RED SOX LOSE A SQUEEKER

After winning 1-0 Saturday afternoon, the Red Sox found themselves on the opposite end of a 1 run scoreline. Brad Penny was as solid as Brad Penny can be, going 6, allowing 2 homers, but both were solo shots.

The Red Sox lineup was silenced by Tommy Hanson, which actually isn't something to be too ashamed of. The 22 year old righty is 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA. He's no slouch.

And when it comes to 1 run games, you win some, you lose some. As inane as that cliche is, it's true here.

The Sox continue their road trip with a stop in Baltimore. Weren't we just there? Jon Lester faces Jason Berken, who is 1-4 with a 6.32 ERA. Getting shutout by him would be something to be ashamed of.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Gregory Smith

SOX SQUEEK BY BRAVES

It wasn't easy, but Tim Wakefield got win #10 yesterday afternoon, thanks to 6 shutout innings, and some shaky bullpen work that bent but did not break.

Jonathan Papelbon confuses me. He's 18 of 19 in save opportunities, but he was very close to blowing it yesterday. He missed by a good 3 or 4 inches with a pitch to McCann, and if Turner Field weren't such a big yard, that game is tied.

It's hard to argue with 18 saves, and a tidy 1.91 ERA. But a 1.36 WHIP isn't what we're used to with Papelbon. Nor are the 16 walks he's allowed (he walked only 8 last year). Is he getting lucky by escaping all these jams, or is he simply bearing down when it matters most? It's hard to tell through only 33 innings.

Anyway, the Sox have now won 8 series in a row, and go for the sweep this afternoon. Brad Penny faces Tommy Hanson.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/John Bazemore