Mariners 3, Red Sox 2
Bottom 9, 4:11 Mariners win 3-2. George Kottaras pinch hit for Julio Lugo, but struck out on a close fastball on the outside corner. Saito picks up the loss and Roy Corcoran gets the win.
Middle 9, 4:05 Saito strikes out Cedeno and gets Ichiro to fly out. The Mariners strand three runners and the Sox will roll out Ellsbury, Kotsay and Lugo, barring some pinch hit adjustments.
With that eighth inning wallball double to tie the game last night, has Nick Green earned Julio Lugo's at bat? Lugo is 0-for-2 with a walk today.
4:01 The last two hitters in the Mariners order are 8-for-16 with six RBI and four runs scored in the first two games of this series.
3:59 Dustin Pedroia sprawls to try to corral a blooper behind the first base bag, but can't track it down. It's a single for Chris Woodward, 3-2 Mariners, and the bases are still loaded for one down.
3:57 Saito walks Kenji Johjima, who was hitless today, on four pitches. Let's upgrade "getting mighty antsy" to "turning into a boo factory."
3:55 Saito has thrown 22 pitches and nine for strikes. He just walked Ryan Langerhans, forcing Balentien into scoring position with one down. Fenway is getting mighty antsy.
Top 9, 3:48 Takashi Saito walks Ken Griffey Jr. after a monstrous nine-pitch at bat that had Griffey crank a foul ball deep out of the ballpark. Wlademir Balentien will pinch run for Griffey, who is old now, and this is sad. Griffey gets a partial standing ovation above the visitor's dugout.
Bottom 8, 3:36 David Ortiz will hit for Rocco Baldelli.
End of 7, 3:22 Here are both closed books for each starter:
Penny: 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K
Olson: 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 5 K
Olson had one perfect inning (the 1st), but worked himself successfully out of jams most of the game. Penny threw a lot of pitches but got in trouble with jam shot singles that piled up. It all looks the same on the scoreboard.
Jeff Bailey will leave for Mark Kotsay. Okajima will enter for Masterson.
Middle 7, 3:10 Justin Masterson enters and picks up where Penny left off. Ronny Cedeno finally starts hitting like Ronny Cedeno, grounding into a double play to negate a Chris Woodward walk.
Bottom 6, 3:03 The Sox put runners on first and third with nobody out and come out with nothing. Rocco Baldelli was hit by a pitch and was caught in a pickle between third and home. Jeff Bailey grounded into a double play a few pitches later.
The aforementioned hate fumigation is suffocating. So: Who are your options? It would probably take Manny Delcarmen (and the assumption of all of Johnson's contract) to get Nick Johnson. Is he worth the rental? Who do you part with -- that is better than Yunel Escobar, Javier Vasquez and lots and lots of cash -- to get Matt Holliday? If so, where does he play? Are there better options? Do you really mess with a first place team so heartily?
This is why we have a comments section. Ah, democracy.
2:35 Woodward moved to third on a pop out to right and then scored on a pop out to left to make it 2-2. Russell Branyan had to work incredibly hard on his run-scoring sac fly, finally putting a ball in play on the 11th pitch. The Mariners are taking advantage of the little scraps they're getting. Again, they got a run out of a bloop single, a bunt and two sac flies. Penny is still tossing a gem.
Top 5, 2:29 Dustin Pedroia attempts to make the All-Century Web Gem/Youtube Hall of Fame by going behind his back to Jeff Bailey after charging a Ronny Cedeno bunt. But the bunt was too good and Cedeno is too fast. Cedeno is safe at first and Chris Woodward, who reached on a base knock, is safe at second.
Jeff Bailey's knee, though, wasn't safe. The side of his knee collided with Cedeno's helmet and buckled sideways. He'll stay in the game, somehow, after limping around the bag and getting checked out by trainers. But it looks horrible in the replay.
Top 4, 2:10 Penny gets out of another minor tussle (a Gutierrez base knock and Langerhans walk) with more heat. He's hitting 97 on the gun now and just jammed Kenji Johjima, who popped out to end out of the inning.
By the way, if the sun doesn't cause someone to drop a fly ball today -- which is even messing up people with sunglasses on -- America will be shocked and saddened.
Bottom 3, 2:00 The Sox get nothing out of a Bay infield single and the comments section fumigates with the hate potion. This is normal, of course. The offense has had just three seven-plus run games in the past three weeks (17 games) and they lost one of those three games. But the Red Sox are still third in the majors in on base percentage and OPS. They score more runs than 26 other teams in baseball. And even with this relative stagnancy, they were still 11th in the majors in runs scored, batting average and OBP over the last week.
Top 3, 1:50 Brad Penny gave up a groundball single up the middle to Ichiro and then Russell Branyan took advantage of a Fenway nook on a double that rolled to the corner in left. Since it's essentially a right angle over there, Bay got caught up trying to track it down and Ichiro hustled home from first, but Varitek turned a late-throw home into and out with a heady throw to third to snag Branyan. 2-1, Sox.
Francona was talking about Fenway quirks before the game. It's Saturday morning, anyway, so his pregame press conference actually resembled, more than anything, a brunch between people at an office who are friendly with each other but don't actually hang out unless they have to.
"A lot of people think it's a home run park, but if you hit a ball in the bullpen, then you've got to whack it pretty good," he said. "If you can use the wall like you're supposed to, it's probably a better doubles park."
That's when Sean Casey, who is doing the color for NESN this weekend, jumped in.
"Or a singles park, if it's me," he said.
Branyan probably should've heeded some of Tito's advice.
1:40 J.D. Drew goes down looking to end the inning. But interesting stat on that double steal: Jacoby Ellsbury is the first Red Sox player since Tris Speaker to record 35 steals in consecutive years. Speaker did it from 1912-1914, while Woodrow Wilson was running for and eventually becoming president.
Woodrow Wilson, in fact, used to send witty gifts to baseball players -- like, uh, baseballs -- with even wittier inscriptions -- like, uh, "To my friend, Ty Cobb." (Really, you're going to want to click on that link. I think he's throwing a knuckleball in that picture. He looks like Tim Wakefield's crazy uncle.)
1:38 The Sox are still rallying. An Ellsbury base knock, a Lugo walk and a double steal leaves the Sox threatening to break it open with two down.
Bottom 2, 1:33 Varitek blasts a flat-out meatball delivered by Garrett Olson over the deep part of the Monster. The homer drove in Rocco Baldelli, who reached on a walk. 2-0, Red Sox. I'm not sure the Mariners are happy that their pitcher decided to delve into Italian cuisine on such a patriotic holiday.
Middle 2, 1:26 Penny is straight up burning hitters with his fastball. He's clocking in at 96, after striking out Langerhans and Johjima, has four Ks in two innings.
And here's more chill-inducing National Anthem business because, at this pace, there's going to be a long gap between the end of this game and Keith Lockhart.
Top 1, 1:12 Can't ask for a better start than to strikeout Ichiro on three pitches, and Brad Penny did just that. He also punched out Russell Branyan and retired the side unharmed after a Jose Lopez single. It was a start almost as pretty as the best start to a sporting event ever. Oh, and Happy 4th.
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That WAS the best rendition of The Star Spangled Banner I ever heard. The only one I ever went out of my way to get.
Boras' boy strikes again. He is useless and the most overpaid player in the league. You never have to worry about getting a comfortable lead with BorASs'S boy.
watching j d drew not give a crap for 14 mill per makes me sick to my stomach he is a no good BUM
This offense is terrible. Youkilis, Pedroia and Bay look lost. Theo is going to have to do something quick.
Arizona: take your finger off the panic button. Baseball is a game of hot and cold, slumps and streaks. I agree another big bat would be great, but do you really think Petey, BayWatch & Youk are going to stay cold? No way. I'm listening on WRKO at work, and they say that Penny has great stuff today and is consistently hitting 95-97 on the gun...
how many runs have the Sox given up with two outs and nobody on? They must lead the league.
we need a bat epstein you moron enuf with all the pitching a BAT please i mean garret olsen cmon
Where is the hate? Do the sox have the 11th payroll in the league? Where does Boras" boy's salary compare to the other right fielders in the league?
The Red Sox hitting, especially with men on base, has been horrible lately. They have wasted numerous chances to put games away early. Is it the Globe's job to defend the Red Sox at all cost, or to report accurately when they don't perform. It doesn't seem like you ever want to say anything negative, unless it is to jump on the Lugo bandwagon.
I like Francona and respect him as a manager...now the but, he is falling into the "big" inning syndrome...case in point. 2-1 game Varitek on first, no outs and Ellsbury up against a left-hander...why not cause some havoc and have him try a bunt down the first base line..at worst you have varitek at second with one out..and righties up at the plate...at least it puts some pressure on the pitcher...next inning Seattle has a runner on first and they try that tactic and get a hit that leads to tying run ... he has to play for runs...especially when they are not hitting against a pitcher(2 hits in 5 innings)... enough said camoe on terry ...think baseball
Casey's doing great with Orsillo. More Casey.
Defend the offense now. You must be a shill. How do you justify this team with the payroll? Here comes Seattle.
did not take long for him to do it again...1st and 3rd no outs ellsbury again looks terrible on first strike...lets him hit away....no runs scored....in a tight 2-2 game this could be a 3-2 game or at the least a 1-run game....baseball says get the lead...
jeff bailey is a career minor league bum who at 30 yrs old should never see an at bat in a sox uniform he cannot an will never hit big league pitching he is what he is a AAA player AT BEST
Sox should get rid of some of their younger players for peralta and martinez from Cleveland. Peralta can play third so Youk can go back to first and get the weak batting bailey or kotsay out of there. Martinez can DH, play first, and catch to give Ortiz, Youk, Lowel, Veritek days off. With the second worst record in the league, Im sure Cleveland will be selling
"Do you really mess with a first place team so heartily?"
Do you really want to reason with the unwashed masses?
ben they need a bat brother period
Damon is not worth the money. Oh wait, Sox have Boras's boy. He MUST be worth the money. I think Damon just tied the game and Boras's boy is a rally killer.
the yankees will catch these weak hitting BUMS by next weak wait till they face good pitcing thats what did em last yr vs tampa and unless they get a bat it will be the same this yr but theo wants just pitching wake up idiot you need a big middle of the lineup bat
Yet another game against a weak team...score the first 2 runs and then wait to lose Yawn
Francona needs to "see" that ONE run is huge in games like this...he has other weapons than just getting a lot of hits... he needs to "use" all of them especially when they are not hitting or the pitching for the opposition is going good think ONE RUN terry don't lose this kind of game...
weak hitting overpaid bums an thats you to epstein you and your geek buddies that think this offenc is championship calliber 4 hits off a baltimore oriole castoff and boy are they getting boring as heck to watch yawn i hear ya frank
Are you paid to shill or do you really believe the excuses that you are making? Did you check the era of the pitchers the sox are facing and you believe there is no for a bat.
Francona needs to "see" that ONE run is huge in games like this...he has other weapons than just getting a lot of hits... he needs to "use" all of them especially when they are not hitting or the pitching for the opposition is going good think ONE RUN terry don't lose this kind of game...
Francona got out managed...he needs to manage 1 -run games and see when they are developing...this was really a worst loss than the 11-10 game
Really? Kottaras for Lugo? Really?
No room for a 1.45 ERA but then there is Saito. Another wasted effort. Defend this one. Sos will make hay on hay on this homestand. Right mazz
swept by the M's ha ha ha ha
Sox play with no heart
Hopefully the Jays can pull something off....
another one on francoma he sucks what was he gonna let saito walk 5 before he goes an get him this team is going nowhere while they suck every penny from there fans hurry back remdog getting sick of using the mute button
This loss is on Francona--how long was he going to wait to take out Saito? No one even warming up....Sox make another terrible pitcher--Aardsma look like Cy Young...Wake up Francona...
The Sox have been just getting by all year, now they are playing like they are on paper. There are no scary bats in the line up.
Bay only hits when he gets a fast ball down the middle and stikes out 2-3 times a game.
The MVP and the commercials have gone to Pedroia's head. Youka strikes out more than he ever has. And now we have the biggest joke Bailey back in the major leagues. And why was Kotteras pinch hitting. Oohh....scary!
Now the bullpen is in shambles. Over-rated!! The Sox are gutless!
Sox play with no heart. Losing 2 at Home to Seattle is almost sickening. 2 losses in a row on the bullpen. SIckening
Absolute stupidity not putting Papelbon in in the 9th inning. Saito is your 3rd or perhaps 4th best option. He's not someone you want in a tie game. He's a mediocre pitcher at this point in his career. Even though Pap is not lights out, he's the best we have, and you've got to play to win, not to conserve pitchers.
Clearly, the Globe is just defending the Sox management, no matter what. Are they afraid they wont talk to them if they say something bad. The Globe's comment about negative fans was typical - don't discuss the option - just critcize the bloggers.
kotsay,baldelli,lugo,220 papi,tap hitter ellsbury, what a fearsome lineup theo they'll get you wel into october keep looking for those bargains while you suck every penny out of each fan cmon theo time to make this lineup scary again an time to wake up that clown francoma
Well Francona is stupid. I guess he doesnt care that they lost the game.
This loss is plain and simple..it wasn't Saito walking 3, it wasn't who pinch hit..those things happen in a game..what didn't happen was "putting pressure" on the opposition...Seattle had one opportunity to put "pressure" and it resulted in a "run"...this is what baseball is all about, we have forgotten that especially in the American league...Managers, and Francona is not the only one, sit back and wait, wait, wait....Sometimes, you have to "see" the game and how it is developing ,,Ellsbury can be a devestating weapon,especially in "situations" like the two he was in today...but his "special talents" were not used...Hopefully , Francona learns and manages games like this as if they were post-season "must" wins
The Mariners are beating up on our bullpen...the Seattle pitchers make our batters look like chumps. All-around, obvious we need another bat, and maybe we can't count on the "world-class" bullpen. Best it all becomes clear sooner than later but this is pathetic. Have lost atrocious games to Mariners and Orioles
I sitting here listening to Dick Stockton celebrating the return of Manny Ramirez. I listen to everyone extol the virtues of Andy Petite. ESPN worries about what is wrong with Alex Rodriquez. Tell me what is wrong with that picture.
Finishing that thought, why doesn't call Torre a fraud. He is definitely not interested in the integrity of the game.
And with another Yankees walk-off our once padded five game lead is down to one. Have to agree with "Tony" let's start manufacturing runs instead of waiting for those two and three run shots that just don't seem to be happening.
yanks 4 more homers today while we get 4 hits an now there 1 back we're all set theo you bufoon
Two straight losses at home to a bad team while the Yankees rally yet again. Great job guys.
Nick Johnson for Manny Delcarmen? Push.
This second loss in a row shows a lot of things: (1) the Red Sox, despite having the best record in the American League, are a mediocre team who won't make the playoffs; (2) the Sox should trade one of their best pitching prospects for an OK bat for half a season; and (3) statistics have no value whatsoever--all that matters is gut-feelings.
I will stand by these remarks until my death, or until the Sox win three in a row.
Not about Saito walking 3? What? Saito comes in and can't throw strikes, he walks Griffey who has nothing left--time to get someone up in the bullpen--nope, after you have runners on first and second might be good to take Saito out and bring in anyone---Masterson, Delcarmen, Okajima,etc... This is why you have depth.. I'd agree-- 2 losses to a weak Seattle team...
Maybe we are starting to see why the Sox have been cautious with Bay...
By the way, no one said, Francona doesn't want to win...He's a good coach but this one is on him...
The point that might have cost them the game was when Baldelli got caught in the rundown. The problem is that Varitek should have gone to third base which would have allowed Ellsbury to get to second base. Varitek not going to third during the rundown is inexcusable. It would have been second and third with one out and no chance for the ground ball double play
NOW WE EXPECT A RED SOX LOSS! THE COMPUTERS ARE AT A LOSS,TOO, AND SO SOON AFTER THE BIG 500.IS THE NATION ON THE VERGE OF CRUMBLING? WILL THE SOX REBOUND ON SUNDAY AND GET 5 HITS?
FRANKLY, MY DEARS, I DON'T GIVE A DAMN! MY RED SOX BLOOD RED HAS DRIED UP.THE RED SOX ARE A LINEUP OF WALKING WOUNDED AND SHELLSHOCK. WE DON'T NEED TITO-WE NEED BLOOD AND GUTS PATTON!
BY THE WAY, HAS ANYONE SEEN THEO SITTING IN THE SEATS BEHIND HOME PLATE?
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