Sox lose opener in Texas

The Red Sox and Jon Lester were defeated in their first game of the 2011 regular season 9-5. Daniel Bard gave up 4 runs in the eighth to take the loss while Jon Lester only lasted 5.1 innings, giving up 5 runs, without striking a batter out. This is especially remarkable because Lester had over 200 K's last season. The Red Sox pounced on C.J. Wilson for 2 runs in the first, but the Rangers came roaring back with three homers to take a 5-4 lead. Lucky for the Sox, David Ortiz is possibly the greatest clutch hitter ever. He smashed a long bomb to the opposite field to tie up the game before Dan Bard blew it. Also, Adrian Gonzalez, the first Sox acquisition, knocked in three and crushed a hard single up the middle with the bases loaded for the defeated Sox.

Tonight, the Sox take on the Rangers again. Jon Lackey starts for the Sox, which I think is a very bad idea. I would put Buchholz out there on the mound, considering he was much better than Lackey last year. Clay deserves the chance to start, but I guess Francona's made his choices. He will face Colby Lewis, who was only fairly good during the regular season but shined in the playoffs with 3 wins and a 1.41 ERA.

Trivia
Buchholz's 2.33 ERA last year was the lowest by a Sox starter since Pedro Martinez in 2003.