Jon Lester Served First Loss in 6-4 Defeat to Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

Avery Bradley’s Role With the Celtics: Present and Future

Connelly’s Top Ten: Bruins Up 2-0

2013 NBA Playoffs Expert Picks: Third Round

Red Sox Harpooned By Mariners

Yet again, Boston had a chance to ride decent pitching to a win, but they completely screwed it up again, giving way to the Mariners 4-2. The Mariners rank 27th out of 30 of all major league teams, and are one of four not above .400, and don’t have Cliff Lee, but still, the Red Sox can do nothing against them. Maybe if they keep screwing up horrendously the Red Sox won’t waste money on useless contracts and Fenway tix will become affordable. But I digress.

Seattle got things going in the 3rd, singling in a run following a double and walk. They loaded the bases with two outs, but could do no more damage. The Red Sox answered right back next time up, scoring two more runs on a single, walk, double, and single before a lineout, strikeout, and another lineout ruined their chance for more. David Ortiz singled with two outs in the 5th, and that was the last time any Red Sox player reached base on the day.

In an odd move, Daniel Bard came into the game in the 7th for Daisuke Matsuzaka, instead of Hideki Okajima. Apparently, Bard wasn’t the closer of the future on this day, and Terry Francona’s judgment hiccuped pretty severely later on. After pitching to one batter in the 8th and giving up a single, Bard was relieved for the aforementioned Okajima. He gave up five straight singles, two of them on bunts. On one of the bunts, Okajima looked to third base TWICE looking for a play. If it wasn’t there the first time you looked Okaji, why would it be there the second bloody time?!? The bottom line is, three runs scored in the midst of all this garbage before the Sox finally ended it. Instead of bringing Okajima out sooner, Boston elected to let former Red Sox David Aardsma get the save.

Sox Stud of the Game: Let’s Say No One

The offense wasn’t there, the bullpen wasn’t there, and Daisuke Matsuzaka had a WHIP of 1.5 on the day.

Sox Dud of the Game: Hideki Okajima

That was one of the sorriest pitching performances I’ve ever seen. But then again, what can you expect from someone who used to fight ham for a living?

That’s What He Said:

“He’s in a different part of the state than I am … so we’re far enough apart so we don’t have to compete.” – Jerry Remy, on his restaurant’s competition with David Ortiz’ restaurant.

Game Notes:

W: Brandon League (8-6)
L: Hikeki Okajima (3-3, 4 BS)
S: David Aardsma (18)

• Jeremy Hermida is 2/8 since his return.
• Former Mariners Adrian Beltre and Mike Cameron went 3/16 and 3/12 during their returns respectively.
• The Red Sox are expecting Victor Martinez back for Monday, in time to face Dan Haren.
• Jerry Remy called his 3,000th game Sunday.

Tags: Adrian Beltre, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Daniel Bard, David Ortiz, Hideki Okajima, Jeremy Hermida, Jerry Remy, Mike Cameron, Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Terry Francona, Victor Martinez