And the Red Sox Lose Again

The Red Sox lost to the Giants last night 3-2.  With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning, here's how the rest of the inning played out with Franklin Morales pitching:

Brandon Crawford strikes out swinging (1 Out)

Roger Kieschnick singles on a line drive to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (Runner on 1st Base)

Joaquin Arias lines out to center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (2 Outs, Runner on 1st Base)

Offensive substitution: Pinch-hitter Andres Torres replaces Sergio Romo.

Andres Torres walks.  Roger Kieschnick to 2nd (Runners on 1st and 2nd Bases)

Offensive substitution: Pinch-hitter Hector Sanchez replaces Gregor Blanco.

Hector Sanchez hit by pitch.  Roger Kieschnick to 3rd.  Andres Torres to 2nd (Bases loaded)

Pitching change: Brayan Villarreal replaces Franklin Morale.

Marco Scutaro Walks.  Roger Kieschnick scores.  Andres Torres to 3rd.  Hector Sanchez to 2nd.

In summary, the Red Sox lost because of poor pitching (2 walks, 1 hit batter).  With the game on the line, John Farrell put in two pitchers (Franklin Moarales and Brayan Villarreal) who have been in Triple-A until this week because they've been on the disabled list.  To make matters worse, Junichi Tazawa gave up 2 singles and a sac fly in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game.

I haven't question Farrell very much (if at all) this season, but I have to question his use of Tazawa (who hasn't been very effective lately), Morales, and Villarreal in a such a crucial situation.  The Rays had already won their game last night, so the Red Sox knew they had to win this game in order to hold onto first place alone.  Why not use Koji Uehara for at least the 9th inning? 

Because they lost, the Red Sox and Rays are tied for first.  Actually, the Rays are points ahead of the Red Sox because the Rays have played less games than the Red Sox.

The Red Sox have not won consecutive games since August 6th-7th agains the Astros.  They have gone 4-8 since that mark.  Something needs to change.  I thought they were going to get back to their winning ways when the won the first game against the Giants handily (Lester pitching 8.1 innings like a master).  Not the case.

Pedroia is now hitting .290 for the season; and I believe his average since the All-Star Break is something like .210.  Xander Bogaerts was called up before Monday night's game and made his debut last night.  He went 0-for-3, left 5 men on, and was pulled in the bottom of the 6th inning.  The once solid bullpen is showing signs of cracks and wear.  

What needs to happen?  The Red Sox need to win if they want to stay in first place.  They play the Giants today at 2:45 CT time today and have tomorrow off before the weekend series against the Dodgers.  Let's hope they start to win again.