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Smoltz Has Rough Outing in Sox Debut

The Red Sox were looking to sweep the Washington Nationals when John Smoltz took the hill for the first time as a member of the Red Sox. He replaces Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is now on the DL after struggling to a 1-5 record. Smoltz had a rough outing himself in his debut, allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings to take the loss in a 9-3 final.

Jordan Zimmerman, a promising young righty for the Nationals, dominanted the strong Sox lineup, allowing just one run on five hits and one walk in seven innings. He added six strikeouts to improve to 3-3 on the year. The Sox scored their lone run off Zimmerman with a David Ortiz sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.

Sox Stud of the Game

J.D. Drew, RF: Drew was the only player with two hits, finishing 2-4. He also scored the only run for the Sox off Zimmerman on an Ortiz sac fly.

Sox Dud of the Game

Dustin Pedroia, 2B: Pedroia finished 0-4 with two K’s, dropping his average to .289 for the year.

That’s What He Said

“Most of the time when the linescore is the way it is, I’m going to be very disappointed, but I really can’t at this point,” Smoltz said. “I lost a little rhythm there in the first inning … but very encouraged with how good I can be and the way I felt and the stamina and everything going forward.”

Game Notes

W: Jordan Zimmerman (3-3)
L: John Smoltz (0-1)

• Jacoby Ellsbury stole his 31st base of the year.
• Rocco Baldelli hit a pinch-hit, 2-run HR in the ninth inning. 

Tags: J.D. Drew, John Smoltz, Jordan Zimmerman, Red Sox, Rocco Baldelli, Washington Nationals

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