Today’s loss belongs completely to the pitching staff. Somehow Clay Buchholz will not be the story of this game after giving up seven earned runs in four innings. Buchholz was bailed out by the Red Sox offense including Nick “The Spark” Punto who went 3-6 with three RBI’s as the lead-off hitter. Big Papi and Mike Aviles also had 3-hit games.
The Red Sox came back from 4-0 deficit early and were winning 10-7 going into the ninth thanks in part to Padilla shutting down the Tigers after Buchholz left the game. With a three run lead, the Red Sox newly named closer Alfredo Aceves came in for his first save opportunity. Aceves gave up two quick singles and a home run to tie the game, and his day was done without getting an out.
Morales pitched two scoreless innings and the Red Sox once again took a lead in the eleventh with RBI’s by Punto and Pedroia. Mark Melancon came in to close out the game but he didn’t fare much better than Aceves. Melancon gave up a couple of hits to put the Tigers within one run and then, with two outs, served up a gopher ball to Cabrera that barely cleared the outfield fence. The Tigers had their second walk-off win against the Red Sox as they swept the series.
Bobby V. won on his Nick Punto in for Youk gamble but his choice to make Alfredo Aceves the closer is growing thin on Red Sox Nation. The season is off to a rocky start to say the least.
Red Sox 12 Tigers 13 BOX SCORE
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