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 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