John Smoltz Redeems Himself Against Orioles

After giving up four first inning runs against the Washington Nationals on June 25, John Smoltz rightly redeemed himself tonight against the Baltimore Orioles before his outing was cut short due to an hour and 11 minute rain delay at Camden Yards. 

Smoltz pitched four innings deep until the tarp had to be pulled in the bottom of the fifth. He gave up three hits, one run, one walk, and had two strikeouts. His earned run average dropped from 9.00 to 6.00.

He could have easily kept going, but why risk another injury just for a "W" in the personal win column? Smoltz would rather have the team win—as some Red Sox fans noted.

So with a second start under his belt, it's more safe to say that Sox fans should be relieved that Smoltz came out shining tonight. He also got some major run support, courtesy of a Kevin Youkilis home run in the first and Jacoby Ellsbury going yard in the fourth.

And who would have thought that Julio Lugo started the whole rally batting leadoff?

With Smoltz in the rotation mix (for now), this could possible one of the deadliest current rotations in the major league: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, Brad Penny, and Smoltz.

That's pretty ridiculous.

What's more ridiculous is Clay Buchholz eating up innings down in Triple-A Pawtucket, but that's a whole other discussion.

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