Masterson Beats the Sox Again!

Last night was the debut of Erik Bedard in a Red Sox uniform…and it was also a return of Justin Masterson, unfortunately not in a Red Sox uniform.  Bedard did well since what he was doing was basically a rehab start and was being held to 75-80 pitches.  Bedard threw 70 pitches and his line for the night was 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 0 BBs and 5 Ks.  Not too shabby.  On Bedard’s next start his pitch count should be high enough to have it just be like a regular start.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Winslow Townson

The Sox bats gave Bedard an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning when Gonzo hit an RBI double and was followed by Papi hitting an RBI single.  Bedard gave those runs back in the 2nd when he gave up an RBI single to LaPorta followed by a sac grounder to Kearns.  The Indians would add on another run in the 3rd with an RBI single from Santana.  Josh Reddick continued his hot season and tied the game up in the bottom of the 4th with a homerun to right field.  Bedard left the game after 5 innings with the game tied. 

Unfortunately, the bullpen wasn’t able to hold the line for Bedard and the team.  Morales came in for the 6th inning.  Morales’ last outing was pretty spectacular and unfortunately, he wasn’t able to build upon that.  Morales gave up a double to Hafner and then a 2 run HR to Santana.  Aceves came out in relief and cleaned up the 6th inning by getting the 2 outs he needed.  Andrew Miller came out in the 7th and gave up an RBI double in both the 7th and 9th innings.  While I know the plan was to have Miller prepared to come out in relief of Bedard, I am not sure why the Sox didn’t stay with Aceves since he was already in the game. 

I’m not sure if would have made a difference anyways since Masterson pitched his usual wonderful self against us.  He is a lifetime 3-0 against the Sox since being traded away for Victor Martinez.  It never feels good to lose (particularly when the Yankees win and are now tied with us a top the AL East), however if we have to lose to somebody, I am glad it is Justin Masterson. 

Red Sox 3  Indians 7  BOXSCORE