Red Sox Pounded By Rays In Opening Rout (2-8)

Well, somebody had to win in last night's game, as they dominated the Red Sox by a score of 16-5. The Rays were better in all facets of the game, especially offense. It all started off in the top of the first, when Johnny Damon led off with a homer to right field, 1-0 Rays. After a 2-run double by John Jaso, a 2-run single by Reid Brignac, and a 2-run homer by Sam Fuld, it was 7-0 Rays. In the top of the third, after allowing runners at second and third with no outs, Daisuke Matsuzaka (right) was lifted for Tim Wakefield, who got out of that jam. In the bottom of the third, after a 2-out walk by Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez slammed a triple to right field to put the Sox on the board. However, in the bottom of the half, the Rays took it right back with an RBI single by Johnny Damon, 8-1 Rays. After a leadoff triple by David Ortiz (bottom left), J.D. Drew singled him in making it 8-2 Rays. Then, after an RBI double by John Jaso, it was 9-2 Rays. A scoring passed ball by Saltalamacchia and an RBI double for Ben Zobrist made it 12-2. In the bottom of the seventh, David Ortiz put an RBI single into center field, 12-3 Rays. In the bottom of the 8th, Jacoby Ellsbury showed a flash of power, again, with a solo home run to right field. However, in the 9th, the Rays made some noise, scoring 4 more times on RBI singles for Casey Kotchman and Reid Brignac, an RBI double by Sam Fuld, and an RBI groundout by Johnny Damon leaving it at 16-4. In the bottom half, David Ortiz had a sacrifice fly to make it 16-5, but it wsa not nearly enough.

Daisuke Matsuzaka had a rough day, to say the least, he allowed 7 runs in 2+ innings, to put him at 0-2/12.8

6/4 to start the year. Alfredo Aceves did a very good job out of the 'pen, thowing 2 2/3 shutout inningsto help the cause. Carl Crawford may be getting into his groove, as he went 2-5 with his first extra-base hit of the year last night. Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz, two of the slowest guys on the team, each had triples for the Sox. Jacoby Ellsbury is now tied for the team lead in home runs with 2. Tonight, Jon Lester (0-0/3.65/9) will go up against David Price (0-2/4.85/9) in the marquee matchup of the series.

Bright Spots:

Carl Crawford- a 2-5 day in the leadoff spot with a double

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-2 with an RBI triple

David Ortiz- 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBIs

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-4 with a home run

Alfredo Aceves- 2 2/3 shutout innings

Dull Spots:

Daisuke Matsuzaka- 7 runs in 2 innings, need I say more?

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

Marco Scutaro- 0-4 with an error as well

Dan Wheeler- 4 runs in 1 inning

Tim Wakefield- 5 runs in 3 1/3 innings

I am sad that the Sox lost, but at least they can win the next two games.