Francona Wins Big in Return to Fenway

Connelly’s Top Ten: Rask Falls on Face

Bruins Lose 4-3 in OT as Rangers Fight to Stay Alive

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

Red Sox Rock Jimenez But Still Fall 8-6 in Denver

After the drama of a 2-1 loss Tuesday night Red Sox Nation was prepared for another pitcher’s duel on Wednesday. Taking the mound for the Rockies was ace Ubaldo Jimenez, owner of an ERA well under two and entering the game with 13 wins.

The Rockies got off to a fast start, scoring four runs in first three innings. With their ace on the mound, four runs should have been more than enough. Ubaldo Jimenez however, who had been feeling sick the night before, was not himself against Boston and responded with his worst outing of the season. The Sox tagged Jimenez for two runs in the fourth, courtesy of Daniel Nava, and four in the sixth, forcing an early exit from the game.

The bullpens quieted the offensive pace through the late innings until the Red Sox called upon their closer, Jonathan Papelbon. The 6-5 lead wouldn’t last long, however, as Papelbon gave up a lead off home run to Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart. It didn’t get better from there, as Clint Barmes singled and one batter later, pinch hitter and Red Sox nemesis Jason Giambi hit a two run homer to walk off with the win.

Sox Stud of the Game: Daniel Nava

The Nava magic continues. He had two hits, both doubles, and drove in three runs.

Sox Dud of the Game: John Lackey

The meme around Lackey seems to be shifting from ace to bulldog to “he has hot streaks and cold streaks” but so far he looks like a guy who thrived in the weak AL West.

Game Notes:

W: Corpas (2-4)
L: Papelbon (2-4)

• John Lackey had two hits. Going into the game he had just one major league hit in his career.
• Josh Reddick was 0-4 with two strikeouts.
• Papelbon gave up more homers, runs, and hits than he recorded outs.

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: Colorado Rockies, Daniel Nava, John Lackey, Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox, Ubaldo Jimenez