July 11, 2009

G87: Red Sox 15, Royals 9

Royals  - 000 015 120 -  9 13  3
Red Sox - 331 200 33x - 15 12 1
This game had it all.

Smoltz was credited with his first win in a Red Sox uniform, Aaron Bates collected the first hit and RBI (and error) of his major league career, Kevin Youkilis -- the Sultan of Sweat -- hit two home runs, drove in four runs and scored four times, David Ortiz crushed a two-run dong to right-center, the bullpen frittered away a 9-1 lead with Justin Masterson imploding to the tune of five runs in only .1 inning, Daniel Bard (with the tying run at the plate in the seventh inning) sat down three straight Royals, the KC pen issued six walks (three of them intentional) in the seventh and eighth innings, and Takashi Saito pitched a perfect ninth in a sudden downpour to put the Red Sox 2 GA of the Yankees.

And Ryan Freel hit into a 9-2 fielder's choice, as his bases-loaded liner to right was scooped on a short hop by J.D. Drew, who fired a laser beam on the fly to Jason Varitek, who stretched out like a first baseman to take the throw.

***

Gil Meche (4.14, 104 ERA+) / John Smoltz (6.60, 70 ERA+)

Time for Smoltz to shine and bring the doomers back in from the ledge. Because it's nice inside ... we have a one-game lead, the second-best record in MLB and a fridge full of cold beer.

Despite some recent hiccups, the Red Sox bullpen still has the best ERA in the American League: 3.26. The Rays are second at 3.36, and only the Mariners, Twins and White Sox are also under 4.00.

Terry Francona:
You can't go the whole year and have every reliever have a 1.60 ERA. That's probably not realistic.
John Farrell:
Their execution hasn't been as consistent as we've seen for most of the year ... but to say that something is drastically wrong or major adjustments are needed? No. ... We're not seeing anything drastic in terms of a delivery flaw or a bad habit with these guys or a physical issue that's starting to rear its head.
Last night's win was the first time the Red Sox won a game with as few as three hits since September 5, 2006 (a 1-0 win over the White Sox).

Since a May 26 loss to Minnesota, Lester has a 1.48 ERA in eight starts, with 69 strikeouts in 54.2 innings.

Jacoby Ellsbury was surprised at his first major league ejection:
I thought it should have been a helmet violation or whatever they call it, an equipment violation. That's why they have that. It's $100, and everybody stays in the game, and they move on. ... I thought I got in there. I spiked my helmet in frustration. ... I didn't say anything to [the umpire].
Two innings later, Ellsbury's replacement in center field, Rocco Baldelli, nailed Mark Teahen trying to tag and get to second base on a deep fly ball. Ellsbury could not have made a similar throw.

In five games since last Sunday, Dustin Pedroia is 11-for-21 with five doubles and two home runs. ... Mike Lowell took live batting practice on Friday. ... Since June 25, Daniel Bard has retired 19 consecutive batters.

In his first start since a bullpen demotion last month, San Francisco's Jonathan Sanchez (9-0-0-0-11, 110) no-hit the Padres last night, 8-0 (the only base runner reached on an 8th-inning error). It was the first time Sanchez's father saw his son start a major league game -- "I was expecting him to get tired."

At 4 PM: Yankees/Angels (Joba blew a 5-1 lead last night and New York lost 10-6). Boston is 1 GA.

284 comments:

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Gambrinus said...

Sock, your perspective and rationality is always appreciated. What is it about being a Red Sox fan that seems to constantly push us to the ledge?

allan said...

What is it about being a Red Sox fan that seems to constantly push us to the ledge?

History.

I need to finally write the thing I keep telling myself I'm going to write -- how my outlook changed (to my surprise) 180 degrees after 2004. (I've alluded to it plenty of times.)

s1c said...

MFY's jump out to a 4-1 lead, then along comes the 5th and it is now 4-4, with runners at 2nd and 3rd 1 out for the Angels. The Angels just love beating the MFY's.

allan said...

1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Mark Kotsay, 1B
9. Nick Green, SS

1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Ryan Freel, RF
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Mark Teahen, 3B
5. Jose Guillen, LF
6. Mike Jacobs, DH
7. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
8. Miguel Olivo, C
9. Tony Pena, SS

s1c said...

And another MFY starter can't go 5 innings. Robertson gives up a two run double on first pitch to Napoli and the Angels lead 6-4

s1c said...

Angels send 11 to the plate as they score 7 runs. Kendrick gets thrown out at 2nd base on steal attempt after sliding over / past the bag so the inning ends with 11th batter at the plate.

laura k said...

That was a great game yesterday. To me there's nothing better than winning a pitching duel.

I think I said that yesterday, but I'm still enjoying it today.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Oh goodie, I'm timing my run to the dry cleaners so that I can at least listen to the first inning on XM. Nice comeback by Angels.

allan said...

Shit. Have some transcribing to do. Be back soon.

Rob said...

Good evening, Joy Nation. Hanging out at my sister's house. Just had _________ right. I keep talking about food.

BUNT BID!

laura k said...

Was the ______ good?

Rob said...

It was very good. Very _______y. And _______y.

Eck's gotta have it. He wants everything. Can we give him the moon?

laura k said...

Mmm, _____y and _____y is the best kind of ________.

I only have some ______ here at work. Boring.

laura k said...

FY 3b!!!

Benjamin said...

PEDRIPPLE

Rob said...

Triple cheeseburger for Dusty.

Benjamin said...

On the board.

laura k said...

YOOOOOOOOOK

1-0!

Rob said...

A triple cheeseburger then a ribeye. Hot damn.

laura k said...

pedripple, i like that

fuckyipple

laura k said...

11-8 now in Anaheim

laura k said...

in the 8th, that is

Benjamin said...

(Benny Hill music)

Rob said...

And THAT happened!

What's up with second base tonight?

laura k said...

whoo-hoo! thank you royals! dp turns into an rbi.

laura k said...

keystone kops out there

Benjamin said...

These guys can't count outs either.

Benjamin said...

12-8 LAAAAAAAAAAAAA

laura k said...

12-8, this is looking good.

Benjamin said...

HAHA

Rob said...

HAHAHA These are the KC Royals we all know and love

laura k said...

"HAHAHA These are the KC Royals we all know and love"

I was about to post those exact words when the phone rang. I have work but I can listen at the same time.

laura k said...

14-8 in socal

Benjamin said...

Gun.

Rob said...

WOW. Yay green energy.

Rob said...

Eck is perturbed.

Rob said...

Gap plugger upper.

Benjamin said...

Pedrouble

Benjamin said...

YOUK!!!!

Rob said...

Sultan of Sweaty dongness!

Rob said...

Youk's ball landed in the back of a pickup truck in the parking lot past Landsdowne. Wow. How would you like to come out to your truck and see a baseball in it?

laura k said...

Whoo-hoo! I got called away. What did I miss?

allan said...

Whoa. I missed some fun!

Rob said...

No Heidi tonight.

laura k said...

"Whoa. I missed some fun!

...

No Heidi tonight."

Hmm.

allan said...

Olivo = Pine.

allan said...

14-8 Final.

1.5

allan said...

Comfy lead - Smoltz can simply pitch without worries.

allan said...

BOOYAH

Rob said...

I'm thinking an Eck drinking game would be way too easy.

A Conformer said...

Evening all. I see the MFY lost and we have a nice, comfy lead. Well done.

Rob said...

Somebody wants water.

A Conformer said...

Somebody wants water.

I thought we all do. The dirty kind.

allan said...

sit yo ass down!

Rob said...

Very true. Thanks, Ofer. I crave dirty water so much sometimes I forget I do.

Benjamin said...

TEK

laura k said...

tek dong!

Benjamin said...

I believe they call this "Meche money".

allan said...

CAPTAIN CRUNCH!

Rob said...

Ride, Captain, ride on your MYSTERY SHIP (around Pesky's pole.) That sounds dirty.

laura k said...

"I'm thinking an Eck drinking game would be way too easy."

It would be fatal.

allan said...

Heidi's absence not bothering Tek.

Rob said...

Not bothering Nick Green either. Allegedly her new main squeeze. The current rumor anyways.

allan said...

Don't meche with the Red Sox!

A Conformer said...

Woo hoo- I've got video.

allan said...

ENOUGH OF THIS BULLSHIT -- SHOW THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

allan said...

Show a couple fewer ads and do this BEFORE play resumes.

A Conformer said...

What I don't get is: once you explained who this guy is, and have shown him paling around with Don and Eck, why show him again? What's the point? They're just standing there talking. We've seen people talk before... we know they're talking, cause we can hear them... so why show them?

allan said...

"just to stay in shape"

DRINK

"by way of the K"

DRINK

A Conformer said...

Houdini Smoltz. Must have been getting some tips from Lester and Daisuke.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Smoltz has 6 Ks. A good sign. I'm happy I heard Joe broadcast those first two innings. Love the XM radio.

allan said...

"exploding chest hair"

allan said...

eck talking about studio 54

laura k said...

I just had work... atty standing over my shoulder. Wanted to clock him.

allan said...

i just gave some new work to the 8 PM person.

laura k said...

slacker

laura k said...

how did run #7 score?

allan said...

tek hit one around the p-pole!

Benjamin said...

PAPI

laura k said...

PAPI DONG!!!!

allan said...

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY

laura k said...

"tek hit one around the p-pole!"

heh, i heard that and forgot :)

Rob said...

Don: David Ortiz is back and he's back big!"

CHUG YOUR BEVERAGE.

Large father shows his dong nightly these days eh?

allan said...

and orsillo says

"well david ortiz is back and he's back big"

!!!

A Conformer said...

Who would've thought on June 1st that Papi would have 12 dongs before the ASB? I love it!

allan said...

WHEN O WHEN WILL THIS TEAM START HITTING??????????????

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Barth?

laura k said...

Don't let them lull you into a false sense of security. 1978.

laura k said...

I think those people you saw in the booth are in the radio booth now. Cancer fundraising.

Rob said...

Hey. Facts have nothing to do with it.

allan said...

this smoltz kid sucks. trade him.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

1,000 hits with the red sox for big papi

laura k said...

"Facts have nothing to do with it". That is a JoS comment classic.

laura k said...

This is so annoying. I can't turn the sound down or I miss the game. Shut up already!

allan said...

fuck - had him struck out on the 1-2, then couldn't finish him again. shit.

A Conformer said...

That run bothers me less than the fact that he probably won't go 6 now.

allan said...

at 97 -- can't see another inning.

if he had that K, he'd be at 87.

allan said...

WOW - ump is calling shit outside the zone now.

Benjamin said...

Masterson is not impressing tonight.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Smoltz is thinking . . . again?

laura k said...

At this rate I won't get to hear the end of the game. Have to leave at 10.

Benjamin said...

Let's please not do this.

laura k said...

we're dooooooomed

A Conformer said...

Come on, fucking Peña Jr? He has a negative batting average, for chrissake.

laura k said...

well that sucked.

allan said...

that hit brings pena's avg all the way up to .104

jesus

mdc in

laura k said...

did masterson get an out?

allan said...

now smoltz probably thinks masterson is gay.

Benjamin said...

Yeah, he Ked the first batter of the inning.

allan said...

struck his first batter out

K
1B
HR
BB
1B
1B

laura k said...

i missed that. a K and then all that crap? yeesh.

oh well, a bad outing. it would be nice to hold this 5-run lead.

allan said...

ledge ... getting crowded (/shatner)

allan said...

9-2 FC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Conformer said...

ON FUCKING FIRE. That's something I've never seen happen.

laura k said...

ha ha ha

laura k said...

oh come on, this is stupid

Benjamin said...

This team can win 1-0 games. Why does it do this shit?

A Conformer said...

Man how big is that play by Drew looking, eh? And we're still not even out of the inning...

allan said...

stop

jeemer time

laura k said...

uh-oh, don't we need a 16-run lead for oki?

laura k said...

"This team can win 1-0 games. Why does it do this shit?"

baseball

Rob said...

Twitterer dougdanger: "I don't think Masterson has been the same since Eck called him "masturbate."

mattymatty said...

This is the worst lineup in baseball, hands down. We will not face a worse lineup this season. This is a fucking AAA lineup. This team is horrible. Just horrible. And we've given up 14 runs to them in 24 innings.

allan said...

i think matty's avatar is masterson.

laura k said...

"This is the worst lineup in baseball, hands down."

The Nationals are insulted. They were sure they owned that.

allan said...

Eck called him that on May 22.

Since that night: 3.98 ERA

allan said...

ump coulda called some of those balls as strikes for smoltz too - might still have a shutout

A Conformer said...

The Nationals are insulted. They were sure they owned that.

Nah, the Nats have the worst pitching staff in history. That's their main problem. Their lineup is just meh.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

Oki in the 7th, Ram-Ram in the 8th, Bot in the 9th, and Beckett for all 9 innings tomorrow!

Rob said...

So the Donkey didn't start sucking right then. 3.98 isn't great but it's not terrible either for middle relief.

Benjamin said...

Bleh.

laura k said...

oh shit. this is annoying.

mattymatty said...

"The Nationals are insulted. They were sure they owned that."

Yeah, as conformer said, strangely enough the Nats offense isn't that bad.

I just looked it up, and by Runs Scored the Royals are last in the Al and second to last overall, 14 runs up on San Diego. Just for the record, the Nationals are 19th in MLB in scoring with 368 runs. Boston is 6th with 444.

johngoldfine said...

bleh squared

laura k said...

dave o'brien has been going on and on about "it feels like it's happening again" and "we're all thinking of that rainy night in baltimore", over and over.

shut up dave. call the game and stop predicting the future.

johngoldfine said...

afuckinnoying to say the least

mattymatty said...

Oh. My. God. This is straight up embarrassing.

laura k said...

sorry nats. no need to offer more proof, i got it.

Rob said...

Obie loves himself a good controversy. He loves doom.

fusionmouse said...

Man... I'm starting to get that sick feeling in my gut :-/

allan said...

Red Sox Being Royals

A Conformer said...

This is getting ridiculous.

allan said...

worrywarts must listen to the radio, then

Benjamin said...

ERA isn't a very useful stat for measuring relief pitcher performance, since it's affected by how many inherited runs the next guy lets score.

Rick (f/k/a westcoastsox) said...

It's all Smoltz's fault.

laura k said...

"Obie loves himself a good controversy. He loves doom."

Yup. He won't stop. I want to turn it off, but then I have no game.

Have to go in 15 mims. When I get home, we best be 2 GA.

mattymatty said...

That's it. Get Beckett up.

allan said...

ump has shrunk the zone again.

laura k said...

westcoast has it right. somehow this will be smoltz's fault.

and of course, theo's.

allan said...

that strike was where the previous pitch was (ball)

allan said...

see ump, it's a fucking strike?

asswipe

laura k said...

yes we know dave. we know it started out as a laugher and now it is tight. we know about what happened in baltimore.

A Conformer said...

That's it. Get Beckett up.

Oddly enough, I was thinking the same thing.

fusionmouse said...

I have the radio on... they're alluding to Camden Yards as well,

shit get outs!

allan said...

i blame the greatest pitch caller of them all.

A Conformer said...

Who's coming in? Bard?

fusionmouse said...

Same three guys basically blew that game too, Maasterson, MDC and Oki, no?

allan said...

I'll call it now: Wakefield gets the save.

mattymatty said...

What the living **** is wrong with our bullpen? Did someone piss in the gatorade bucket?

laura k said...

"I have the radio on"

I'm talking about the radio too. Are you listening to the KC b'cast?

allan said...

Bard says: ENOUGH!

fusionmouse said...

Took the dog for a walk, took radio with me... when we started it was 9-1. Then the dog took a dump and the game went in the shitter. Coincidence?

Rob said...

"that strike was where the previous pitch was (ball)"

Previous pitch the batter took a step toward first. Tischnor is feeling high and mighty behind the plate. What a cockup.

johngoldfine said...

Bard says: It all stops here!

laura k said...

STFU DAVE OBRIEN

allan said...

higher lev for bard!

retired last 19 batters he's faced with 10 K

laura k said...

"Coincidence?"

yes :)

fusionmouse said...

No, WRKO and yes DO is hammering this collapse.

K for Bard!

fusionmouse said...

I'm standing for the strikeout!

A Conformer said...

It's a useless thought, but I can't help but wonder how different things would've been if Smoltz had gotten that call in the 5th, not wasted 15+ pitches, and come out for the 6th.

Hopefully Bard will stop the bleeding.

laura k said...

DO, you confused me. DO is TV. This is Obie.

He's driving me nuts.

fusionmouse said...

Still standing...

fusionmouse said...

K!

allan said...

wow - tek is learning. he didn't stand up for that pitch until the last second.

laura k said...

K! whew

fusionmouse said...

Whoo hoo!

Rob said...

99 paint strike 3. Hot damn.

allan said...

BARD!

laura k said...

yes dave, we know if both runners score the game will be tied. we can add.

fusionmouse said...

I wanna give Bard a high five :)

laura k said...

whew.

ok, everybody breathe.

WE ARE GOING TO WIN THIS GAME.

I have to go make my bus. You all enjoy the win. 12-7, I think.

allan said...

22 in a row for bard -- 12 by K

...

at 10 pitches, give him the 8th too.

A Conformer said...

Bard for Galactical Emperor! I know he has my vote...

A Conformer said...

How about some insurance?

mattymatty said...

"at 10 pitches, give him the 8th too."

I don't think Francona has a choice - he's already burned through his entire bullpen.

allan said...

DOUGH-ON'T STOP BELIEEEEEVIN'...

fusionmouse said...

Sorry, DO=Don Orsillo; but DO= Dave O'brian.

JoS uses DO for Orsillo exclusively?

allan said...

JESUS UMP ASSHOLE

no baserunner since tiz's dong

A Conformer said...

I think it got him in his cock and balls, Eck.

Rob said...

Oh man his eyes are watering... I'd love to be a fly buzzing around that huddle.

And that my friends, is called ringing the bell.

fusionmouse said...

I agree Conformer, if Smoltz had just gone six...

The pen seems to be made of creatures of habit, if they don't pitch in their usual inning they get all out of whack.

allan said...

FFlo

fusionmouse said...

So has Bay's performance slupped since becoming a USAir?

A Conformer said...

The pen seems to be made of creatures of habit, if they don't pitch in their usual inning they get all out of whack.

They should have them blindfolded and earplugged, and just throw them into the game, making sure nobody tells them what inning it is, and what the score is. Results would be amazing, I think.

Benjamin said...

Yay.

fusionmouse said...

Slumped... perhaps not.

allan said...

do NOT waste these runners.

mattymatty said...

I like how Papi takes walks literally.

Rob said...

Pssssst. Don't boo Jacoby getting intentionally walked! Varitek is up next. Yes I am saying this - This is a good thing!

allan said...

captain better dial up the intangibles.

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