Somehow, the Red Sox only managed to turn 11 hits and 4 walks into 3 runs. But that would be enough for John Lackey, who held the Angels to just 1 run, throwing 7 innings of 2-hit ball.
There were plenty of positive outcomes for Red Sox hitters tonight, but it was David Ortiz and Adrian Beltre who pushed the runs across. In the 2nd inning, J.D. Drew walked before back-to-back singles by Ortiz and Beltre pushed him to 2nd and then home, and in the 4th and 8th innings respectively, they added solo shots (Ortiz' to the opposite field over the monster, Beltre's to dead center).
The pitching was relatively pain-free for the Sox. John Lackey allowed his one run on a Brandon Wood homer. The only other trouble came in the 2nd inning, when a hit, a walk, and a hit by pitch loaded the bases with 2 outs before the same Brandon Wood struck out swinging. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon both pitched quick, easy innings to close out the game, and bring the Red Sox back to even at 14-14.
Game Notes:
- Another very questionable call by Tim Bogar tonight, who sent Marco Scutaro home when Hideki Matsui was throwing before Scutaro rounded third. One has to wonder if his seat is getting hot--there's not really a lot of reason to keep a non-performing 3rd base coach around.
- The Red Sox suffered from some really bad luck, as two line drives were turned into double plays by the Angels. How often do you see a rocket off the bat and think "Rally killer?"
- Nomar Garciaparra was honored by the Red Sox in a pre-game ceremony, surrounded by some of his old teammates like Lou Merloni, Brian Daubach, and Trot Nixon.
- John Lackey joins Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in the sub-4 ERA club. That SP is turning around in a hurry, eh?