Red Sox Swept by the Angels in ALDS

After 165 games it is past time for the final entry of this Boston Red Sox season of 2009. With the World Series underway and the Yankees holding a 2 games to 1 lead over the Phillies I’m finally ready to ponder how the Red Sox were unceremoniously eliminated from the playoffs in the opening round American League Division Series. As Terri Francona, Sox manager, indicated the season came to a “crashing halt”. After some reflection it’s now time to bid adieu to the 2009 Red Sox.
Their final games of the year were against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim a team they have owned in post season. Not this time as we saw the Sox offense go into hibernation much as it had done off and on in the regular season. Case in point Game 1 was a 4 hit shut-out for John Lackey and game 2 was a 4 hit 1 run game for Jared Weaver. Each starter had 7.1 IP as the much maligned Angels bull pen yielded nothing in the final 1.2 innings of each game.

Now for our perceived ‘superior pitching’. In the opening game Jon Lester gave the team 6 innings but was not sharp walking 4 and giving up his only runs on a three-run home run off the bat of Torri Hunter in the 5th inning. Game Over as the Red Sox bats could muster only 4 singles one each for Pedroia, Bay, Gonzalez and Drew. Game 2 saw ace Josh Beckett take a 1-1 tie into the bottom of the 7th where he managed to get only 2 outs before being lifted as the Angels scored 3 runs. The big blow was Erick Aybar’s two-out triple scoring 2 runs. As Beckett headed for an early shower Billy Wagner got the final out of the inning. Bobby Abreu was a key contributor as he was 5 for 9 at the plate.

The teams headed to Boston for Game 3 with Clay Buchholz and Scott Kazmir as the starting pitchers. The Red Sox broke on top with 3 runs in the 3rd inning as Dustin Pedroia had a 2 run double and Victor Martinez a 1 run single. A Kendry Morales solo homer put the Angels on the board in the 4th but the Sox tacked on two more runs in their half of the inning as J.D. Drew slammed a two run homer. When Buchholz loaded the bases to start the 6th inning he was pulled in favor of Daniel Bard. Another Angel’s run score on a double play. Going into the 8th inning things looked good as the home team led 5-2. But what many regarded as the finest bull pen in the Majors really let the team down. Billy Wagner got two outs in the 8th but was pulled with men on 2nd and 3rd as Francona looked to Jonathan Papelbon for a 4 out save. But he promptly allowed both inherited runners to score on a two run single by Juan Rivera. The Sox got a run back in their half of the 8th on an RBI single by Mike Lowell.

Boston had a two run lead entering the fateful 9th inning when after getting the first two outs easily Papelbon absolutely implodes. A single, a walk, a two run double by Abreu and the game is tied. Then Guerrero singled in Abreu and the Angels took the lead 7-6. Okajima got the final out of the inning as Papelbon was charged with his first playoff runs after a record streak of 26 scoreless innings. How it unfolded was stunning especially with two outs and the bases clear.

Despite the fact that Angels spark plug and lead off hitter Chone Figgins was 0 for 12 in the series with only a BB the Red Sox went down with three straight losses. A season in which the Sox had 95 wins ended abruptly in disappointing fashion. Theo Epstein and the front office have a lot of work to do with Jason Bay a free agent, the need for another big bat and the uncertain shortstop situation to name a few concerns.

It was rewarding to follow Jacoby Ellsbury in particular this year and to see him develop as a player and become the lead-off hitter the Red Sox envisioned. His stats below tell the story of a very successful year:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS
.301 153 624 94 188 27 10 8 60 70 12

BB SO OBP SLG
49 74 .355 .415

Ellsbury’s stolen base stat will surely jump out at you as he led MLB with 70.

Before we know it Spring Training will be upon us along with high hopes for the 2010 season of Boston Red Sox baseball.

**Photos: Dustin Pedroia making the final out of the 2009 season as Victor Martinez looks disconsolate in the dugout

Games 153-155 Boston Swept Away Again by New York

Friday – September 25

This is getting old but the Red Sox were again swept by the Yankees at the Stadium. Joba Chamberlain pitched well for the first time in over a month or since he last faced Boston. Jon Lester did not have it tonight as he allowed 5R in only 2.1IP. He had to leave at that point after being struck on the leg by a ball off the bat of Melky Cabrera. Lester was down for a time and it looked scary. He was able to leave the mound under his own power and is day to day after x-rays were negative, fortunately. Hunter Jones, Michael Bowden, Manny Delcarmen and Takashi Saito followed Lester to the mound as the Yankees scored four more times. The Red Sox got homers from Martinez and Ortiz as they went down in defeat. The important thing is that Jon Lester seems to be OK.

Final Score: Yankees 9 Red Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3, 1R and 1BB

Saturday – September 26

Daisuke Matsuzaka had an excellent outing as he allowed only 1R in 7IP. For New York CC Sabathia was better as he shut out the Sox through seven innings. Hughes and Rivera had scoreless innings out of the pen while Billy Wagner surrendered two unearned runs. The Sox had only two hits singles by Lowell and Martinez.

Final Score: Yankees 3 Red Sox 0
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 with 2SO

Sunday – September 27

The Red Sox hoping to grab the final game of this three game series took an early 2-0 lead off Andy Pettitte. That was all they would get as Pettitte gave the Yankees 6 innings and Bruney, Coke and Rivera finished up. The Yankees had solo homers from Cabrera and Teixeira. Boston with a forgettable series as the Yankees take 9 of the last 10 games from the Sox and the teams finish their season series at nine wins apiece.

Final Score: Yankees 4 Red Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5

*Photo shows Jon Lester on the ground after being hit by a batted ball.

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 134-137 - Boston Takes Only One in the Four Game Series With Chicago

Friday – September 4

Paul Byrd was knocked around in this outing as the White Sox scored 7R on 10H in just 2.1 innings. In relief Junichi Tazawa was ineffective as the Chisox tacked on 5 more runs in his 3.2 innings. Meanwhile the Bosox could do very little with Freddy Garcia. They did manage 9H of which eight were singles as Tito substituted liberally. Only SS Alex Gonzalez played the whole game.

Final Score: Chicago 12 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3

Saturday – September 5

White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd was dominant as he was working on a perfect game with 2outs in the 6th when Nick Green singled. Floyd also had 11K. With Tim Wakefield on the mound for the Red Sox Chicago put up 4R on 6H in his 6IP.

Final Score: Chicago 5 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4

Sunday – September 6

Jon Lester had another brilliant outing as he shut out Chicago on 4H with 8K through 7IP. Billy Wagner gave up a solo homer in the 8th. The Red Sox offense was provided by Mike Lowell, 2R homer in the 4th and Victor Martinez 3R homer in the 9th.

Final Score: Boston 6 Chicago 1
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 4, 2R, 1BB and a SB

Monday – September 7

Josh Beckett gave the Red Sox seven decent innings yielding 3R on 6H. Carlos Quentin had a two-run homer off Okajima in the 8th inning. The Sox could do very little with Mark Buehrle. They did get 8H including a Pedey double but scored only once as the White Sox take 3 of 4 from the Red Sox. Amazingly his was Buehrle’s first win since July 23rd when he recorded MLB 18th perfect game.

Final Score: Chicago 5 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 1R and 1SB his 60th of the year.

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 124-127 - Red Sox Take 3 of 4 from White Sox

Monday – August 24

The Boston Red Sox overcame a horrific start by Clay Buchholtz. The Sox pitcher did not get out of the 5th inning and gave up 7 runs including two home runs good for 5 of the 7 runs. The Red Sox scored 6 runs in the third inning as White Sox hurler Jose Contreras with a 4-1 lead imploded. He committed an error in that inning as did second baseman, Nix, so that all six runs were unearned. The highlight of the inning was a three run homer by Mike Lowell. The Red Sox scored five more runs including a solo homer by J.D. Drew and won the game handily. It was my pleasure to be at Fenway Park for this exciting game.

Final Score: Boston 12 Chicago 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2R, and an RBI

Tuesday – August 25

This was a nice come from behind win for the Red Sox. Jon Lester pitched into the 7th inning giving up 3R on just 4H. Trailing by a run in the 7th the Sox tied the game when Tek doubled with one out, Nick Green ran for him and scored on a pinch hit single by Victor Martinez. A Jason Bay solo home run in the 8th inning put the Sox ahead. They added two more runs on an RBI double by Martinez and a single by Ellsbury scoring Martinez. Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 30th save with a scoreless 9th.

Final Score: Boston 6 Chicago 3
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R and an RBI

Wednesday – August 26

Tim Wakefield fresh off the DL was outstanding. In seven innings the White Sox could score only one run on 6 hits as Wake had the knuckler dancing. When he left the game the Red Sox were up 2-1 but Ramon Ramirez gave up the tying homer to pinch hitter Scott Podsednik. David Ortiz had his first walk-off home run since 2007. It was his second solo shot of the day. Daniel Bard was the winning pitcher with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. Tomorrow the Red Sox go for the sweep of this four game series. Amazingly enough this is the first time these teams have played each other this season.

Final Score: Boston 3 Chicago 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4


Thursday – August 27

The Red Sox failed to sweep as Junichi Tazawa simply did not have it today. He went only 4 innings of 9R, 10H ball. As a result the Red Sox were down 9-0 in the 5th when they broke through for two runs on solo homers by Drew and Gonzalez. They added 2 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th but it wasn’t enough. On the plus side the bullpen gave the Sox 5 innings of scoreless baseball. Toronto comes in for the weekend and to close out the homestand. So far the Red Sox are 4 and 3.

Final Score: Chicago 9 Boston 5

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 Ellsbury left the game in 6th with a high ankle sprain after sliding into home plate in the 5th. He was out at home and is day to day.

*The photo shows the August 26th pregame taps and moment of silence in honor of Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy who died August 25th.

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 115-117 Red Sox Lose Another Series vs Texas

Friday August 14

After losing two of three games in Arlington, TX the Red Sox find themselves ½ game behind the Rangers in the wild card race. At the wrong time the Red Sox are going in the wrong direction. They managed to take the opener when down 4-3 in the 9th inning and one strike away from defeat, Victor Martinez ripped a double to right scoring two runs. Red Sox went on to score a total of six runs in a rare show of offense. Ortiz had a two run homer in the 6th and Drew did likewise in the 9th. Jon Lester was not as sharp as usual and with a high pitch count could only give the Sox 6 innings of 3 run ball.

Final score: Boston 8 Texas 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 2 with a R - He was given the day off but pinch hit for Nick Green in the 7th inning and stayed in the game.

Saturday August 15

The Red Sox could only muster two runs on solo shots by Jason Bay and Victor Martinez. Meanwhile Brad Penny gave up 4R on 8H in 5.2 innings. The embarrassing thing about this outing was the 8 stolen bases by the Rangers. The combination of Penny being slow to the plate and Varitek’s arm made it happen. Varitek could not even throw the runner out on a pitch-out! This is the second time this year that these battery mates have given up 8 SB. The other was to the Rays. No other MLB team has given up 8 in a game. Fernando Cabrera was touched up for 3 runs late in the game as the Rangers piled it on.

Final Score: Texas 7 Boston 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 3 with a BB and a SB his 53rd of the year

Sunday August 16

David Ortiz gave the Red Sox an early lead with a solo homer in the 2nd inning but Ian Kinsler answered with one of his own in the home half of the inning. Sox pitcher Junichi Tazawa was not as effective as previously and was knocked around. He went 5 innings giving up 10H and 4R. Once again the Sox offense was anemic leaving 10 runners on base and going 1 for 8 with RISP. Dustin Pedroia hit his 10th home run of the year a solo shot in the 7th. It’s on to Toronto for a three game series before returning to Fenway.

Final Score: Texas 4 Boston 3
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 5

Game 110 Sox Swept Away - Fail to Salvage a Win in NY

Sunday August 9

The Red Sox could not have played any worse as they lost their sixth straight game on the road and to Tampa Bay and New York – their closest AL East rivals. Jon Lester was again brilliant going seven innings and giving up only a solo home run to Alex Rodriquez. It was his first homer in over 63 innings of pitching. Sadly the Red Sox offense could not muster anything until Victor Martinez’s dramatic 8th inning two run homer off reliever Phil Coke. That broke the string of 31+ scoreless innings by the home town team. With the Sox up 2-1 in the 8th and Daniel Bard pitching with two outs Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira went back to back for the 6th time this season. Hideki Okajima came on in relief and surrendered two more runs. That was all she wrote as closer Mariano Rivera got his 32nd save of the season and the Sox limped home going 3-6 on such an important road trip. We’ll see what Boston is made of with the Yankees and most of baseball believing that the division race is over as New York goes up 6 ½ games over the Sox with Texas tied with them for the wild card and Tampa Bay breathing down their necks.

Final Score: Yankees 5 Red Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 including a SO and a GIDP

Games 95-101 – Ho-Hum 4-3 Home Stand for Red Sox vs Last Place Teams

Friday July 24

Baltimore is in town for the weekend. Brad Penny had a good outing. He went 6.1 innings with 1R and 5H. The bullpen was strong with Delcarmen, Oki and Paps yielding no runs. Sox had RBI’s from Tek, Lowrie and Drew as the home stand gets off to a good start.

Final Score: Sox 3 O’s 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with a SB while batting lead-off


Saturday July 25

Again today Sox pitching was strong as Jon Lester went 7.1 innings with 2R and 9 K’s. David Ortiz had a big three run homer in the 1st inning. Newly acquired Adam LaRoche contributed a two run homer in the 8th. Daniel Bard continues to shine out of the pen. Overall a good day for both the offense and the pitching.

Final Score: Sox 7 O’s 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2 RBI’s and a SB as the lead-off hitter

Sunday July 26

With a chance to sweep the lowly Orioles John Smoltz laid another egg as he gave up 6R 9H and only went 5 innings. Sox bats were also quiet as they could muster only 5H. Oakland up next.

Final Score: O’s 6 Sox 2
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with a SB as he seems to be settling into his lead-off role

Monday July 27

The ‘weak hitting’ Oakland Athletics team was anything but as they averaged 6+ runs per game and gained a split of the four game series with the home team. Red Sox take the opener as Josh Beckett continues his ace-like pitching with 7 IP 3R and 8H while striking out 10. Pedey homered in the 1st inning and Jacoby Ellsbury continues his hot hitting with 5TB as finally the Sox have a true lead-off hitter.

Final Score: Boston 8 Oakland
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5 with 1R and 1 RBI


Tuesday July 28

Clay Buchholtz had a very good outing with only 2R on 9H. His inability to go deep into the game hurt as the bullpen had a melt down. The Red Sox had a three run lead in the 9th inning with 2 outs when all hell broke loose. Nick Green committed two throwing errors while Papelbon blew the save giving up three runs on three hits and was hurt by a BB as the A’s tied the game 7-7. Delcarmen gave up 2 runs in the 11th while the Sox could only get back one run and thus absorbed a tough loss.

Final Score: Oakland 9 Boston 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 6, 1R, 1 RBI and his 45th stolen base.

Wednesday July 29

This game was seemingly over before the Sox came to bat as Brad Penny gave up 5 runs in the 1st and put the Sox into a real hole. There was some hope when Mike Lowell answered with a three run homer in the bottom of the 1st. But A’s starter Anderson would give up no more runs through the 6th while Penny gave up two more runs for his worst Sox outing. Sox managed single runs in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings but it wasn’t enough as they drop their second in a row to the last place A’s.

Final Score: Oakland 8 Boston 6
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 with 3R and another SB

Thursday July 30

This was a watermark day in Boston Red Sox history as word came from the NY Times just an hour before game time that both Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz tested positive for PEDs back in 2003. What a bombshell about Big Papi as he has been so out spoken about drug use and is such a well loved icon in Sox baseball. He was so clutch and had so many game winning hits while also being named MVP of the 2004 ALCS. Jon Lester was not as sharp as he has been in recent outings and could manage only 5.2 IP with 4R, 7H and a low 2 K’s. Now for an amazing dramatic moment with the Sox down 5-3 in the 7th inning Ortiz hammered a three run homer into the RC field bleachers putting the Sox up by a run. Daniel Bard has emerged as a dependable 8th inning set-up man as he and Paps were not scored on. This was a big win as a loss would have meant a losing home stand with the Sox heading for a tough road trip with nine games against the Baltimore, Tampa Bay and NY. As they leave the second place Red Sox trail the NY Yankees by 2 ½ games.

Final Score: Boston 8 Oakland 5
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 2 with 2BB and an RBI. He was CS for the 8th time.

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

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 76-78 Red Sox Win Another Series vs Orioles

Monday – June 29

I had the pleasure of being at this game at the beautiful Camden Yards. Jon Lester was dominant as he went 7 innings allowed 5 singles and had 8K’s. J.D. Drew had a two run homer and was a double short of hitting for the cycle. Pedey and Tek each had an RBI.

Final Score: Sox 4 O’s 0
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with 1R and 2 SB

Tuesday – June 30

The weather had a huge impact on this game. I was among the rain soaked fans. The Sox had a 9-1 lead when the game was delayed after the completion of the top of the 5th. Youk had a two run homer, Ellsbury a solo shot, Pedey had 3 RBI’s and the Sox were rolling. It was John Smoltz second start and he looked good after 4 IP with 1R and 3H. After play resumed Masterson pitched two scoreless innings. No one could imagine what would happen next. Masterson was roughed up in the 7th inning giving up a three-run homer to PH Salazar. In all he was charged with 5R as Delcarmen allowed an inherited runner to score. Then in the 8th Okajima could not get an out and was charged with 4 runs. Saito faired no better giving up 1R. The absolute end of the bullpen ‘meltdown’ featured Markakis getting a two-run double off Papelbon who entered the game with the tying and winning runs on base and allowed both inherited runners to score. An embarrassment of epic proportions as the Orioles completed the biggest comeback in their history after being down 10-1 entering the 7th inning. The Sox bullpen was the best in baseball with an ERA of 2.89 – not any more. Hope they work their way back.

Final Score: O’s 11 Sox 10
Jacoby Watch: 3 for 5, 1R, and 2 RBI

Wednesday – July 1

This game also featured a comeback – this time by the Red Sox. The Orioles were cruising behind rookie starter Bergesen. He gave them 8 innings of 1R 4H ball. In the meantime Josh Beckett was touched for 5 runs in the first four innings with Scott and Wigginton getting solo homers and Markakis getting another two run double. Then Beckett seemed to settle down and retired the last 12 batters in a row after the lead off homer by Wigginton in the 4th. The Sox had a little magic of their own in the 9th down 5-1 Youk blasted a two run homer off Johnson after Pedey had walked. Enter the closer George Sherrill who had the save yesterday. Well he struck out both Bay and Ortiz. Down 2 with 2 outs Ellsbury singled, both Bailey and Tek walked bases loaded as PH Rocco Baldelli singled scoring Ellsbury and Bailey to tie the game. Bard was superb retiring all 6 batters he faced as Ramirez had a scoreless inning. In the 11th Julio Lugo singled to score Ellsbury who led off with a double. Then Paps had a clean bottom of the 11th to get the save and preserve a very exciting come from behind victory. Sox pitchers retired the last 24 Orioles in a row – amazing! On the down side Jason Bay is struggling. He went 0 for 15 in the series and struck out 5 times today. Nevertheless an incredible series!

Final Score. Sox 6 O’s 5

Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2R

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

Games 55-57 – Texas Wins first Series vs Boston in 12 Years

Friday – June 5

Brad Penny and Kevin Millwood were locked in a pitcher’s duel until Penny gave up 4 runs in the 5th. Julio Lugo’s limited range at SS did not help in this inning as Penny seemed to glare at him when Lugo failed to keep the ball in the infield allowing a run to score. Penny then gave up a three-run homer to Ian Kinsler. That was all the Rangers would need as this was another of those 1 for 12 with RISP and 13 LOB for the Sox. David Ortiz drove in the only Boston run.

Final Score: Texas 5 Boston 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 4 LOB

Saturday - June 6

Jon Lester pitched a complete game two-hitter and he was dominant. With a perfect game going after 6.1 innings Michael Young hit a solid double to left center. Lester did surrender a run in the 9th on a SF; he recorded 11 K’s and 2 BB in a brilliant effort. Pedroia and Bay each had 2 RBI’s; Ortiz and Lowell had solo homers as the Sox evened the series.

Final Score: Boston 8 Texas 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 from the two-hole

Sunday – June 7

Daisuke Matsuzaka had a rough outing. He was pounded for 5 runs on 10 hits as the Rangers took the rubber game and won their first series against the Sox in 12 years. On the plus side he didn’t walk anyone and struck out 8 as he lasted 5.2 innings. An error by 2nd baseman Kinsler allowed the Sox to score two runs in the 3rd as their offense was inept again today. Mark Kotsay in for the injured Drew had a solo homer and a single. Jacoby Ellbury made a spectacular catch in right center to end the 3rd. He was taken out of the game in the 6th with a shoulder injury. Hopefully with a day off Monday he won’t miss any games.

Final Score: Texas 6 Boston 3
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 3 with an RBI

Games 49-51 - Sox Avoid the Sweep in Toronto

Friday May 29

Tim Wakefield is in one of his ‘bad streaks’ with 4.2 IP, 6R and 9H. The Red Sox with 11 hits had one more than the Blue Jays but 3 less runs. Toronto broke a 9 game losing skid with this victory. One bright spot was the relief pitching of Daniel Bard with 2.1 IP 0R, 0H and 5K’s – impressive.

Final Score: Jays 6 Sox 3
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with 2RBI’s

Saturday May 30

Brad Penny continues to be a very serviceable pitcher for the Sox. Today he went 6 innings giving up 2ER and recording 5K’s. With the score tied 3-3 in the 7th inning Ramon Ramirez in relief of Penny had his first bad outing as these stats attest - 0.2IP 2R and 3H enabling Toronto to grab the lead. Rocco Baldelli had a two-run homer but had to leave later in the game with a contusion on his knee as he slid hard into the stands along right field trying in vain to record an out. Baldelli’s luck seems to be all bad since as soon as he returns to the line-up he’s out again. Sox hitting woes on the road continue. David Ortiz’s slump hits epic proportions as today he was 0 for 4 with 2K’s and his BA is now .185 – dreadful!

Final Score: Jays 5 Sox 3
Jacoby Watch: 0 for 4 as his 22 game hitting streak comes to an end


Sunday May 31

The Boston bats woke up as the Sox had 8R on 11H. The big blow was a three-run homer in the 4th off the bat of Dustin Pedroia, his first since opening day. Youkilis had two solo homers going back to back with Jason Bay in the 8th inning. Red Sox manager, Terry Francona, shook up the line-up with Pedey batting lead off followed by Drew, Youk, Bay, Lowell, Ortiz, Tek, Ellsbury and Green. Sox starter Jon Lester had a dominating performance and is hopefully back to his ‘old self’. He pitched 6 innings of 1R 3H ball while recording 12K’s as all his pitches were working especially the curve ball. While avoiding getting swept in Toronto the Sox are now 3 and 4 on this road trip as they head for Detroit where the Tigers are playing good ball. Worth noting is the fact that the Red Sox sacrificed twice in this game, their first successful sacrifices of the year, as they were the last MLB team to execute a sacrifice.

Final Score: Sox 8 Jays 2
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 3 with a BB

Photo is after Rocco Baldelli's second home run in a Red Sox uniform.

Games 39-41 - Red Sox Sweet Sweep of Blue Jays

Tuesday May 19, 2009

The Boston Red Sox certainly enjoy ‘home cooking’ after limping home from another losing road trip. Their record at Fenway Park so far this year is 16 wins 4 losses. After completing a sweep of the first-place Jays, the Sox are now within a half-game of the top spot. Tonight’s game belonged to Tim Wakefield as he really had it going on baffling the Jay’s hitters with the knuckler. The only run off him in eight innings came in the 5th on a home run by old friend, Kevin Millar. Sox scored twice in the 2nd inning on a big single by Jeff Bailey and a sac-fly by George Kotteras. Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 11th save.

Final Score: Sox 2 Jays 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 including a double

Wednesday May 20, 2009

Brad Penny pitched just well enough to win as the Blue Jays seemed to be hitting him hard all night. To his credit he got the outs when he needed them and had a very respectable 6.2 IP with 2R and 9H. Oki and Delcarmen each recorded an out while fire-baller Daniel Bard gave up 3H and 1R in 0.2 IP. Saito finished up pitching the 9th. But the big story of the game was David Ortiz. Big Papi finally hit one out of the park (dead center in the photographers’ well) ending a drought of 149 plate appearances in 2009. The crowd went crazy and his teammates gave him the ‘silent treatment’ in the dugout before mobbing him with congratulations!!! Papi even said the monkey is off his back. Here’s hoping his season long slump is over. Tek had two solo homers. One came in the 5th inning, followed by two-run bombs from Ortiz and Jason Bay and a solo shot from Mike Lowell as the Sox scored 6 runs on four home runs. Notably Jacoby Ellsbury tied the ML record for 9 innings with 12 put outs in CF. It has been done twice before both in Boston - the Braves in 1929 and the Twins vs Boston in 1977.

Final Score: Sox 8 Jays 3
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with a BB


Thursday May 21, 2009

The Sox got off to a fast start in this game with 3 runs in the 1st including a two-run homer by who else, Jason Bay. He leads the team in homers with 13. But the story of this game was the bounce-back performance from Jon Lester. He has really struggled this year with an ERA of 6+. After 6.1 IP only 1R along with 8H Lester’s ERA is now 5.91. Still a long way from last year but heading in the right direction. The Jays had 12 LOB going 1 for 7 with RISP. Jacoby Ellsbury continues to be hot and has now extended his hitting streak to 16 games. His average is .302 and he has 17 SB. Before the season started I was convinced that Elllsbury was the key to the Sox offense. If he gets on base good things happen and may it continue!

Final Score: Sox 5 Jays 1
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with 2R and 1SB

Games 30, 31 and 32 – Red Sox Finally Take a Series from Tampa Bay

Friday May 8

Brad Penny had a decent outing giving up 8H and 3R in 6.1 innings pitched. The Rays got single runs in the 1st, 3rd and 4th innings. The Sox erupted for 5 runs in the home half of the 6th. Jason Bay, who else, hit a 3 run homer and J.D. Drew chipped in with a 2 run homer - all this off Sox nemesis James ‘Big Game” Shields. Dustin Pedroia was 4 for 5 with and RBI. The bullpen contributed 2.2 innings of scoreless 1 hit relief. Feels good to take the first game.

Final Score: Red Sox 7 Rays 3
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 including a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Saturday May 9

Boston was blown out and this one was ugly. Tampa was on top 2-1 entering the 5th inning when they exploded for 6 runs. They did it with the help of one double and 7 singles including some well placed grounders. Rays added 5 more runs in the 6th and there was never any doubt how this would end. Jon Lester’s line read 4.1 IP, 8R 10H. The Sox had solo homers from Rocco Baldelli and Julio Lugo. They were 2 for 12 with RISP and stranded 10 runners. Scott Kazmir left after 100 pitches thrown and 5 IP.

Final Score: Rays 14 Sox 5
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 4 with a BB and a run scored

Sunday May 10

The ESPN Sunday Night game was a pitcher’s duel with Josh Beckett and Matt Garza. The game tied 1-1 in the 4th the Sox scored 2 runs after 2 were out on doubles by Jeff Bailey and Tek along with a Nick Green single. The latter was thrown out at second trying to stretch it. The Rays tied the game 3-3 with single runs in the 5th and 6th innings. Worth noting is that Beckett did get the third out in the 6th with men on second and third by striking out Dioner Navarro. Beckett left the game after 6 innings and 116 pitches. Back to back wall doubles by Ortiz and Bay pushed across a run in the 8th for the Sox. There was lots of drama in the 9th as Papelbon came on to get the save. A walk, an errant throw to first by Paps, a single and a steal of second and you have second and third no outs. What followed was a thing of beauty as Paps reached back (even hit 97 mph on the radar gun) and struck out pinch hitter Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford to preserve the win. The Sox finally took a series from the Rays and now head for the West Coast. Angels up next on Tuesday.

Games 26-27 Red Sox First in the New Yankee Stadium

Monday – May 4, 2009

Red Sox and Yankees endured a two hours+ rain delay before this game started. Sox scored single runs in the first four innings off Phil Hughes. David Ortiz with two hard doubles and an RBI finally showing signs of life. Solo homer from Mike Lowell and a two run blast in the 7th inning by Jason Bay proved to be enough runs. Jon Lester had a rough 5th inning with back to back homers by Damon good for two runs and a solo blast from Teixeira. Still Lester managed to last 7 innings with 10K’s and 111 pitches thrown. Ramon Ramirez yielded his first run of the season on another Teixeira solo homer in the 8th. Papelbon with a rare five out save had a shaky 9th but did get a big K of Robinson Cano with the bases loaded to end the game. Worth noting is that the Sox had 13 LOB.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Yankees 4
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with a run scored, a BB


Tuesday – May 5, 2009

I’m not one to gloat and I don’t enjoy it when others do it. That said it was very satisfying to see the Red Sox do the little things so necessary for a winning effort. The fact that they did this in the new, rain soaked Yankee Stadium was all the more satisfying. Examples that come to mind are Tek down on the count, continues to battle and manages a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the 8th for an important insurance run. Then Nick Green follows with a bloop to right and now we are three runs up. Green also made a heck of a play in the SS hole with a wet ball throwing out slow-footed Molina with Yankee runners on second and third in the bottom of the 6th. Don’t forget Drew and Pedroia throwing out Cabrera at third trying to stretch a double. Pedey was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Sox are being fundamentally sound with timely hitting, good defense, adequate starting pitching and some great work from the bullpen.

After Beckett had given up a three run homer to Damon he was tough when he needed to be. Oki with a clutch 6 up and 6 down in the 7th and 8th innings, followed by Saito retiring the side in order in the 9th. Granted Joba Chamberlain dominated after the first inning with 12K’s. But back in the 1st the Sox took advantage of his slow start with five straight hits to open the game. The big blow was Jason Bay’s three-run homer as the Sox scored four times in the inning. Amazingly these runs would hold up. Youkilis, oblique and sore side, did not play. Boston has now won the first five games against New York. Hard to say what it means, if anything, as it is a long season with lots of baseball left to play.

Final Score: Red Sox 7 Yankees 3

Jacoby Watch: 1 for 2 with a run scored and a SB, his 15th. Unfortunately Ellsbury had to leave the game with a hamstring injury and is day to day.

Games 10, 11 and 12 - Three Wins at Friendly Fenway

Friday April 17th:
Brad Penny’s second start did not go well and the Sox were down by seven runs in the 2nd inning. Led by a two-run Jason Bay homer, a solo shot by J.D. Drew and two RBIs from newcomer Nick Green Boston came all the way back to defeat the Orioles. Kudos to the bullpen for providing six shutout innings with Paps getting the save.

Final Score: Red Sox 10 Orioles 8
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 5 with an RBI

Saturday April 18th
Red Sox had six runs by the 4th inning and then held on to win when Josh Beckett gave up four runs in the 5th inning. Once again the bullpen would shine with three scoreless innings and another save for Paps. Youks was the offensive hero going 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs and 9 TB.

Final Score: Red Sox 6 Orioles 4
Jacoby Watch: 1 for 5 with a run scored.

Sunday April 19th
Jon Lester pitched a gem giving up only 4 hits and 0 runs in 7 IP while striking out 9. Ramon Ramirez continues to impress with another scoreless inning. Takashi Saito did give up one run in the 9th but managed his first save with the Sox. Mikey and Petey both had two out RBIs as the Sox won their fourth in a row.

Final Score: Red Sox 2 Orioles 1
Jacoby Watch: 2 for 4 including his first double of the year.