It seems like Lester’s Groundhog Day is continuing where he is pitching an okay game, but not good enough to win. Lester gave up 3 of the 4 runs the Braves scored and the Sox were only able to score one run for Lester.
Lester seemed to be doing well early in the game, however the Braves seemed to figure him out in the second time through the order. Lester gave up 2 runs in the 4th inning. He gave up a single to Freeman, a double to Heyward and then Freeman scored on an RBI groundout from Diaz. Sox 0-1. Lester gave up the 2nd run with a double from Simmons. Sox 0-2. In the 6th inning, Lester would give up one more run with a sac fly from Simmons. Sox 0-3. Lester ended up pitching 7 innings and it added up to a quality start, however it wasn’t a winning start. Lester was followed by Mark Melancon. Melancon gave up a leadoff single and then retired the next 3 batters in order. Melancon took the mound in the 9th as well. Melancon gave up an RBI single to Freeman to put the Sox behind 4-1. Melancon has been good since he returned, however he still makes me nervous. Clayton Mortensen came in and got the 3rd out to end the 9th.
Remember when the Red Sox scored 15 runs the other day? Today would not be a day like that. The Sox offense had a hard time getting anything going against Jurrjens. The only run that the Sox could score was in the 8th when Middlebrooks hit a leadoff double and then Nava scored him with an RBI double with two outs. Middlebrooks and Nava again! Unfortunately that would be it for the Sox and they would fall in the opening game in the series.
Red Sox 1 Braves 4 BOXSCORE
WP: Jurrjens (1-2) LP: Lester (4-5) SV: Kimbrel (21)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
