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Rays Pound Masterson, Beat Sox Again

Justin Masterson has pitched well lately for the Red Sox. So well, in fact, that many called for him to remain in the rotation even when Daisuke Matsuzaka returns from injury. His start Friday night against began well with four scoreless innings. With a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning, the wheels fell off the bus.

In that inning, the Rays scored six runs off Masterson, four of which came on Evan Longoria’s grand slam. In all, Masterson allowed six runs on six hits and three walks to go with six strikeouts in six innings pitched. For the second straight game, the Sox offense sputtered around, and Masterson took the loss in a 6-2 final.

Sox Stud of the Game

Dustin Pedroia, 2B: Pedroia finished 3-5 and scored one of the Sox two runs. His effort raised his season batting average to .298.

Sox Dud of the Game

Red Sox “Clutch” Hitting: Where do I begin. The Red Sox had nine hits and six walks, but could only plate two runs. There was no big culprit, as three players left three men on base each (Julio Lugo, Mike Lowell, and Jason Bay). Three others left two men on base (Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Varitek, David Ortiz).

Game Notes

W: Andy Sonnanstine (1-3)
L: Justin Masterson (2-1)

• After Longoria’s grand slam in the fifth inning, Carlos Pena followed with a solo shot of his own to cap the scoring for the Rays.
• The Rays have won four straight games against the Red Sox (the first two of this series and the last two of the opening series of the season).
• Kevin Youkilis was the only other player besides Pedroia with multiple hits, finishing 2-3 with a walk and a run.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Andy Sonnanstine, Carlos Pena, Dustin Pedroia, Evan Longoria, Justin Masterson, Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays