Tough Loss: Sox Fall to A’s 4-3

By Mike Carlucci in Featured, Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ September 12, 2010 at 1:16am ⋅ Post a comment

Ortiz is not happy after striking out to end the game (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

The west coast isn’t friendly to the Red Sox. It doesn’t matter what point in the season the team sets their watches back three hours; it seems like the a trip to the left coast always comes during a slump. After losing on Friday with Clay Buchholz recording just three outs before an early exit, the Red Sox were looking for John Lackey to pitch the free agent deal he received. And for six innings he did.

With a 2-0 lead after six innings, Lackey seemed to be in control over a familiar AL West opponent, but a leadoff double to Daric Barton quickly led to a 3-run, 4-hit inning with a throwing error by Bill Hall for good measure. With two outs, the speedy Rajai Davis blasted a triple into the far reaches of the outfield. Ryan Kalish did an amazing job even attempting a play, but failed to reach the ball in his dive. Things didn’t get better in an eighth inning that saw Daniel Bard issue four walks.

In the 9^th inning the Red Sox staged a brief comeback. Down to their final out, Victor Martinez smashed a double to right field and was promptly driven in by Adrian Beltre, who hit a double of his own. With Eric Patterson taking over as a pinch runner, the game was placed in the hands, and on the bat, of David Ortiz. However this night would not see any late game heroics from Big Papi. After battling for nine pitches against the A’s closer, Ortiz struck out looking.

Sox Stud of the Game: John Lackey

The game didn’t end well for Lackey, but he tossed seven quality innings and gave up only the three runs at the end. With six strikeouts and no walks, Lackey pitched like the guy the Sox have been waiting for all year.

Sox Dud of the Game: Daniel Bard

Bard just didn’t have it on Saturday. When the 2010 version of Hideki Okajima is called in to clean up another pitcher’s mess, you know it hasn’t gone well.

Game Notes:

W: Anderson (5-6)
L: Lackey (12-10)
SV: Bailey (23)

Marco Scutaro was originally scheduled to play shortstop but was moved to second base just before game time with Jed Lowrie sliding over to short. Despite the pain in his shoulder, Scutaro drove in the first run of the game on a solo home run.
Darnell McDonald recorded his 9^th outfield assist, gunning down Barton at home plate.

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: Andrew Bailey, Brett Anderson, David Ortiz, John Lackey, Marco Scutaro, Oakland A's, Red Sox