Ortiz Doubles in Sox Loss to Twins

By KC Downey in Featured, Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ May 27, 2009 at 7:48am ⋅ Post a comment

David Ortiz was taken out of his third spot in the batting order Tuesday night for the first time since 2005. Batting sixth, Big Papi doubled in his first at bat when he found the gap in right-center field. He later walked as part of a 1-3 night, so let’s hope that the move continues to help him find his swing again. J.D. Drew, meanwhile, went 0-3 with a walk while batting in Big Papi’s customary No. 3 spot.

Jon Lester meanwhile, was brilliant through the first four innings against the Twins, allowing two hits and zero runs. The same problem plagued Lester in the fifth inning as it has all season: allowing the big inning. In the fifth, Lester unraveled and allowed five earned runs, including a three-run shot to Justin Morneau. He pitched through six innings, but left with the Red Sox trailing 5-1.

The Sox offense didn’t do much else the rest of the game, but scored a run in the seventh and fell by a final of 5-2.

Sox Stud of the Game

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF: Ellsbury is on an absolute tear lately. On Tuesday, he finished 2-5 and scored both of the Sox runs. He now has a 21-game hitting streak.

Sox Dud of the Game

Jon Lester, SP: He hasn’t really shown any signs of last year’s brilliance. This season, Lester has allowed at least five runs in six of his 10 starts. Sadly, that won’t win you many ballgames.

Game Notes

W: Nick Blackburn (4-2)
L: Jon Lester (3-5)
S: Joe Nathan (7)

The Twins have homered in nine consecutive games, which is their longest such streak in seven years.
Joe Mauer was held hitless for just the fourth time in 24 games this year.
Mike Lowell got the day off. Kevin Youkilis played third base and Jeff Bailey played first base.