Jon Lester would certainly trade his start to the 2009 season with Kevin Youkilis. Reason being, they have been polar opposites of what was expected of them coming into this season.
Youkilis hit his second home run of the season in as many days in the second inning giving Boston an early 1-0 lead but Lester was roughed up for 10 hits, six runs — five coming in the second inning — and two home runs over six innings pitched as Boston fell 8-2 to the Athletics.
Youk has 14 hits in 27 trips for a .514 average while Lester’s woes continue with an 0-2 record and 9.00 ERA in two games started.
Oakland’s second inning thrashing of Lester was too difficult to overcome as the Red Sox only mustered five more hits in the game. David Ortiz knocked home Boston’s second run in the sixth inning with an RBI single that plated Rocco Baldelli.
And that was about it for Boston in the offense department.
Goat of the Game – Lester
Maybe the pressure of being one of the league’s best has taken its toll. Maybe Lester is leaving too may pitches up high and flat to hitters. Who knows. Whatever it is, well, it needs to change because the Red Sox are not going anywhere remotely close to the playoffs without this kid.
Next Game – Tue. 4/14 vs Oakland Athletics – Daisuke Matsuzaka/Dana Eveland
Dice-K wasn’t that great in his first start giving up three long balls so look for him to turn it around pitching in the pitcher-friendly Coliseum against Dana Eveland who is 0-0 in one game started this year. Eveland gave up eight hits, three runs (all earned) in six innings pitched in his first start against the Angels.
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