Sox Bats Sleep Against Mariners Again

Tim Wakefield pitched an absolute gem and gave the Red Sox every chance to win this game. But, in accordance with their previous road games, the Sox bats fell asleep and were shutout 1-0 by Erik Bedard and the Mariners. Wake went the full eight innings in the loss, allowing one run (a Yuniesky Betancourt solo HR) on five hits to go with eight strikeouts. Bedard outdueled the knuckleballer, allowing just two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts in seven shutout innings.

Sox Stud of the Game:

Uhhh…can you find a hitter that had more than one hit? No. OK…well this would have to be a tie between Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell, who each finished 1-3 with a walk. Reaching base twice is fine, but if no one knocks you in, it’s useless.

Diamond Dud(s) of the Game:

If you couldn’t catch the hint in the title, I’m handing this dubious distinction to the entire Red Sox lineup for their terrible road hitting woes. Erik Bedard is a good pitcher, so it’s understandable that a good pitcher can shut down a good lineup. But, Bedard’s dominace was a bit deceiving: he allowed only two hits but also allowed three walks. Brandon Morrow and J.J. Putz allowed a total of three walks as well…giving the Sox some baserunners to work with. Well, the didn’t work with them at all in the shutout. Let’s get out of Seattle!

Other Notes:

• The Sox will begin a series against Baltimore on the road Friday.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka left the road trip to head to Boston for a precautionary MRI on his ailing shoulder. Dice-K insists he’s OK though.
• With an 0-3, Ortiz is now back to a .249 batting average.

Tags: Erik Bedard, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Tim Wakefield

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