Jays Lose a Close One to the Red Sox

Red Sox 3 Blue Jays 2

It is really too bad that Steve Delabar gets the L for that one. He came into the game in the 8th, with 2 on and walked another to load the bases. Then went 3-0 to the next batter before working his way back for a strike outs (helped by Cody Ross chasing a bouncer). A pop out later and he was out of trouble. The 9th didn't go so well, lead off double, strikeout out, fly out, then another double to put the Red Sox ahead. Farrell really should have taken him out. He threw a lot of pitches.

Carlos Villanueva pitched like someone that wanted to prove a point. 7 innings (plus a batter), 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 earned, 6 k. He got a pitch up to Cody Ross that Ross hit out, in the 2nd. And he got robbed on what should have been a strike three pitch (that would have ended the inning), in the 4th to Ross again. Instead of a strikeout, it was a walk. 2 singles later the walk scored. Now he should have been able to get out of the inning after a 2 out walk, but still, get the call right.

Our offense didn't do much. With 2 on, in the 1st, Yunel Escobar singled home Edwin Encarncion. Brian Butterfield waved Adam Lind home too, but he was out by 15 feet or so. Bad choice, but with 2 outs, it might have been worth the hope that there was a bad throw.

In the 5th Anthony Gose showed off his speed. He reached on an infield single, a ball that looked like a very routine ground out to short, but Gose was easily safe. He stole second. Rajai Davis reached on an error. Then Brett Lawrie bunted them up to 2nd and 3rd. Really a dumb move. It seemed like Brett bunted on his own because Farrell talked to him afterward. It was a bad move because the Sox intentionally walked Edwin right after. Adam Lind popped one to short center. I didn't think Gose should tag up, but he did and was safe easy. Jacoby Ellsbury's throw was terrible.

Other than those 2 runs, we did nothing with the bats. 5 hits (all singles except for Lind's double) and 5 walks. A pretty sad showing. Bobby Valentine may have mentally checked out, but so have our bats.

Carlos gets JoD for his .154 WPA. Suckage to Yorvit Torrealba (-.176), Davis (-.165), Aaron Loup (-.104) and Yunel (-.100).

Tomorrow Brandon Morrow (8-6, 3.16) tries to salvage the last game of the series. Jon Lester (9-11, 4.99) goes for Boston. We swept Boston in Fenway last week, but we don't seem to be able to create any offense now.

And Brett, don't take it upon yourself to bunt ever again, ok?