Daniel Bard hoped to take the mound and get a little winning streak going for the Sox. Unfortunately, he’d take the loss and see the game go down hill fast in the 9th.
Bard got into trouble in the 2nd when it turned into balk city. Bard balked one run in and then got another balk before the inning was over. Bard also gave up 2 RBI singles and the Sox went from leading 2-0 to trailing 3-2.
The Sox tied it up in the 4th with an RBI from Dustin Pedroia and took the lead in the 5th with a throwing error. Sox led 4-3. Bard had himself in a little bit of trouble in the 7th with a runner on 3rd and one out. Bard got out of trouble. However, he wouldn’t be so lucky in the 8th. Bard looked like he was starting to get gassed. Bard walked both batters he faced and Bobby Valentine went out to get him. Matt Albers came in to relieve Bard and gave up a 3 run HR to Butler. Sighs. That would be it. Bard’s line for the night was 96 pitches, 7 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 BB and 1 K. I think Bobby V needs to learn his pitchers a little better and know when to pull the plug. This is twice that he’s left Bard in at least one batter too long. And…is Albers our 8th inning guy? While Albers has been much better as of late, he’s not an 8th inning guy in my opinion.
More bad news…Will Middlebrooks came out of the guy with hammy tightness. Let’s hope it’s not sign of continued problems. Slight good news, Gonzo went 2 for 3 on the night.
Red Sox 4. Royals 6 BOXSCORE
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