When a pitcher with the nickname “Big Game James” goes up against a pitcher most people think should be the closer and not a starter, there aren’t many high expectations. But if there is one thing Red Sox fans can take from the Patriots’ Day game yesterday, it’s that Daniel Bard stood toe to toe with James Shields for 6.2 innings, leaving the game in the seventh inning after he walked in the first run of the game.
Bard struck out seven and also walked seven in those innings and only gave up four hits. Â It was an outing that would have been touted as masterful had it not ended with the walked-in run. Â But Bard alone can’t be blamed for the loss. Â Many point to Bobby Valentine leaving him in for one batter too many (which, given the bullpen Valentine has to work with, I can’t really agree with) but the Red Sox offense can take some of the heat for the loss given they only got four hits and three walks and they couldn’t convert any of their hits into a run.
Yesterday’s loss comes at the end of a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays where the Red Sox won the first three behind strong pitching and an even stronger offense. Â The Red Sox are still at the bottom of the standings but only two games behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles. Â Even with their shaky start the Red Sox are in a much better position than they were last year.
Tonight the Texas Rangers visit Fenway Park for a two-game series that’ll see Jon Lester and Josh Beckett taking the mound against Colby Lewis and Derek Holland. Â The Rangers lead the American League West with an 8-2 record and come into Boston riding a four-game winning streak. Â The Red Sox are hoping to put yesterday’s sweaty loss behind them and continue their, thus far, successful home stand.
(Originally published on Examiner.com)