First Place Slips Away as Sox Lose 2-1
The Sox’s second meeting with David Price in less than a week wasn’t much better than their first. While the Sox were not shut out this time, losing 2-1 still counts for a loss.
Jul 22, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman
Brandon Snyder(23) drops his head after flying out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Price was dominant. He threw just 90 pitches and allowed only 2 hits and 1 run. He might have finished the game if not for a rain delay in the 8th inning. Ortiz had a double to center field in the second inning. In the seventh Brandon Snyder got a hold of a pitch and wrapped it around the Pesky Pole for Boston’s only run.
Felix Doubront only allowed 2 earned runs on 8 hits. Normally a quality start such as this would result in a win, but not with the nearly silent bats letting him down. Jose De La Torre walked two betters and allowed a hit during his one inning, but he also got 3 strike outs to avoid earning any runs. Drake Britton looked sharp in his two innings. He struck out two batters and gave up no hits or walks.
After the rain chased Price from the game, the Sox tried to make a come back. In the eighth inning Ryan Lavarnway doubled. He was replaced with Daniel Nava as a pinch runner. Stephen Drew also doubled, but Nava was held at third base. Snyder flew out to end the inning. In the ninth, Ellsbury singled. Ortiz was walked, but Mike Napoli struck out to end the game.
The lack of offense is unsettling. Only Ortiz and Jacoby Ellsbury have batting averages at or above .300 presently. Dustin Pedroia has just three hits in the last ten games. His batting average for the month is only .205, which is not a very encouraging statistic for the unofficial heart (and guts) of the team.
Are the bats simply slumping? Will they bounce back soon? The pitching has been holding their own. The Sox could see first place again if the offense would do their part.
Next the Sox welcome the Mariners for a three game series.