Daniel Bard got the first win of the season, just not in the way he had envisioned. Lester was taking the mound in hopes of stopping a 5 game losing streak from the Sox. Bard was scheduled to start on Sunday, but since it was rained out his start was skipped and he was temporarily sent to the pen to help if needed before his scheduled start on Friday. It didn’t take the Sox long to need him.
Lester started out well and the Sox bats spotted him some runs early in the game. The Sox scored their first run on a Gonzo sac fly in the first. The Sox scored 2 more runs in the 2nd with a HR from Jarrod Saltalamacchia. He started off the season horribly, however he has looked great in his last couple of games. Lester had an early lead, however he got himself into trouble in the 4th. Lester gave up a single to Mauer, walked Willingham and then gave up a 2 RBI hit to Doumit. Lester followed that up 2 run HR to Valencia. Suddenly the Sox lead was gone. The Twins added another run in the 5th. Twins led 5-3.
Things were looking hopeless again until Cody Ross came to the rescue. Ross hit a 2 run HR in the 7th to tie the game. Jon Lester settled down after the 5th and pitched two scoreless innings. He finished with a pitching line of 7 IP, 112 pitches, 6 H, 5 R, 4 BBs, 4 Ks. It wasn’t great, however I am hopeful with how Lester regained his composure and fought through the rest of the outing. Franklin Morales came out in relief in the 8th, however it did not last for long. Morales gave up a hit and then Ryan Sweeney bumbled the play and Carroll was able to get to 3rd with no outs. Morales was able to get Mauer to ground out to 1st base and keep the runner at 3rd. One out. Then Bobby V came to the mound and made the change…he brought Daniel Bard in the game. Bard had a runner at 3rd and one out. He had to do some magic in order to keep the game tied. Bard got Willingham to line out to third, intentionally walked Morneau and then got Doumit to pop out to short. Bard did exactly what we needed from him, with some great defense behind him.
(Photo Credit: Jim Mone/AP)
Once again, Cody Ross came out to SAVE THE DAY. Ross hit a solo HR in the 9th off of the Twins closer Matt Capps. Sox lead 6-5. Daniel Bard threw 11 pitches in the 8th inning. Instead of having Bard come back out, Bobby V went to the Sox “closer” and brought Aceves into the game. Aceves got a ground out and then gave up a single. Then, Aceves got Plouffe to fly out for the 2nd out. However, off the bat it looked and sounded like it might be a homerun. Phew. Aceves got Span to ground back to the mound and albeit dramatically, but Aceves got the save.
It’s nice to say the Red Sox WON and the Water is Dirty! Also, I am pretty sure I am in love with Cody Ross!
Red Sox 6 Twins 5 BOXSCORE
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
