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For the Bulletin Board: Lundqvist’s “Lucky Bounces,” Savard’s “#ByeByeTorts”

Hermida, Lackey Carry Sox to 6-3 Win

John Lackey impressed Red Sox Nation with a second strong start in a Boston uniform. The righty lasted six and two thirds innings and allowed just two runs. While Lackey did walk four Twins in the outing, he was able to pitch around the base runners and earn his first win of the season and as a member of the Red Sox.

It wasn’t all good times for the Sox.  In the 7^th inning, with two on and two out, Hideki Okajima came in to relieve Lackey. After a 1-0 passed ball escaped the grasp of Victor Martinez, he issued an intentional walk to reigning MVP Joe Mauer, opting to face Justin Morneau instead. With runners now on second and third, Okajima was able to get Morneau to hit a weak popup and escape the bases-loaded jam.

Carrying that momentum into the top of the 8^th, the Red Sox broke things open. Jeremy Hermida came up with a bases loaded double by taking a Jesse Crain offering into left center field, clearing the bases, and giving the Sox a 6-2 lead.

Daniel Bard would give one run back in the bottom of the inning as Michael Cuddyer would take him deep, but that was all the damage the Twins would do against the Red Sox bullpen. Jonathan Papelbon came in for the ninth to record his 3^rd save of the season.

Sox Stud of the Game: Jeremy Hermida

The former Marlin came up in a big spot and delivered again. In just 14 at bats, Hermida has 5 hits and 6 RBI including the three he drove in today. With Ellsbury out, Hermida is taking advantage of his time in the lineup.

Sox Dud(s) of the Game: Hideki Okajima & Victor Martinez

On the 1-0 pitch to Joe Mauer in the 7^th inning, Martinez was charged with a passed ball, advancing the runners to second and third and leading to the intentional walk of Mauer. Thankfully no runs scored, but at the time the Sox were only up 3-2 and Lackey’s win was on the line.

Game Notes

W: Lackey (1-0)
L: Slowey (1-1)
SV: Papelbon (3)

• Dustin Pedroia hit his team-leading 4^th home run.
• David Ortiz, doing everything he can to contribute, was caught stealing second base.
• Rain fell on the field of a Twins home game for the first time since 1981, in just the second game at open-air Target Field.

About Mike Carlucci

Mike Carlucci writes about the Red Sox for Sports of Boston and can be found blogging about baseball and technology. He has a J.D and enjoys palindromes and espresso. You can follow him on Twitter @mikecarlucci or on Google+.

Tags: Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jeremy Hermida, John Lackey, Minnesota Twins