Ortiz with 3 Hit Effort, Not Enough as Sox Drop 1st Game of Doubleheader

Following the emotional high of yesterday’s ballgame, it would be understandable for the team to struggle given the game’s draining nature. For the most part, that didn’t apply, as the Red Sox played the Royals close all day, with solid pitching and some nice offensive performances. Unfortunately, they could not muster up the same late-inning heroics of yesterday, and fell to Kansas City 4-2.

Daniel Nava and David Ortiz once again sparked the offense following the pair’s excellent days at the plate yesterday. Nava had two knocks and a scored a run in the first, while Ortiz added three hits including a double off Royals starter, Ervin Santana. Other than those two, hits were intermittent throughout the afternoon as the Sox failed to string hits together on a consistent basis.

April 20, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Daniel Nava (29) hits a three-run home run during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

However in the eighth, the Sox managed to load the bases on Nava and Ortiz hits and a Napoli walk, setting up a potential game-tying or go-ahead hit. With the score 4-2, Jarrod Saltalamacchia  grounded out feebly to first base to end the threat and effectively, the game.

Another note of interest from this game is that Dustin Pedroia (1-4, R) managed to reach base for the 17th consecutive game. Pedroia is currently among the league leaders in walks and has an impressive .408 OBP so far this season.

Tonight, the Red Sox go for the series win, with a gem from last summer’s “Nick Punto” blockbuster, Allen Webster, making his first Major League start. First pitch is at 7:00.