Games 61-63 Sox Take 2 of 3 from the 2008 Champion Phillies

Friday June 12

Jon Lester spun a gem of a game giving up only 1 R and 2 H in 7 IP. He struck out 11 and was dominant. When he left the game the Sox had a 2-1 lead but Ramon Ramirez gave up the tying homer to Ryan Howard in the 9th. Papelbon was not available to close as he had pitched the two previous nights. On to extra innings as Masterson, Saito and Bard shut down the Phillies offense and the Sox pushed across 3 runs in the 13th inning for a very satisfying win.

Final Score: Sox 5 Phillies 2
Jacoby Watch: Back after missing 3 games he was 2 for 6 with an RBI

Saturday June 13

The Red Sox got off to a fast start scoring 5 runs in the 1st inning. After that inning an hour and 35 minute rain delay occurred. The Phillies starter was replaced but Dice-K went 4 innings with 91 pitches 4 R and 7 H as his problems continue. When he left the game the score was 5-4. The bullpen pitched 5 innings of 2 R 5 H ball. In the meantime the Red Sox tacked on another 6 runs as they won handily. Papelbon got his 16th save.

Final Score: Sox 11 Phillies 6
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI’s, 3 BB and a SB

Sunday June 14

Turnabout is fair play as the saying goes. The Phillies pounded Red Sox pitching and won by that 11-6 score. This game was a huge disappointment as Josh Beckett, who has not lost a game since late April, was staked to a three run lead in the 2nd inning helped by back to back homers from Baldelli and Green. But the 5th inning was ugly as Beckett gave up 4 runs. With the Sox down a run in the 6th Josh tied the game with a home run – good for him. It would have been a great story but Beckett couldn’t get anyone out in the 7th and two of his inherited runners scored when Daniel Bard came in the game. Beckett’s line after 6 IP was 7 R 6 ER 11 H and 5 K’s. It should be noted that Julio Lugo played both Saturday and Sunday going 5 for 7 with 3 RBI’s. He did have a bad throw to 1st base allowing an inning to continue instead of getting the DP. Dustin Pedroia in a slump was rested today. Needless to say the Red Sox 5 game winning streak ended and now it’s back to Fenway for 6 games against NL teams – Florida and Atlanta.

Final Score: Phillies 11 Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with an RBI and a SB