Red Sox Can't Back Bard In Series Finale (4-6)

Daniel Bard impressed today

Even if the Red Sox could not get the sweep today, I will take a 3-1 series against the Rays anytime of the year. Plus, there was a lot to like about yesterday's game. It was Daniel Bard's second career start and for the most part, he impressed. One could even say that he was spectacular until the seventh inning where things got a bit rough for Bard and the Red Sox. He loaded the bases for the Rays with two walks and a single before walking a run over the plate-- his final pitch. His final line was 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 7 BB, 7 K. The obvious problem here is those seven walks in just six and a third innings-- however, it's not to worry. In his last start (where he was much worse, mind you), he only walked one in five innings so hopefully this was a one time occurrence. However, it was not Bard's fault that the Red Sox lost this game. The Red Sox picked up no runs and only four hits in the 1-0 loss to Tampa.

Bright Spots:
Daniel Bard- 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 7 BB, 7 K
Cody Ross- 2-4

Dull Spots:
Mike Aviles- 0-4, 1 K
Ryan Sweeney- 0-3, 1 K, 2 LOB
Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3, 1 LOB
Darnell McDonald- 0-3

Player of the Game:
Daniel Bard- Even though Bard had some obvious control problems in the later innings which seem to dominate his line, he really pitched well against the Rays today.