All this talk about Dan Bard during Spring Training and then during the first 4 games of the season and he finally got his chance to make his first start tonight. Many people wanted Bard to be pulled from the rotation and to take over as closer since Bailey is on the DL and Aceves has struggled out of the gate. However, the ownership seems sold on giving Bard a shot in the rotation.
So, how did Bard do? Could have been better, could have been worse. Bard gave up a run in the 1st with a single to Encarnacion. Bard gave up 2 more runs in the 3rd. In the 6th, it seems like Bard was out of gas and left the inning with 2 men on and no outs. Bard’s line for the night was 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 6 Ks. While that line does not look good there are some bright spots in there. Bard struck out Bautista twice and only allowed one extra base hit. He had a 9 pitch 2nd inning and seemed to settle down until the 6th inning. In my opinion (and thankfully the team doesn’t listen to my opinions), I think Bard should be given a while to settle into starting since I think he’s a better starter than many of the other options the Sox has. Bard’s stuff is great, he just needs to find his groove in starting. Justin Thomas came into the game for relief and allowed both of the inherited runners to score. By the end of the inning, the Jays were leading 6-1. Mike Bowden came in for relief and allowed a HR to Encarnacion to have the Jays lead 7-1.
There was not a lot going on with the Sox bats. Pedey once again had a monster night going 3 for 5. Youk got his first and second hits of the season tonight…going 2 for 4. All 3 runs were scored by Adrian Gonzalez. He hit a sac fly in the 6th inning to score the first run. Then in the 9th, the Sox had a “too little too late” rally going on. Gonzo came to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. Gonzo hit a ground rule double and plated two runs. Papi struck out at the plate to end the game. Sox lost 3 to 7.
Red Sox 3 Blue Jays 7 BOXSCORE
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