Sox Ran Into Those Pesky Nat’s!

After winning the first two games of the series by scores of 11-3 and 6-4,  in rather easy fashion.  The Boston Red Sox were looking for a sweep of the Washington Nationals in our Nation’s Capital.  Unfortunately for Boston that didn’t happen, as the Sox ran into those pesky Nat’s!  Who spoiled the party and a “sweeps” celebration for the Sox and Red Sox Nation.  Hey we can’t win them all, can we?  I guess just like the famous song from Meatloaf says “Two outta three ain’t bad”!

For the Sox it was the much anticipated debut of John Smoltz, Thursday evening.  Smoltz who’s a future lock for the Hall Of Fame, was making his first start since June of last year, after under going surgery.  It was a night of mixed emotions as the Nationals rudely spoiled the celebration for him.  Smoltz got off to a very rocky and shaky start, as the Nationals batted around in the games opening inning.  In doing so they also placed a 4 spot up on the scoreboard, giving their starter Jordan Zimmermann (3-3) all the run support he’d need on the night.

Smoltz’s 1st Inning:

9 Batters Faced – 34 Pitches – 4 Hits – 4 Runs – 4 Earned – 1 Walk – 1 Strikeout – 1 Hit Batter

After the first inning in which Smoltz was forced to throw 34 of his 92 pitches, he actually kinda settled into a nice groove.  As he mowed down the final 8 batters he faced and struck out the side in the his final inning of work, the 5th.  His overall performance is what fans and the Sox need to look at, as he gets back into the groove of things.

Smoltz’s Overall Performance:

5 Inning’s – 92 Pitches – 7 Hits – 5 Runs – 5 Earned Runs – 1 Walk – 5 Strikeouts – 1 Hit Batter and an ERA of 9.00

His night actually wasn’t that bad if you minus the first inning, which we’ll just attribute to nerves.  Everyone from the Sox, Smoltz, the fans and all members of Red Sox Nation will be looking for a much improved outing the next time he takes the mound.  Which barring any rainouts in the weekend series with the Atlanta Braves, will be next week.  As the Sox wrap up their 9 game trip playing three games with the Baltimore Orioles.