Who is Where

We have all heard the joke, "Who's on first, what's on second"? How about WHO IS ON THE MOUND! I am not exactly sure what got into Bostons lineup tonight, but I like it a whole lot. Making it a long trip after a day game vs. Baltimore, to head into Toronto and gather 13 runs. The bullpen once again took a crap, except for Papelbon who made 3 consecutive outs to finish the game, and gave Boston the win 13-12.

Tonight Boston faced a 10-9 Toronto team with Dana Eveland on the mound. Redsox usually have a nice impact when they cross the border. Redsox came out hitting in the first inning with 4 more singles and a run. I really like the small ball the Redsox have been playing. I realize its early in the season, however, the sox do not have a ton of power in the lineup, unlike the yanks or rays.

Small ball is where you will win games, and strategy as my good friend Shawn always says. Beckett needed to control his pitch count and try and keep the horrible sox bullpen off the Field for the most part.

Boston loaded the bases in the top of the 3rd, to knock in 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB to take a 5-0 lead. After taking 2 out of 3 from Baltimore, Boston needs to win this series, as they head to Baltimore over the weekend.

Beckett was tagged for 6 runs in the bottom of the third for a total of 72 pitches thrown in 3 innings. Not the kind of start I was hoping for in Toronto. Boston came up with another 2 runs in the 4th. In 4 innings boston had acquired 8 runs, and 10 hits. Very unexpected offense with no Victor Martinez, or David Ortiz in the lineup.

Beckett was pulled 2 batters into the 4th inning not recording an out. The pitch count was outrageous, something I was hoping not to get high on, however it did not work in my favor.

Boston compiled up 4 runs in the top of the 6th inning with another 5 hits to add a total of 17 hits through 6 innings for the Redsox. Boston took the lead after 6, 13-10. I am not really sure whats better, the fact that we scored a ton of runs, or the fact that Toronto scored runs as well. I can look at it as we threw strikes, therefore they scored runs. I am not sure if these pitchers knew where to locate the pitches all night. The bullpens were horrible, and I am not looking forward to the rest of the season if it is going to be like this.

Boston continued to lead through 8 innings with both teams putting up goose-eggs in the 7th, only the second time all game has both teams not scored in the same inning.

Once again, in the bottom of the 8th the bullpen seems like they can never get ahead of anything, being behind in just about every batter they face and can not get the advantage. Okajima, a reliever who Boston can usually turn to failed once again giving up 3 singles in a row, including a run to make the lead down to 2, 13-11. Young flame thrower Daniel Bard got the call to finish off the 8th getting 2 strikeouts and a sac fly to head to the 9th inning with Boston still on top 13-12.

Papelbon came on to finish out the 9th inning to collect his 6th save of the season. In this slug fest Boston and Toronto combined for 25 runs, 34 hits, and 0 errors.

Both starting pitchers only went 3 innings. Both bullpens gave up a total of 10 runs, 17 hits, and 2BB. I am not exactly sure, but I do not think either manager was pleased with the relief efforts given. Francona better be doing some holiday shopping early. Delcarmen, Bard and Papelbon are locks, but I am not sure about the others.

Marco Scutaro made his reunion in Toronto good for Boston as he went 3 for 5 with 3 runs and 1 RBI.

Boston will take Toronto on in game 2 tomorrow with Clay Buchholz (1-2) vs. Shaun Marcum (0-1)