Sox Still Holding On

The most recent games by the Red Sox were a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays followed by the start of another series against the Detroit Tigers. The Sox started things off against the Rays with a doubleheader; Alfredo Aceves and Felix Doubront pitched for the Sox. Aceves started off the doubleheader very well, throwing a sparkling five innings and giving up just three hits and one run, earning his fourth win of the season in a 5-1 victory. I was again surprised by the consistency of Aceves's pitching, considering he started off the season both with terrible pitching and clubhouse disrespect. However, Aceves has been pitching very well over his last few starts, so I am pretty happy with him over this span. Hopefully, Aceves can keep up his excellent string of pitching in his next spot starts, whenever they may be.

In game two of the doubleheader, Felix Doubront pitched for Boston. I wasn't expecting anything special, since Doubront has been merely a consistent starter for Boston, not an exceptional one. However, the start that occurred was reminiscent of an early Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester. Doubront threw 8 stellar innings, giving up three hits and no runs. I was completely surprised at this excellent performance, but overall I love how the Red Sox pitching has been doing, especially the underappreciated pitchers like Doubront and Aceves. Meanwhile, a Daniel Nava solo homer gave the BoSox a 1-0 lead in the second inning. However, Andrew Bailey gave up a run in the ninth inning and spoiled the start for Doubront. Luckily for Bailey, Jonny Gomes bailed him out in the ninth with a walk-off home run to give the Sox the win. I was annoyed with Bailey for blowing the save, but since the Red Sox won, I didn't mind. After all, a win is a win. After losing the third game of the series 6-2, the Sox headed for Detroit.

In Detroit, John Lackey, another unappreciated Red Sox pitcher, started for Boston. I actually think Lackey has been excellent this season, so I had high hopes for this game. Lackey did not let down Boston nor the hopes of the fans, as hey pitched 7 solid innings, giving up just two runs; after eight innings, he was set to earn the win, as the Sox were up 3-2. Unfortunately for Boston, Andrew Bailey came on in the bottom of the ninth and walked the first man he faced in the inning. The next batter, Jhonny Peralta, smashed a two-run homer to left field, giving Bailey his fourth blown save of the season. This game, I was annoyed at Bailey, since his poor pitching cost the Sox not only the save, but also the game. However, he has saved 8 out of 12 opportunities and cemented many a win for the Red Sox, so I still think there's hope for him. Incidentally, as of this writing, the Sox are still in first place, leading the Baltimore Orioles by a full game. Go Sox!