Games 160-162 Red Sox End Season With Four Game Sweep of Indians

Thursday – October 1

My final regular season Red Sox game summary is being written as the Twins and the Tigers play a tiebreaker, game 163, with the winner facing the Yankees in the ALDS (Presently Tigers ahead 3-1 in the 4th inning.) Today was a very important start for Jon Lester, his first since taking a line drive off the leg. Red Sox Nation breathed a sigh of relief as Lester gave them 6.1 innings of 2H shut out baseball. Bard, Wagner and Papelbon also pitched shut out ball. Youkilis, Ortiz and Bay each had an RBI.

*Tie breaker update: Twins prevail over the Tigers in the 12th inning 6-5

Final Score: Red Sox 3 Indians 0
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R with 1SB and 1CS


Friday – October 2

Today the Red Sox gave Daisuke Matsuzaka a four run lead after 3 innings. Dice-K went 6 innings allowing 2R and 5H with 7SO in a good outing. Out of the bullpen Billy Wagner pitched back to back days for the first time this year as he had 2SO in 0.2IP. Ramirez, Bard and Saito finished the game in scoreless fashion. Two out RBIs were important in this game as Youk had two and Bay one. Pedey and Martinez each had an RBI as the Sox prevailed in game two of the final series of the year.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Indians 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 2R, 2BB, 1SB (his 69th) and 1CS


Saturday – October 3

Josh Beckett has been receiving shots for back spasms and missed his last start. So this outing was a big one for him. He got off to a rocky start giving up 2R in both the 1st and 2nd innings. He then seemed to settle down as he went 5 innings with 4R on 7H. Paul Byrd took over for the next 3 innings and gave up a two run homer to complete the Indians scoring as Dustin Richardson pitched a scoreless 9th. In the meantime Dustin Pedroia led off the 1st inning with a home run and the Red Sox had a 7R 2nd inning including a three run homer by Victor Martinez. Brian Anderson had a two-run homer in the 3rd and Dusty Baker a solo shot in the 8th. It was his first major league hit. It feels good to see the Sox putting up some runs - 20 so far in the series.

Final Score: Red Sox 11 Indians 6
Jacoby Watch: Ellsbury was given the day off

Sunday - October 4

Clay Buchholz started the final game of the regular season and it was his second poor outing in a row after eight or so high quality starts. Buchholz lasted only 3 innings and gave up 5R on 6H. After giving up five home runs in his last start he gave up one today a solo shot from Luis Valbuena to lead off the game. The Sox were down 6-5 in the 5th when they scored 2R to take the lead. After getting 5R in the 6th inning the Sox would coast to victory and the sweep of the series. The Red Sox would belt 5 home runs including two solo shots from J.D. Drew, one from Alex Gonzalez and a two run homer from Dustin Pedroia. Without a doubt the big blow was a grand slam home run by Jed Lowrie his first in that 5R 6th. The Red Sox are hitting well going into the playoffs and have won the last four games of the year. But as the saying goes momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher.

Final Score: Red Sox 12 Indians 7
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and his ML leading 70th stolen base.

*Photo shows Jacoby Ellsbury greeting the fans on opening day April 6, 2009

Games 149-152 Red Sox Can Only Split in Series With Royals

Monday September 21

This one hurt as the Red Sox blew six run leads twice. Tim Wakefield was spotted a 6-0 lead and left after 5IP and 5 runs allowed. Manny Delcarmen’s woes continue as he allowed 4R in only 0.2IP. Daniel Bard and Billy Wagner gave up another 3R combined in 1.1IP. This loss effectively kills any chance the Sox may have had to catch the Yankees for the division lead as they open a three game series in New York this coming weekend. Now the focus is on securing the wild card, lining up the rotation and resting players before the playoffs begin.

Final Score: KC 12 Bos 9
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with 1R and 2RBIs

Tuesday September 22

The Red Sox bats were anemic facing Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke as he went 6 innings allowing no runs and only 2H. One of those hits was a single by Victor Martinez which extended his hitting streak to 21 games and drove in the only run the Sox would score in the 8th inning. Paul Byrd took the Sox out of the game in the 1st inning as he was wild, for him, and the Royals scored 5 times.

Final Score: KC 5 Bos 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3 with a BB, a run scored and his 64th SB

Wednesday September 23

Josh Beckett’s line was interesting with 2R, 12H and 7SO. He managed to keep the Royals from getting that big hit as they had 12 LOB. Okajima, Wagner and Paps each contributed a scoreless inning. Meanwhile after being down 2-0 to start the 6th the Red Sox scored 6 times. Alex Gonzalez had 3 RBIs and Dustin Pedroia had 2. With two outs David Ortiz blasted a three run homer in the 9th inning.

Final Score: Bos 9 KC 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5, 1R, 2RBIs and 2SO

Thursday September 24

The Red Sox managed to split the series with a win today. Clay Buchholz was dominant as he gave the Sox 6.2 innings of 5H shutout baseball while striking out 8 batters. Ramon Ramirez had a tough time out of the pen yielding 3R in only 0.2IP. David Ortiz had 3RBIs including a solo home run. The Royals committed 5 errors leading to 6 unearned runs.

Final Score: Bos 10 KC 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 6, 2R, 1RBI and 2SBs

Games 146-148 - Red Sox Sweep Orioles

Friday – September 18

The Boston Red Sox finished their season series with the Baltimore Orioles with a record of 16-2. Sad to say I attended one of those losses. You remember the one with the Sox up 10-1 at Camden Yards before the rains came and a lengthy delay ensued. The O’s came back to win 11-10 as the bullpen imploded! But back to the present as Clay Buchholz won his 6th game of the year with 6IP, 1R and 5H. Bard, Okajima and Papelbon each contributed a perfect inning. Kotchman, Bay (solo homer) and Ellbury each had an RBI.

Final Score: Boston 3 Baltimore 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with an RBI and a SB his league leading 62nd


Saturday – September 19

The Red Sox belted out 17H good for 11R as Josh Reddick, Brian Anderson and J.D. Drew all homered. Reddick and Drew each had 4RBIs. Jon Lester although not as sharp as usual now has 14 wins as he went 6 innings with 3R and 10H allowed. With the score 11-3 Manny Delcarmen pitched to four batters in the 9th recording no outs and giving up two solo homers. Delcarmen’s decline month by month is alarming as his September ERA has soared. Ramon Ramirez came in to finish the game.

Final Score: Boston 11 Baltimore 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with 1BB

Sunday – September 20

The Red Sox scored in each of the first four innings including a 3 run 1st. With the Sox up 7-0 in the 4th the Orioles got 2 runs off Daisuke Matsuzaka. He went 5.1 innings with 5SO, 3R and 8H as his starts continue to be very encouraging. The bullpen with Ramirez, Okajima and Saito gave the Sox 3.2 scoreless innings. Both Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury had solo home runs with 3 RBIs each. Mike Lowell was the DH today and had 2RBIs. Victor Martinez continues his hot hitting and now has a 19 game hitting streak.

Final Score: Boston 9 Baltimore 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 4, 2R, 3RBIs, 1BB and a SB

Games 140-142 Sox Sweep Rays

Saturday - September 12

One of the definite highlights of the year was the Boston Red Sox sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays while allowing them only two runs in the three game series effectively dashing any of their playoff hopes. This was a rain shortened game with the Sox exploding for 8 runs in the 3rd inning. Beckett pitched to one batter in the 6th when the game was called.

Final Score: Sox 9 Rays 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3, 1 RBI and a SB

Sunday – September 13 Noon

With the game tied 1-1 in the 8th Dustin Pedroia delivered the game winning hit with a two-run homer off Matt Garza. Clay Buchholz was very solid with 7IP, 1R, 5H and 5SO. Oki had a hold and Paps his 36th save.

Final Score: Sox 3 Rays 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 and is now batting .300

Sunday – September 13 – Evening

An unusual day/night affair this is the make-up game for the rain-out Friday. Jon Lester pitched an absolute gem with 8 shutout innings and only giving up 2 hits while striking out 7. Bay had a solo homer and Tek had 2 RBIs. Billy Wagner contributed a scoreless 9th stranding 2 with 2SO. This was a most satisfying series for the Red Sox defeating the team they lost the ALCS to last year.

Final Score: Sox 4 Rays 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3

Games 138-139 Red Sox Sweep Orioles in Brief Series

Tuesday – September 8

Clay Buchholz was the story of this game as he was terrific. He gave the Sox 7 innings of 3H shutout baseball. The Red Sox scored 8 runs in the first three innings. Pedroia had a two run shot in the 1st and a solo homer in the 3rd. It was his first career two homer game. Sox also had solo homers from Youkilis, Gonzalez and Ortiz. J.D. Drew had a big three run home run in the 3rd. Again manager Teri Francona emptied his bench substituting for all the starters except Ortiz.

Final Score: Red Sox 10 Orioles 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 1BB

Wednesday – September 9

Starter Paul Byrd went 5 innings as the O’s got 2R and 6H. Manny Delcarmen was again ineffective giving up 2R in his 0.1 innings. With the score tied 4 all in the 7th Victor Martinez contributed a three-run double coming off the bench. Billy Wagner pitched a scoreless 7th and gained his first AL win. The save went to Papelbon his 35th.

Final Score: Red Sox 7 Orioles 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 2BB

Games 131-133 Red Sox Finally Take a Series vs Tampa Bay

Tuesday September 1

This is an important divisional series which has Boston with a 5 game lead over Tampa Bay in the wild card. The Red Sox jumped all over Andy Sonnanstine for 5R in 4IP. Both Drew and Youk had two-run homers and Bay contributed a solo shot. The Rays used seven pitchers out of the pen good for three more Sox runs. Jon Lester went 6 innings and gave up 2R on 7H. Billy Wagner had another scoreless frame but Okajima could not retire anyone and gave up 4H and 2R in the 8th before Papelbon was called on for a six out save – his first in the regular season. Jacoby Ellsbury made an outstanding diving do or die catch in CF in that 8th inning to help preserve the lead (see photo).

Final Score: Red Sox 8 Rays 4
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 6 with 1R and 2RBIs


Wednesday September 2

Josh Beckett’s recent struggles continued as he gave up solo homers in the 1st to Carl Crawford and in the 2nd to Pat Burrell. Beckett’s line read 6IP 5R (4ER) 7H and 9 K’s. The Sox managed to get back in the game by tying the score 5-5 in the 8th. But after a scoreless 7th Ramon Ramirez was ineffective in the 8th and Sox killer, Evan Longoria, hit a two-run homer off Manny Delcarmen. The Red Sox had lots of chances in this game but were 3 for 16 with RISP and Dustin Pedroia is 0 for 9 so far in the series. Tomorrow is the all important rubber game.

Final Score: Rays 8 Red Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 2 K’s and a SB


Thursday September 3

The Red Sox got a much needed quality start from Clay Buchholz who gave them 6 innings of 3R 6H ball. The bullpen delivered as Wagner, Bard and Papelbon each contributed a scoreless inning. For Paps it was his 34th save of the year. For the Rays David Price went 5.1 innings giving up 4R on 6H. Jason Bay delivered a big two-out two-run double in the 1st and Rocco Baldelli had a solo home run in the 2nd The Sox remember well how Price had a win and a save helping to defeat them in last year’s ALCS. So that made this game all the more satisfying as Boston picked up a game and is now 6 games up in the wild card race. It was the first series win for the Red Sox over Tampa Bay since September 2007.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Rays 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R, 1BB and 2SB. He now has 58 thiefs

Games 128-130 – Red Sox in Sweep of Blue Jays

Friday August 28

The Boston Red Sox completed their home-stand with a very satisfying record of 7-3. Josh Beckett was ineffective for the third start in a row as he gave up 5R with 5BB in only 5IP. He continues the disturbing trend of giving up home runs – 12 in the month of August with the ML record being 13, ugh! The Red Sox came from 3 runs down to tie the game in the 4th inning and then when down by 2 in the 5th inning Jason Bay slammed a two run homer to again tie the game. The Sox scored the game winning run in the 8th as the win went to Okajima (5-0) and the save to Papelbon his 31st of the year.

Final Score: Boston 6 Toronto 5
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2BB

Saturday August 29

Clay Buchholz was the story of this game. He gave the Red Sox 8.1 innings of 1R, 3H ball including 9 K’s. It was by far his best outing in some time. Ellsbury had 5TB and Martinez had a huge 2-out RBI as he walked with the bases loaded for what turned out to be the winning run. Alex Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia, 3 for 4, also had RBIs. Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 32nd save.

Final Score: Boston 3 Toronto 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1R scored

Sunday August 30

Going for the series sweep the Red Sox sent Paul Byrd to the mound for his first start since September ’08. Not only that but he faced Toronto ace, Roy Halliday – a match in which few would have predicted the results. As Byrd gave the Sox 6 shutout innings with only 3H allowed, Boston managed single runs in each of the first four innings off Halliday, including a solo homer from Rocco Baldelli in the 2nd . The Red Sox added 3R in the 7th off reliever Shawn Camp and won handily as the pen, Delcarmen, Wagner and Saito, contributed three scoreless innings. It was former closer Billy Wagner’s, he of 385 saves, Sox debut. Wagner is coming off ‘Tommy John surgery’ and has not pitched in over a year. He struck out the side while giving up a single in the 8th inning. It was an impressive outing.

Final Score: Boston 7 Toronto 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 1R scored

Games 118-120 – Red Sox Sweep Toronto

Tuesday August 18

Since the debacle in the Bronx the Red Sox are 4-3. Tonight Josh Beckett had his first rough outing in some time. Some will say that he missed Jason Varitek (neck injury) behind the plate. But hey, Victor Martinez caught two Cy Young winners in Cleveland, CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee. Beckett was staked to leads of 4-1, 5-2 and 7-3. All of which he coughed up. The Blue Jays tied the game in the 6th inning 7-7. The Sox broke through with 3 runs in the 8th and Daniel Bard gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. Jonathan Papelbon got his 29th save with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. Big Papi, 3 RBIs, homered as did Jason Bay.

Final Score: Boston 10 Toronto 9
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs

Wednesday August 19

It is a rarity when Doc Halliday only lasts 5 innings. His line was 103 pitches with 5R, 4ER, 8H and 7SO. In the meantime Clay Buchholz had his best outing of the year. In 6 innings he gave up only 1 run on 6 hits. Oki, Ramirez and Saito each contributed a scoreless, hitless inning including 6SO. Jason Bay had a two-run homer while Ortiz and Martinez had solo shots. It was a very satisfying and not so expected win.

Final Score: Boston 6 Toronto 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a BB

Thursday August 20

The Red Sox go for the sweep with Jon Lester taking the mound. Off to a bit of a shaky start in the 1st inning Lester had the bases loaded with no outs on a single, double and walk. He induced Ron Barajas to hit into a double play and then struck out Kevin Millar. The damage was limited to one run scored. At one point Lester retired 11 in a row. He gave up only 3 hits in 8IP and faced only 27 batters. J.D. Drew had two home runs driving in 3 runs while Victor Martinez had a solo homer. It’s now back to Fenway Park for a three game series with the league leading NY Yankees. Red Sox are 6 ½ games off the pace.

Final Score: Boston 8 Toronto 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5

Games 111-114 – Red Sox take 3 of 4 from the Tigers

Monday – August 10

The Red Sox were off to a good start in this one when Dustin Pedroia hit a two run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning off Zach Miner. Later Nick Green and Jason Bay had solo homers. Sox got a good effort from Brad Penny as he gave up 3R and 6H through 6IP. The Sox went on to take the opener of this four game series.

Final Score: Sox 6 Tigers 5
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5, 2R and a SB (his 51st of the season)

Tuesday- August 11

With rookie Junichi Tazama pitching for the Red Sox a throwing error in the 1st inning by Nick Green led to two of the three Tiger runs scored being unearned. Tiger starter tried to hit Victor Martinez as retaliation for Miguel Carbrera being hit on the hand. He missed and then hit Kevin Youkilis in the back to start the next inning. Since it was a real purpose pitch Youk charged the mound, threw his helmet at Tiger starter Rick Porcello and they both went down. The benches emptied both players were ejected and the next day Youkilis and Porcello were each suspended for five days. Jason Bay greeted new pitcher Chris Lambert with a three run homer which tied the game. Tazama finished the 5th inning without giving up any more runs. Mike Lowell had two home runs and drove in 3 runs as the Sox went on to win the game. Papelbon did give up a two run homer in the 9th of a non-save situation. Tito Francona was ejected in the 2nd inning for arguing Drew CS at 2nd bas.e

Final Score: Sox 7 Tigers 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 1R and a SB

Wednesday – August 12

The Red Sox broke the game open in the 5th as they scored five runs adding to the three runs Mike Lowell’s solo shot and Jason Bay’s two run blast accounted for earlier in the game. Josh Beckett went 7 innings with 2R (on solo homers by Guillen and Thames) 3H and 6SO. Oki and Ramirez closed out the Sox third straight win over Detroit. Of great interest was that Jerry Remy appeared in the booth as a visitor in the 2nd inning. He hopes to be back soon and Red Sox Nation will rejoice when he does return as analyst.

Final Score: Sox 8 Tigers 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a SO and 2 LOB

Thursday – August 13

Today Clay Buchholz pitched very well with only 2R (1ER) and 5H over 7IP. But Justin Verlander was better as he shut out the Sox through 8 innings. He was at 123 pitches and throwing 100 mph in the bottom of the 8th when he struck out Bay with Ellsbury on 2nd to end the 8th. Closer Fernando Rodney finished the 9th and the Tigers won the final game of the four game set.

Final Score: Tigers 2 Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 a double to lead off the 8th

Games 104-109 - Red Sox Lose Five Games to AL East Competition

Tuesday August 4

After sweeping three games in Baltimore to start this road trip the Red Sox proceeded to lose two games to Tampa Bay and so far three games to New York. The Sox hope to salvage a game in the Bronx tomorrow. We shall see as Andy Petitte goes against Jon Lester. Back to the first game with the Rays. Lester was brilliant 1R 3H and 10 K’s through 6 innings. The bullpen then checked in with 1R in the next 6 innings. Unfortunately that one run tied the game for the Rays in the 8th as Longoria homered off Bard. In the 13th inning Tampa Bay broke the 2-2 tie with another Longoria homer a two run shot off Saito. Sox offense was provided by solo homers from Youk and Pedey. The extra innings loss really stung and also burned the pen.

Final Score: Rays 4 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 6

Wednesday August 5

This game saw Brad Penny give up his usual 5 runs in 6 innings. All the runs scored on homers two run shots by both Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford plus a solo one by Pat Burrell. Then Jason Bartlett had a solo homer off Delcarmen. Victor Martinez and Jason Bay both had solo homers for Boston as the Sox came up short in this one as they were 0 for 11 as a team with RISP. They continue to lose at the Trop and it feels like the Rays continue to own them.

Final Score: Rays 6 Sox 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5

Thursday August 6

As the Red Sox open their most important series of the year they could not be in more disarray as the Yankees are playing their best ball of the year. Bay is out injured and Lowrie left injured after two at bats tonight. He was later placed on the DL. Also on the DL we have Dice-K, Wake, and Baldelli. Rocco injured his foot in BP and Kevin Youlkilis started the game in LF. Enough said about that unlikely probability. This game was never in doubt as the Yankees win for the first time this year against the Sox. John Smoltz was hammered as he left after 3.1 innings with a line that read 8R, 9H 4BB, 3K’s and 2HR. Smoltz was designated for assignment the next day and his career is likely over. He worked very hard to come back from shoulder surgery but this ‘project’ just did not have a happy ending – sad indeed. Chamberlain was very shaky for NY as he went only 5 innings with 4R and 7BB but he was the winning pitcher. Pedey and Kotchman both homered off the hard throwing rightie. Billy Traber followed Smoltz into the game and he took one for the team. As he went 3.2 innings giving up 5R, 9H including 2 homers. Saito pitched a scoreless 8th. Sox had their lunch handed to them in this blow-out as their team RISP was 3 for 21 with 15 LOB.

Final Score: Yankees 13 Red Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 6 with an RBI, 3 K’s and 4 LOB

Friday August 7

This was a true pitchers’ duel between former teammates Josh Beckett and AJ Burnett. Beckett 7IP with no runs, 4 hits, 2BB and 7 K’s/Burnett 7.2IP with no runs 1H 6BB and 6 K’s. Oki, Bard, Ramirez, Papelbon, Delcarmen, Saito and Junichi Tazawa, making his major league debut, were not scored on through the 14th inning. Yankee relievers performed similarly as the game was scoreless until the 15th inning when Alex Rodriguez homered off Tazawa. Another crushing, heart-breaking extra innings loss for the Sox - their second in three days. Red Sox bats are incredibly quiet as they managed only 4 singles today. Speaking of quiet we will hear from David Ortiz as he has a press conference scheduled to address his inclusion on the list of players testing positive for PEDs. It has been over a week since this news was leaked and it has been a major distraction for David and the team.

Final Score: Yankees 2 Red Sox 0 in 15 innings
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1BB and 2SB

Saturday August 8

Today the Red Sox were dominated by CC Sabathia as he shut them out for 7.2 innings. He even had a no hitter into the 6th inning. Today all the Sox offense could muster was 4 singles as they have failed to score in the last 24 innings. Clay Buchholz had a good outing of 6IP, 2R, 6H, 5BB and 3 K’s. After 0.1 innings of relief Ramon Ramirez was tossed from the game when he hit A-Rod in the shoulder. No Warnings had been given. Hard to think it was deliberate with the Sox down 2 runs and the Yankees with a runner on 1st. Apparently home plate umpire thought otherwise. Remember Pedroia was hit in the shoulder by Melancon after he first threw one over his head on Thursday. Of course Melancon was not ejected . Even FOX announcers Buck and McCarver were amazed at the ejection of Ramirez. Yankees teed off on Enrique Gonzalez for another 3 runs. In his meeting with the press Big Papi said he never bought or used steroids. He took over the counter supplements and vitamins legal at the time. He seemed credible.

Final Score: Yankees 5 Red Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 as he has 4 of the Sox 8 singles in the last two games

Games 102 -104 – Weekend Sweep in Baltimore

Friday July 31

The Red Sox gave John Smoltz a three run lead which he gave back in the 3rd inning. Sox go up one in the fifth but the Orioles get two more runs off Smoltz in the 6th inning on an Aubrey Huff two run homer. In the Red Sox 7th Youk answered with a two run shot. Ramirez, Okajima and Papelbon contributed three scoreless innings as the Sox take the opener. John Smoltz has not impressed as his ERA is 7.12 and he is not locating his fast ball. Patience may be getting thin in Red Sox Nation.

Final Score: Sox 6 O’s 5
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 2R , an RBI and a SB

Saturday August 1

This game belonged to Josh Beckett as he was brilliant. Through seven shutout innings he allowed 6H and had 5 K’s. The Orioles were 0 for 7 with RISP. Pedey and Youk both had solo homers with Youk going 4 for 4 as he is out of his recent slump. Victor Martinez had his first game as a Red Sox and contributed an RBI. He came to Boston at the trading deadline from Cleveland for Justin Masterson and two minor leaguers. Rookie Josh Reddick up from AA ball started the game in RF and moved to LF when Jason Bay left with an injury. He had two doubles in four at bats. Okajima and Bard each had a scoreless inning as the bullpen continues to shine.

Final Score: Sox 4 O’s 0
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 1R, 1BB and a SB his 48th of the year


Sunday August 2

Today’s game was a major slugfest as the Sox scored a season high 18 runs including seven over the first three innings. J.D. Drew had a bases clearing double in the 1st innings driving in three runs. After he scored on a single by Mike Lowell he left the game with a groin injury. The news for Clay Buchholz was not pretty as he gave the Orioles six runs in the 3rd inning to bring them within a run. The Sox then scored a whopping seven runs in the 4th inning with Josh Reddick and Victor Martinez both contributing run scoring hits. In fact Martinez was 5 for 6 with 1R and 4 RBI’s as he is off to a great start for the Sox. Buchholtz now with an eight run lead could not survive the 5th inning as Adam Jones led off with a homer and Buch was lifted with two on and none out. Among the 23 hits for the Sox Youk was 3 for 4, Pedey and Lowell were both 3 for 5. Ortiz 0 for 5 was the only one to go hitless.

Final Score: Sox 18 O’s 10
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 4R and 2BB

Games 88-94 – A 1-5 Road Trip vs Toronto and Texas

Friday July 17

Post All Star Break the Red Sox are back . Returning to action after a four day lay-off the Sox would record their only win of this 6 game road trip. Clay Buchholz, called up from Pawtucket, got his first start of the year. He went 5.2 innings of 1R 4H ball while throwing 103 pitches. Youk’s two run homer in the 1st was all the offense the Sox would need as Bard, Okajima and Papelbon didn’t allow any runs.

Final Score: Sox 4 Jays 1
Jacoby Watch: DNP due to “intestinal turmoil”

Saturday July 18

With the offense sputtering the Red Sox were 1 for 12 with RISP. SS Jed Lowrie returned to the line-up and had a solo homer in the 7th while Rocco Baldelli had an RBI back in the 2nd. In the meantime Toronto was teeing off on Brad Penny who allowed 6R on 8H in 5IP. On the plus side Masterson with 2IP and Ramirez with 1IP allowed no hits or runs working out of the pen.

Final Score : Jays 6 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: DNP due to “intestinal turmoil”

Sunday July 19

The Red Sox looked to Jon Lester to help them win the rubber game and their 7th straight series on the road. But Doc Halladay had a lot to say about that as he pitched a complete game allowing 1R and 6H. Lester pitched well but was not as sharp as he has been allowing 4BB along with 3R and 5H in 7IP.

Final Score: Jays 3 Sox 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a SO while batting 6th in the order

Monday July 20

John Smoltz took the mound and was hoping to build on the last outing when he recorded his first victory. He allowed only 1R through the first 5 innings but then imploded in the 6th allowing 5 runs including three home runs. Rangers starter Kevin Millwood allowed only two runs and the Sox could get only one run in three innings off the Jays bullpen. All this added up to the third loss in a row for the Bosox.

Final Score: Texas 6 Boston 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 1R, 2SO and a SB while batting lead off

Tuesday July 21

The Red Sox offense continues to struggle as Rangers rookie Tommy Hunter befuddled the Sox with 6 innings of 1R 4H ball. Josh Beckett completed the game with a line of 8IP 4R, 7H and 7SO. At one point he retired 14 in a row and certainly pitched well enough to win on most days. The Sox were 1 for 7 with RISP and had 6 LOB. The Sox did have a three game lead in first place when the ‘second half’ of the season began. But their fourth loss in a row combined with the NY Yankees fifth consecutive win dropped the Red Sox out of first place for the first time since early June.

Final Score: Texas 4 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 batting lead off

Wednesday July 22

Boston’s anemic offense continues to be front and center. Their only run today came on a solo home run by Nick Green in the 3rd inning. For the Rangers Nippert and Mathis allowed only 6H along with the 1R. Clay Buchholtz was called upon to pitch today as Tim Wakefield was sent to the DL with back pains. Buchholtz would last only 4 innings as he threw 90 pitches while yielding 3R on 6H. The Sox pen was not scored on as Delcarmen, Bard, Okajima and Papelbon each pitched an inning.

Final Score: Texas 3 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: Another 0 for 4 as no one seems to get the job done in the lead off position