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Sox, Lackey Fall in New York

If you were wondering how long the Sox could keep it up against the hated Yankees, wonder no more; New York struck back against Boston’s relatively poor bats and pitching. Oh sure, it started well enough; Victor Martinez started the scoring in the 2nd with a jack out to left, followed by doubles from Adrian Beltre and Mike Lowell. Despite how Red Sox Nation was feeling at the time, no player on the road team made it into scoring position again.

The elation faded quickly, when John Lackey gave up two runs on a walk, triple, and later a groundout advancing the runner. Lackey could probably have even got to the groundout (which went to second) which would have prevented the second run from scoring, but seemingly gave up on it. But given the shadows that were giving everyone problems, I’d say we can forgive that; Jerry Lane was making delayed strike calls behind the plate all day.

Both pitchers settled into a groove after their shaky 2nd innings, until Lackey lacked (see what I did there?) control once more in the 5th, getting the first two outs but giving up four straight singles (and two runs along with them). Two more singles (coupled with stolen bases) plated another run for the Yanks in the next frame.

Manny Delcarmen and new reliever Felix Doubront held the Yankees at bay from then on out, while C.C. Sabathia kept trucking along until the 9th, when the dreaded Mariano Rivera came in to record the save. Eight pitches later, the Red Sox were granted a merciful end.

Sox Stud of the Game: Lance Berkman

I would like to thank New York’s DH for hitting A-Rod in the left shin during batting practice and knocking him out of the game (X-rays were negative) quite literally. A-Rod wasn’t even paying attention, chatting with the Fox announcing crew.

Sox Dud of the Game: John Lackey

Eight hits, three walks, and five earned runs in six innings (1.833333333333… WHIP, 7.5 ERA on the day) was not his best showing; quality starts will be needed for the Red Sox to even think about getting back into the race.

That’s What He Said:

“Walburg has actually been bragging to his Boston buddies that he shot Jeter in the film.” – The Fox announcing crew discussing Derek Jeter‘s new role in the film “The Other Guys” starring Mark Wahlberg.

Game Notes:

W: C.C. Sabathia (14-5)
L: John Lackey (10-7)
S: Mariano Rivera (23)

• It’s harder to steal against most little league teams than it is the Red Sox; Jorge Posada stole 2nd in the 5th, and Brett Gardner and Ramiro Pena both stole it in the 6th. Granderson advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Victor Martinez and it was Posada’s first steal of the year and 18th of his 16-year career (one steal in 2009, none in 2008).
• Marco Scutaro also threw the ball away in the 1st inning, botching a rundown.
• With the Red Sox and Yankees the two teams that play the longest games in baseball, this one lasted just 2:47.
• C.C. Sabathia’s daughter, Cyia, is named for Cy Young.
• You can either take your family for a lunch of a turkey sandwich each at one of Yankee Stadium’s dining rooms, or you can by a brand new car. Really.

Tags: Adrian Beltre, Felix Doubront, John Lackey, Manny Delcarmen, Marco Scutaro, Mike Lowell, New York Yankees, Red Sox, Victor Martinez