Red Sox Can't Reform From Early Struggles (7-4)

Kevin Youkilis had one RBI

In last night's game, the Red Sox never fully gained control in a very close pitching game. Jon Lester allowed runs in the second and fourth innings, as he never really could command his pitches-- throwing over 80 in four innings. His final line stood at 4 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout. In the bottom of the fourth, the Red Sox offense made their first and last true rally. Pedro Ciriaco led off the inning with a double to left. Kevin Youkilis quickly drove him in by hitting a single into left to score the run and make it 2-1. However, that's exactly how the score would stay. Both Red Sox and Twins pitchers were solid the rest of the way. Andrew Miller and Andrew Bailey each threw scoreless innings (the 5th and 6th, respectively) and each struck out two, but Miller walked one as well-- solid outings for both pitchers. Jesse Carlson allowed a hit in an otherwise uneventful inning. Scott Atchison allowed two hits and struck out one in two innings of work. However, on the bad side-- the Red Sox hitters only had six hits last night, walked only once, and struck out ten times. Now, it's true that several minor leaguers were playing but that has got to change.

Bright Spots:
Andrew Miller- 1 inning, no runs or hits, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
Andrew Bailey- 1 inning, no runs or walks or hits, 2 strikeouts
Jesse Carlson- 1 inning, 1 hit, no runs
Scott Atchison- 2 innings, 2 hits, no runs, 1 strikeout
Pedro Ciriaco- 1-3, 1 run, 1 double
Kevin Youkilis- 1-2, 1 RBI
Ryan Lavarnway- 2-2

Dull Spots:
Nate Spears- 0-4, 2 strikeouts, 1 left on base
Darnell McDonald- 0-2, 2 left on base
Josh Kroeger- 0-2, 1 strikeout, 2 left on base
Dan Butler- 0-2, 1 strikeout, 3 left on base
Kelly Shoppach- 0-2, 1 strikeout, 1 left on base
Tony Thomas- 0-2, 1 strikeout, 3 left on base
Jason Repko- 0-2, 2 strikeouts