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Lugo Error Blows Game for Sox

The Red Sox and Tigers were engaged in a see-saw battle for much of Wednesday night’s game, with the Tigers eventually prevailing 10-9. Julio Lugo had a critical error in the ninth inning as he botched a double play ball. Jonathan Papelbon took the loss, allowing two runs in the inning after he entered with a 9-8 lead.

Sox Stud of the Game:

Kevin Youkilis was extremely studly in this one, going 2-5 with two HRs and three RBI. He did strike out three times, but he really provided a big punch for the Red Sox. Mike Lowell also played will, blasting a go-ahead, three-run shot in the seventh inning.

Diamond Dud of the Game:

I won’t even mention that Julio Lugo isn’t nearly living up to his contract and that he’s blocking a potential good major league player in Jed Lowrie….but Lugo had a truly critical error in the ninth inning on a double-play ball. Those two outs would’ve been huge. Instead both runners part of the errant play ending up scoring and the Tigers won.

Pudge Read Moneyball?:

I think Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez may have finally read Moneyball. Why? Well he’s discovered the power of the walk. Last year, he walked just nine (!!!) times with 96 strikeouts over the course of the season. This year, he’s got a whopping six already in just 30 games.

Other Notes:

• The David Ortiz Batting Average Watch: 2-5, .233 AVG.
• Clay Buchholz had a pretty poor start, going four innings and allowing five runs on ten hits and one walk with six strikeouts.

Tags: Clay Buchholz, Detroit Tigers, Jonathan Papelbon, Julio Lugo, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell, Placido Polanco, Red Sox

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