Sox Avoid Sweep, End Skid At Four (45-32)

Today, the Red Sox played a good game, beating the Pirates 4-2 to end their losing skid at 4 games. The Red Sox took their first lead in the 4th, when Jarrod Saltalamacchia came home on a throw into the stands by Andrew McCutchen to make it 1-0. However, in the bottom half, the Pirates tied it on a sacrifice fly by Ronny Cedeno (great catch by Ellsbury!). In the 5th, the Pirates took a lead on an RBI single by Andrew McCutchen to make it 2-1. In the 6th, Kevin Youkilis came in to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Josh Reddick. In the 7th, the Red Sox loaded the bases with no outs. An RBI groundout by Dustin Pedroia and a sacrifice fly by Kevin Youkilis were enough to give the Sox a 4-2 lead.

Andrew Miller (top right) was very good in his 2nd start with the Sox, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned in 6 innings. He earned the win, and he is now 1-0/3.09/10. Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-3 with a walk, raising his average to a remarkable .361. Kevin Youkilis also had a good game, going 1-3 with a run and an RBI. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (left) went 1-3 with a runs scored. After an off day Monday, on Tuesday the Sox head to Philly for a marquee matchup with Josh Beckett (6-2/1.86/79) and Cliff Lee (8-5/2.87/114).

Bright Spots:

Andrew Miller- 1 earned run and a win in 6 innings

Alfredo Aceves- a scoreless inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- his 14th save with a scoreless inning

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3 with a walk

Kevin Youkilis- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Darnell McDonald- 0-4 with 8 freaking runners left on base, we need to get rid of this guy!

This was a good game, and I'm glad they avoided the sweep.