When It Rains It Pours: Boston Red Sox AL East Title Dreams Washed Away

On a wet night, at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox dream of winning back-to-back AL East titles was washed away by the New York Yankees.  In a series that historically has a lot more on the line than just bragging rights, Boston’s Friday night line up looked more like tryouts for the 2010  twenty-five man roster.  A ninety minute rain delay caused Boston skipper Terry Francona to scratch Daisuke Matsuzaka as the starting pitcher, and opt for young up and coming prospect David Pauley.  Francona also decided to scratch David Ortiz from his original spot at 1st base in the starting lineup and pencil in Sean Casey, allowing Big Papi the night off.  Second base slugger Dustin Pedroia, and captain Jason Varitek were also given an evening hiatus.

J.D. Drew received a battery of tests Friday morning, prior to the series opener against New York, after his back started to stiffen up on him again.  Tito said in a press conference that the results they had already received back were “reassuring” and Drew may even see a few at bats over the weekend.

Boston’s starting pitcher, David Pauley, suffered his first major league loss of the season after going 2-2/3, and giving up 7 runs on six hits with 2 strikeouts.  Pauley was followed by Aardsma, Timlin, Smith and Hansack,.  Following a 5th inning, that was delayed 30 minutes due to rain, Chris Smith was the only Boston pitcher able to hold New York to a scoreless inning through the 6th. 

Jacoby Ellsbury continues to stay red-hot heading into the post season.  Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 17 games by going 4 for 5, with two runs, a RBI, recorded his 9th home run of the season on New York’s third pitch of the game, and stole his 50th base of the season.  That makes Ellsbury the 3rd player in Bo Sox history with 50 thefts in a single season, joining the likes of Tommy Harper (54 in 1973) and Tris Speaker (52 in 1912).  

Kevin Youkilis also went the yard in the first, with one on, to put Boston up 3-1.  It was Boston's only lead for the game, and Youk's 29th homer of the season.

An ailing Mike Lowell started in the DH spot, but only lasted for one at bat.  Lowell popped out to deep left field and was replaced by Chris Carter after what appeared to be a very painful limp down the first base line for Lowell.

Boston’s substitute 2nd baseman Gil Velazquez and catcher George Kottaras recorded their first major league hits.  Velazquez had a RBI single in the 4th and Kottaras doubled to deep left in the 5th.

Boston wasn’t going to go without a fight; Jonathan Van Every came up big with a triple in the bottom of the ninth with two outs that scored Jed Lowrie and Chris Carter.  The Sox eventually fell to the evil empire shortly after 12:30am local time 19-8.