Sox Win Thriller, Then Get Crushed

On Monday night, the Red Sox played a long, grueling affair with the Tampa Bay Rays. The BoSox started the game out like a laugher, scoring six runs in the top of the first inning as their first eight batters all reached base. However, the Rays chipped away at the lead and eventually tied it in the eighth on a wild pitch, giving Junichi Tazawa his third blown save of the season. Given Tazawa's 2.51 ERA, I don't think he deserves three blown saves, since he has been a solid pitcher this season. In the top of the tenth inning, Jarrod Saltalamacchia drove a two-run single to give the Sox an 8-6 lead, but that was not to last. Jose Lobaton led off the bottom of the inning with a home run, then the Rays loaded the bases with nobody out against Andrew Bailey. In fact, they then tied the game with nobody out, as Bailey walked in the tying run. Thankfully, he pulled off a double play followed by a bunt ground out for the final out of the inning. I guess the Sox really wanted the win, because in the 14th inning, Daniel Nava and Salty both knocked in runs, handing the Sox a 10-8 lead; Franklin Morales held on to the lead and earned the win. I was very happy that Salty was finally able to come through in the clutch, although I wish the bullpen was more solid.

Following this gutsy extra-inning performance by the Sox, Jon Lester started the next game. I had high hopes for the lefty, considering he's been a fairly solid pitcher this year. Yet Lester gave up 7 runs in just 4 and 2/3 innings, losing the game 8-3. I was shocked that such a solid pitcher, especially earlier this year, collapsed so easily, and I hope Lester can return to form later in the season. The only bright spot for the Sox in this sorry loss was Jacoby Ellsbury's two hits and 27th stolen base; the young outfielder has been very good for the Sox here in the early going, and hopefully he can remain solid and speedy.

Today, the Sox finish up their series with the Rays, with Alfredo Aceves (Oh no!) taking on Chris Archer. In Aceves's last outing, he was very solid, going six innings and giving up just one run. However, before that he was very shaky and undependable, so hopefully he can come up big tonight to give the Sox the win.