The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 6-game west coast swing last night with a 4-3 comeback win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. For the Red Sox it was their second straight come-from-behind win and second straight time they had completed a perfect trifecta of Boston sports teams.
Every now and then a pitcher isn’t going to have a good night on the bump. For Justin Masterson, it was last night. He had control problems early on, walking 4 batters and throwing behind Torii Hunter. Of course with the history from earlier in the season, Masterson was warned although he said after the game there was no intent. Hunter didn’t think there was intent either. It was just a case of wildness for Masterson.
“I’ll tell you, I couldn’t throw a strike,” Masterson said. “The looks of it were not that good. There was no intention whatsoever on that pitch behind him. I left a slider up and in on him, and I was trying to get through a sinker. It ends up my body is going towards home plate, and my arm is about two hours behind my body, and it just left it behind him. Walked two guys before that. So no, no intent on anything by it. It was kind of the epitome of my early-on day, of not being able to throw a ball anywhere I wanted to.”
The Red Sox bullpen continued to shine last night as they were charged with an unearned run that came off of a Mike Lowell throwing error. That was just one reason why they won last night. The other? The Angels bullpen stunk worse than rotten eggs.
It seems like every time the local nine runs into a starting pitcher who is dominating them, such as Jered Weaver, last night, they are still in the game. The reason why is the fact the offense has been killing other team’s bullpens. We all know our offense is good but when you aren’t getting help from your bullpen, you’ll usually end up with a loss.
And having a good bullpen shows in the standings. The Red Sox haven’t exactly had the best starting pitching this year. But with their record standing at 21-12, Terry Francona can thank his bullpen which is getting the job done. Oh and he can thank Jason Bay too.
Before we get to the links, congratulations to Surviving Grady on taking home Best New England Sports Blog honors last night. It’s an honor well deserved for Denton and Red.
J.D. Drew sparks Sox’ 4-3 win over Angels [Boston Herald]
Varitek double in ninth drives Sox’ rally past Angels [Boston Globe]
Red Sox rally late for 4-3 win in Anaheim [Providence Journal]
Above-average night for Jason Varitek [Boston Herald]
Ortiz gets encouragement [Boston Globe]
Ortiz plunked on wrist, but doesn’t expect to miss any games [Providence Journal]
Other sluggers prop up David Ortiz [Boston Herald]
Youkilis (oblique) on 15-day DL [Boston Globe]
Hard work is beginning to pay off at the plate for Varitek [Providence Journal]
Wild Justin Masterson not making case [Boston Herald]
Warning signs [Extra Bases]
Youkilis sent to disabled list with oblique injury [Providence Journal]
Injuries proving tough [Boston Herald]
Hitting the spot [Extra Bases]
Opposing base stealers have had Sox on the run [Providence Journal]
Kevin Youkilis rests oblique on DL [Boston Herald]
Red Sox journal: Baldelli volunteers to be emergency infielder [Providence Journal]
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Providence Journal websites.
And if you must see what the enemy papers are saying you can check out the LA Times, Orange County Register and LA Daily News websites
Shields was still on the hill and gave up a leadoff single to Drews. Shields then hung one over the plate that Varitek hit into right center to score Drew for a 4-3 Red Sox lead. Jason Bulger took over and uncorked a wild pitch that moved Tek to third and eventually walked Green. He got out of trouble though as Ellsbury fouled out to third and Lugo grounded back to him.
20-12
16-14
