The Red Sox lost to the Tigers in their first game, 3-2. It would've been 2-0 Tigers if it wasn't for the Red Sox rallying in the 9th. Both Lester and Verlander looked great, but neither factored into a decision. Here's some observations from the first official game of the Red Sox's 2012 season:
* The bullpen may be worse than I thought. Padilla started the bottom of the 8th by giving up a triple to Austin Jackson, and with one out, intentionally walked Fielder. Morales came in gave up a short flyball to Center which Ellsbury botched the throw to home plate. In the bottom of the 9th, Melancon gave up two singles in a row, and Valentine put in Aceves. Aceves hit the next batter to load the bases and gave up a game-winning single to Santiago, costing the game.
* Lester was great. His line: 7 IP 6H 1R 1ER 3BB 4K 0HR 107 pitches, 63 for strikes. That's the way to start the season! I do think Valentine may have kept in a bit too long, but I can't complain with that performance.
* The Sox offense just wasn't firing, but they were also going against Verlander ("Cy Young, MVP!"). Verlander went 8 innings and only gave up 2 hits while striking out 7. Ortiz and Pedroia both had doubles, and Sweeney had a game-tying triple in the 9th. Sweeney was the only player to have more than one hit on the Sox, going 2-4. Youkilis struck out twice.
* Was it just me, or did Francona sound like he wishes he was still on the team? He had a sort of longing in his voice, and I could tell he missed being with the team. He made one comment about Pedroia knowing what's going on at all times. He said, "He (Pedroia) can hold the runner on second and waive to us up here." Francona, we miss you too.
That's all I have for now. I'm hoping the game of Saturday goes better for the Sox. Beckett v. Fister. Let's go Sox!
No comments:
Post a Comment