Orioles vs Red Sox recap
Orioles vs Red Sox boxscore
Who would have thought Brad Penny would be the one to stop the Red Sox's losing streak?
Penny went 6.1 innings of one run (it was unearned) ball to get the win in the 3-1 game. He gave up five hits, walked none and struck out four to earn his 7th win of the year. His ERA now sits at 4.71.
The offense, while it wasn't plentiful, was good enough. Jason Varitek singled in J.D. Drew and Jed Lowrie had a sac fly in the fourth. Drew added the Sox's last run in the fifth when Kevin Youkilis scored on his fielder's choice. Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia each had two hits.
The bullpen was dynamite, like always. Manny Delcarmen (.2IP, 1K) and Hideki Okajima (1IP) worked hitless, scoreless relief. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 25th save, but it was iffy. He loaded the bases in the 9th with one out, but he struck out the final two batters to end the game unscathed.
A win, but not the greatest of wins. It's nice to see Penny and the 'pen pitch well, but the offense is still absent. Maybe Adam LaRoche can help? He was suited up, but sat on the bench for the entire game.
The Sox will send Jon Lester out to the mound for game two on Saturday at 7:10 p.m.