Red Sox Unable To Hit, Can't Sweep Tigers (30-23)

Last night, the Red Sox' offense was unable to get going off Justin Verlander in a 3-0 loss to the Tigers. In the first inning, the Tigers put a runner on first with one out to set up an RBI double by Brennan Boesch to make it 1-0 Tigers. Right after that, Miguel Cabrera singled to the right side, bringing in Boesch and giving the Tigers an early 2-0 lead. Neither team scored again until the 8th inning, when, with a runner on second and two outs, Don Kelly singled right back up the middle to make it 3-0 Tigers.

Josh Beckett (right) was pretty sharp last night, only allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, but he earned the loss and is now a great 4-2/1.80/63. Rich Hill pitched a scoreless inning of relief, and Scott Atchison allowed a run in an inning of relief, but that was all either team would need. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game from the leadoff position, going 1-3 with a walk. J.D. Drew had a very good game, going 2-3, and raising his average up to a measly .240 mark. Jason Varitek went 1-3 with a double as it appears maybe he is settling into his groove. Tonight, the Red Sox will travel back to Fenway to face the White Sox and will send Jon Lester (7-1/3.36/70) to challenge Jake Peavy (1-0/3.00/14).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- Beckett pithed very well with just 2 runs in 6 innings, but he had no run support

Rich Hill- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-3 with a walk

J.D. Drew- 2-3

Jason Varitek- 1-3 with a double

Dull Spots:

Dustin Pedroia- 0-4 with 4 runners left on base

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-3 with a strikeout

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout

David Ortiz- 0-4

Carl Crawford- 0-3

Drew Sutton- 0-3

Well, this is what happens you face Justin Verlander.