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Sox Offense Powers Win Over Rays

If Tim Wakefield’s career against the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays was extrapolated over a full major league season, he’d probably win a Cy Young award. After a win Saturday night against Tampa, Wake improved to 20-5 overall and 10-3 at Tropicana Field in his career. You know you’re good against a certain team when you can earn a win despite allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks in just five innings of work.

“The offense won the game,” Wakefield said. “I was lucky enough to get through five, and the bullpen really picked me up.”

Well said, Wake. Mike Lowell homered and Kevin Youkilis (1-3) and Nick Green (3-5) each had three RBIs as the Red Sox banged out 10 runs on 13 hits to win 10-6. During the previous two games, the Red Sox only managed two runs on 10 hits, so it was good to see the offense wake up.

Sox Stud of the Game

Dustin Pedroia, 2B: He finished 2-3 with one RBI, two runs scored, and three walks. In a game with a lot of offensive stars, Pedroia shined brightest mainly because he reached base a total of five times.

Sox Dud of the Game

David Ortiz, DH: Everyone keeps saying “When Papi wakes up…” but I have to admit I’m not sure how much he’s going to recover. Once he fixes his mechanics, he may be OK, but the days of .300 avg, 30 HR, and 100 RBI may be a thing of the past. Papi finished 0-2 with two walks, and reportedly is on his way to my house to kick my ass for calling him out.

Game Notes

W: Tim Wakefield (3-1)
L: Jeff Niemann (2-3)

• Jacoby Ellsbury finished 2-3 with three stolen bases. He now leads the majors with 13 SBs.
• The Sox bullpen combined for four innings and one run (off Takashi Saito in the ninth inning).
• Carlos Pena hit his major-league-leading 11th HR of the season.
• The 3-4-5 hitters (Evan Longora, Pena, Pat Burrell) each finished with two hits and two RBIs for the Rays.

Tags: Carlos Pena, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jeff Niemann, Mike Lowell, Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Tim Wakefield

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