’ loss [Full Count]
Character, Chemistry, Guitar Lessons Driving Red Sox Up AL East Standings [Heidi Watney – NESN.com]
What to make of John Lackey [Lou Merloni – WEEI.com]
Terry Francona Pleased With John Lackey’s Fight on Sunday [NESN.com]
Who Has Been Theo Epstein’s Best Draft Pick? [NESN.com]
Drafting for Need Not on Boston’s Agenda in 2010 MLB Draft [NESN.com]
Sweep slips away [Providence Journal]
Red Sox fondly remember day they were drafted [Providence Journal]
Red Sox journal: Delcarmen struggles when back flares up [Providence Journal]
Cameron returns to lineup, plays center [RedSox.com]
Youk, Victor differ on World Cup favorites [RedSox.com]
Beltre back; Hermida remains out [RedSox.com]
Stephenson was one of a kind [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
And if you must read the enemy paper, head over to the Baltimore Sun website. Or you can check out our Bloguin brother, the Oriole Post.
