The best way to combat a loss in a shortened game, is to come out with the bats swinging and the pitchers mowing down the hitters. That's what the Red Sox and Bronson Arroyo were able to do yesterday as they easily defeated the Orioles, 7-2.
Arroyo pitched 7.2 innings in the win, while allowing only two runs. His counterpart, Sidney Ponson, didn't fair as well though, as the Sox drove him off the mound in the 6th after scoring 5 runs on him. Jeremi Gonzalez and Alan Embree combined for 1.1 innings to finish off the game, allowing only one hit in those innings.
Johnny Damon powered the offense by extending his hitting-streak to 23 games by going 4-for-5 with 2 singles, 2 doubles, a walk, a run, and a stolen base. David Ortiz was a big help also with his 2-for-2 night, three walks, and two RBI. Manny Ramirez went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI, giving him 80 on the season. Let's not forget Bill Mueller though, who had three hits on the night and 2 RBI.
Today it's Wade Miller (2-2, 4.94 ERA) on the hill for Boston, against Bruce Chen (6-5, 4.06) for the Orioles. Miller has pitched well against Baltimore in the past, starting 2 games, winning both of them, with a 2.57 ERA against the O's.
I'll miss most of the game today, though, but it's for a good cause: Sea Dogs, Fisher Cats game today at 5. I'm going to be able to sit in the press box and get some interviews with some players. Hopefully it goes smoothly and I can bring back some good stuff for the readers of Over The Monster.