Lackey Gets No Support, Sox Lose 2-0.
By Rick McNair
The Red Sox opened the Dodgers series with a 2-0 loss as once again John Lackey got the short end of run support. An old story at this point of the season regarding run support. Aug 23, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Lackey went the full eight allowing only three hits but one was a costly 2 run home run to former Red Sox, Hanley Ramirez, to dead on CF in the fourth. To add even further insult the base runner was none other than former Sox, Carl Crawford, who has mentioned his former team in less than complimentary tones of late. Crawford and Ramirez accounted for the three Dodger hits of the evening.
Dodger starter, Ricky Nolasco, was outstanding allowing only two hits, no walks and six strikeouts to move his record to 10-9, while the hapless Lackey dropped to 8-11. Otherwise the only significant highlight was the fact the match was completed in just two hours and seven minutes.
Lackey did have a magnificent performance despite the loss. Lackey allowed the three mentioned hits, no walks and also struck out six. Lackey managed to toss only 97 pitches in his eight inning effort.
The Dodgers closed out the ninth with a quick three up and down stint by Kendley Jansen.
So game one of the potential World Series preview goes to LA.
Today the matchup will be Jon Lester for Boston and Hyun-jin Ryu for the Dodgers.