Red Sox Poor Bullpen Leads to 11-5 Loss to Orioles

The Boston Red Sox did not bring their best today, falling 11-5 against the Baltimore Orioles. While there were some bright spots, poor pitching performances by bullpen was the deciding factor in this one.

The one “highlight” of the pitching today was Justin Masterson. He pitched 4 innings in which he allowed 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out one. He allowed one run, which is an improvement over his previous starts but only lowered his spring training ERA to 5.11. Masterson is still struggling a bit, but if he can get his walk numbers down he should make a fine number four for the team.

Mitchell Boggs got the call for the 8th inning with a 5-3 lead, but was unable to retire a batter. He walked 3 straight which led to him getting pulled form the game. Reliever Zeke Suprill came in to take over for Boggs in the 8th but was unable to stop the bleeding, allowing 4 hits and 3 earned runs in the inning. In the 9th, the Sox brought in Michael McCarthy, who only added insult to injury. He was only able to retire one batter and allowed 2 hits, a walk and 3 earned runs leaving the Sox down 6 going into the bottom of the 9th.

However, The Sox offense was solid today and showed flashes of greatness. The highlight of the day was a 3 run bomb by Rusney Castillo to give the Sox the lead. This is a very good sign for Sox fans. While a healthy Castillo makes John Farrell’s job harder with 4 starting caliber outfielders, he brings an incredible amount of talent to the field and is in line to have a breakout season. Hanley Rameriez also flashed his bat, going 2-3 with an RBI.

Despite the good efforts from many of the guys, the Sox were unable to capitalize on 3 errors by the Orioles and they stranded 4 men on base. This wouldn’t have made a huge impact in the end though, considering how poor the pitching was today.

Game Notes

The bullpen is in need of some work. After moving Andre Miller at the deadline last year and with Koji’s health in doubt Farrell seems to have a tall task on his hands. Could we see the team use some prospects like Matt Barnes in the pen earlier rather than later? Only time will tell.
Castillo flashed his bat today, showing that his oblique injury is in the rearview mirror and he is ready to compete for a starting outfield job. A healthy Castillo gives the Sox 4 starting caliber outfielders and a bit of a problem. Look for trade rumors surrounding Victorino to potentially heat up as Castillo works his way back into the fold.
Justin Masterson had a solid outing today. I would have liked to see him allow less hits or walk less batters but overall I will take 4 innings of one run ball. Let’s hope he can carry this success to his next few starts and onto the regular season.

<b>Justin Masterson</b>. STARTING PITCHING . B-. . Game Ball

Masterson, the one bright spot of the Sox pitching today posted a solid game. As mentioned previously, the number of hits and walks issued is a bit concerning but he kept his stuff in check and only allowed one run. Had the bullpen continued what he started, the easily would have walked away with a win.

F. . Game Ball. Tommy Layne. RELIEF PITCHING

Picking who got the gameball here was pretty easy. Tommy Layne pitched one perfect inning striking out one. Other than that however, the Sox relief pitching was horrendous, allowing 10 runs in 5 innings and costing the team the game. Koji Uehara‘s status for opening day is still up in the air but with the showing today, the Sox seem to have some serious work to do with or without Koji.

B+. . Game Ball. Rusney Castillo. OFFENSE

Finally being back from injury, Castillo is beginning to show us why he got such a big contract. His 3 run homer in the bottom of the 7th put the Sox up by two but it wasn’t enough. While the offense was unable to capitalize on some errors made by the Orioles, they still put up an overall decent showing which should be expected.

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