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 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 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 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 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 85-88 Red Sox Take 3 of 4 from Royals

Thursday – July 9

The final series before the All Star break had an auspicious beginning. Brad Penny left after five innings and a 97 pitch count with a two run lead. Delcarmen and Masterson each gave up 2 runs in the 6th and the Sox found themselves down 7-5. The bullpen, a major plus all season has been a bit shaky of late. Perhaps some time off will help – let’s hope. Pedroia had 3 hits including a homer and continues his hot hitting. Ortiz had a two run homer in the 1st and continues to try to make his slump a thing of the past.

Final Score: KC 8 Boston 6
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with a K and 3 LOB while batting 6th in the lineup

Friday – July 10

This game was the polar opposite of yesterday’s as Jon Lester dominated the Royals with 0R, 4H, and 8K’s over eight innings and 115 pitches. Brian Bannister pitched brilliantly through 7 innings until the Sox finally broke through for a run in the 8th. Mark Kotsay led off with a single; Nick Green laid down a sacrifice bunt with two strikes on him and the bunt sign off – gutsy. Dustin Pedroia’s two out double brought in what was ultimately the only run of the game. Jonathan Papelbon had a 1,2,3 ninth for his 23rd save.

Final Score: Boston 1 KC 0

Jacoby Watch: 1 for 2 with a SB - Ellsbury was ejected by the HP ump in the 5th inning after being called out at home on a play in which he appeared safe on the replay.

Saturday – July 11

This game was a serious slug-fest. It started off one-sided as the Sox jumped to a 9-1 lead after five innings. Youk led the way with two homers and 4 RBI’s , Tek had a solo homer and Big Papi a two run homer. John Smoltz left after the 5th and watched as the Sox pen gave up 5 runs in the 6th, another in the 7th and two more in the 8th. It was shades of the O’s game in which they overcame a nine run Sox lead and won 11-10 on June 30th. This time the Sox managed to add on with three runs in both the 7th and 8th innings. Daniel Bard did restore some order as he pitched two innings gave up one run and had 3 SO. Saito had a scoreless 9th.

Final Score: Boston 15 KC 9
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 2R, 1 RBI and a BB

Sunday – July 12

The Red Sox ended this homestand with a 6-4 record as they recorded a win today. Josh Beckett was dominant as he pitched a complete game shutout giving KC only 3 hits and striking out 7 . His ERA is now 3.35. This game featured Beckett’s 100th win and 1st baseman Aaron Bates’s first ML hit. He had 3 hits today along with 1R and 1 RBI. This win was a great way to end the ‘first half’ of the season as five Red Sox players, Youk, Bay, Paps, Beckett and Wake head for the All Star game. Pedey was voted by the fans as the 2nd base starter but he declined opting to stay with his pregnant wife who is hospitalized – very understandable and not a decision taken lightly. Pedey has a great deal of respect for the game but knew his place was with his wife.

Final Score: Boston 6 KC 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 1R and 4 LOB while batting lead off

Here are Ellsbury’s stats as we head for the second half of the season:
83 G, 333 AB, .297 Avg, 99 H, 13 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 23 BB, 33 SO, 40 SB and an OBP of .347

Games 82-84 – Red Sox Take Another Series as Nomar Returns

Monday – July 6

This was John Smoltz’s third start for the Red Sox and it did not go well. Smoltz’s line 6IP, 5R and 10H. Rookie leftie Brett Anderson pitched a complete game two-hit shutout as the Sox bats were quiet. Not to make excuses but the Sox line-up was far from potent with Lugo, Green slumping, Youk slumping, rookie Aaron Bates in his first ML game playing first base and no Pedey whose 7 months pregnant wife was taken to the hospital . Meanwhile this game was Nomar Garciaparra first return to Fenway since being traded before the deadline in 2004. Nomar received a 70 second standing ovation his first trip to the plate and was 2 for 4 with an RBI single. Nomar did soak it all in and was very emotional, near tears. This is the second time the Red Sox have been shutout this year.

Final Score: Oakland 6 Boston 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 batting lead-off


Tuesday – July 7

Jason Bay is starting to come out of his slump with a solo homer and a double. Jason Varitek had a huge two out two-run single. Josh Beckett went 6.2 innings with 2R and 6H. Oki, Masterson and Paps finished up with 1H and 4 K’s. Nomar DNP.

Final Score: Boston 5 Oakland 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with 1R a BB and batting 7th


Wednesday – July 8

The Red Sox managed to take the rubber game of the series. Down 1-0 in the 6th inning the Sox put up four runs. J. D. Drew had a solo homer and Big Papi a big three run bomb. Tim Wakefield went 6 innings giving up 3R, 10H and striking out 8 A’s. He now has 11 wins the most in the AL. Dustin Pedroia had a huge RBI double in the 7th as Papelbon gave up a run in the 9th. Nomar was a PH and he popped out in the 8th. Sox are now 3 and 3 on this homestand.

Final Score: Boston 5 Oakland 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 5 LOB and batting 6th

Games 79-81 Red Sox Avoid being Swept by Mariners

Friday - July 3

The Red Sox absorbed a tough extra innings loss as they began a ten game home stand. Sox scored twice in the 1st but with three runs in the 4th the Mariners were ahead 4-2. A solo homer by J.D. Drew in the 7th brought them within a run. Seattle tacked on a run in the 8th but the Red Sox scored two times in their half of the 8th to tie the game. Tim Wakefield went 8 full innings giving up the 5R on 10H. Delcarmen and Papelbon had scoreless innings and the Ramirez gave up two runs in the 11th. Kottaras’s solo shot in the bottom of the inning wasn’t enough as the Sox lost the opener.

Final Score: Mariners 7 Sox 6
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with a SB

Saturday – July 4

Sox with another one run loss are now 1-4 against the Mariners this year. Brad Penny deserved better even though Youk’s two run homer in the 2nd gave him the early lead. Single runs in the 3rd and 5th by the Mariners tied the game. In the meantime the Boston was held to just 4H by Garrett Olson. With the game tied in the 9th Saito walked the first three batters and a flair fell in behind the drawn in infield putting the Mariners up one. Former Sox, David Aardsma recorded his 17th save and that was all she wrote for this one.

Final Score: Mariners 3 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 3 LOB

Sunday – July 5

Red Sox managed to avoid the sweep with a big 5R seventh. In the 1st inning Pedroia and Ortiz both had solo homers and the Sox next scored on Ellsbury’s solo shot. While the Mariners had 4R (1 earned ) and 8H off Jon Lester in 6.2IP with 9K’s. In the 4th after a dropped throw at second by Pedey and with two outs Cedeno had a three run triple. When the Sox came to bat in the 7th a run down Miguel Batista replaced starter Brandon Morrow. A walk to Drew and a single by Pedey gave David Ortiz a chance to tie the game with a two out single which he did. Mark Lowe replaces Batista and walks Bay and Ellsbury as the go ahead run scores. Mark Kotsay brings in two more runs with a clutch single while another scored on a passed ball. The first half of the season ends with a nice come from behind win. The Red Sox are in first place with a record of 49-32 and are one game ahead of the second place New York Yankees.

Final Score: Sox 8 Mariners 4
Jacoby Watch: Batting 6th 1 for 2 with 2R, 2RBI, a S and a BB

Games 64-66 - Sox take 2 of 3 from the Fish

Tuesday June 16

Tim Wakefield continues on a positive roll. Tonight he went 6 innings giving up only 2 R on 6 H. The Sox offense contributed with a big 4th inning. David Ortiz led off with a home run and he would later have a two run single as he drove in 3 of the 6 runs scored that inning. Jason Bay had 2 RBI as did Nick Green. The Sox won easily with the bullpen contributing 3 scoreless innings and Wake’s personal catcher, George Katteras, getting two hits.

Final Score: Red Sox 8 Marlins 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 2 R, 2 SB and batting 7th


Wednesday June 17

Brad Penny although a bit wild with 4 BB pitched 5 innings of 1 R 3 H ball. Some MLB scouts were on hand as there is much interest in trading for Penny with John Smoltz almost ready to start and Clay Buchholtz burning through AAA for the Red Sox. But so far the Sox have not had an offer they could entertain. Dustin Pedroia had a big night with 3 hits and 3 RBI’s. Rocco Baldelli was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Jacoby Ellsbury had a solo home run in the 7th inning and once again the bullpen was perfect. Masterson, Okajima, Ramirez and Papelbon each pitched a scoreless inning. The Red Sox are now 3 games up on the Yankees who lost to the Nationals.

Final Score : Red Sox 6 Marins 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with a R, an RBI,2 BB, 2 SB and hitting 2nd


Thursday June 18

This was a rain shortened game with Jon Lester facing one batter in the 6th inning before the umpires called for the tarp. After a two hour delay the game was called. Kevin Youkilis had a solo home run in the 1st to give the Sox a fast 1-0 lead. That ended up being their only hit. Uggla and Paulino had solo home runs for the Marlins in the 2nd inning to give them a 2-1 lead which held up for the Florida win. Jon Lester was not as sharp as he has been giving up 8 H to go with the 2 R.

Final Score after 5 innings: Marlins 2 Red Sox 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with his 29th SB and batting 7th

Games 33, 34 and 35 – Angels Take Another Series from the Sox

Tuesday May 12

Red Sox with a nice come from behind win. Down two runs in the 8th Sox tied the game when with the bases loaded Ortiz was HBP and Bay grounded out. The go ahead run scored in the 9th when Drew, who also had a solo homer, came around from first on a clutch double by Tek. Masterson was a bit erratic but had a good line 6IP 2R 5H. Papelbon with the save as he fanned Torii Hunter with the tying run on second in the 9th.

Final Score: Sox 4 Angels 3

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with a run scored

Wednesday May 13

Red Sox spotted Tim Wakefield a four run lead into the 3rd inning. When Angels erupted for five runs as the knuckler wasn’t dancing and Mike Napoli hit a three run homer. After a shaky start 30 year old rookie pitcher Matt Palmer shut down the Sox at one point retiring 20 consecutive batters.

Final Score: Angels 8 Sox 4

Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with an RBI

Thursday May 14

No question this was the most frustrating loss of the year to date. Red Sox had 17 LOB and were 3 for 22 with runners in scoring position. David Ortiz was the main culprit as he left the bases loaded twice and had a total of 12 LOB. This is the low point of the year for ‘Big Papi’ as he has yet to hit a home run in 130 at bats. The lead went back and forth until the Sox tied the game 4-4 in the 8th on three singles Pedey with the RBI. Dustin returning to the lineup was 4 for 6 with a BB, a run scored and an RBI. Julio Lugo was 5 for 6 with a run scored and an RBI. All to no avail as the Angels pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning on a single by no.9 hitter, Jeff Mathis. It was that kind of a forgettable day!

Final Score: Angels 5 Sox 4

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 6 including an RBI

Photo: From Boston Dirt Dogs: The Ghost of David Ortiz

Boston Red Sox Opening Game 2009

Opening Day
April 7, 2009

There is something both reassuring and thrilling about the start of the 2009 baseball season. It’s the comfort of a continuing tradition and the excitement of the 30 MLB teams all starting on equal footing. As much as I love the season opener it is often over-hyped and given too much importance. It is after all only one game with 161 to go. That being said those first impressions of your home team can linger.

So, it was with great joy that I watched the Boston Red Sox and their workman like victory over the Tampa Bay Rays today. From Petey’s first inning blast into the Monster Seats to Beckett’s yielding only a single run, and a mere two hits while striking out 10 batters over seven innings. Tek even hit a home run and yes, Paps recorded his first save of the year. So for now all is well in Red Sox Nation after the 5-3 win.

I intent to watch Jacoby Ellsbury in particular as I think it is key for him to have a good year at the plate. The Sox are just a different team when he gets on base and bothers the opposing pitchers with his base running prowess. Today’s stats 0 for 4 with a SO – the only member of the line-up who failed to get a hit.

Photo is of Josh Beckett delivering the first pitch of the 2009 season.