4/18 vs. Baltimore

[MANNYHOF24]

Beckett vs. Eaton(scrub)

 

 

Win.

 

 

 

 

All of a sudden, Boston's offense has shown signs of life -- and the ability to put together a big inning. And the timing couldn't be better.

 

Following their six-run eighth inning on Wednesday, which broke open a 2-0 game in Oakland, the Red Sox scored four in the second and three in the fifth on Friday, erasing a 7-0 deficit against Baltimore ace Jeremy Guthrie en route to a 10-8 win in the series opener.

 

"Every time someone asks me if I see a sign or if we're hot, it always goes the other way. After all was said and done, we hit ourselves back into the game," manager Terry Francona said, leaving room for improvement. "And then we leave the bases loaded when we had a chance to separate it a little bit."

 

Even with David Ortiz struggling, with three strikeouts on Friday and a .158 average, the Red Sox have scored 10 runs in their last 12 innings. They have set back-to-back season highs for runs after scoring just 29 over their first eight games.

 

"It'll take time," said Jason Varitek. "Obviously, everybody's not swinging the bat great yet, but some people are swinging the bat well. I think, through the process, different people will, and it will lengthen our lineup."

 

The length was right in the middle on Friday night, when J.D. Drew walked three times, tripled and homered while Jason Bay homered, scored twice and drove in three.

 

"I think most guys haven't really soaked it up yet," Bay said. "I think that's a potential season-changing win."

 

Pitching matchup

BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (1-1, 3.46 ERA)

After pitching a gem on Opening Day, Beckett had mixed results in his last start, giving up eight hits and four runs over six innings in a loss to the Angels. He threw 103 pitches in that game, 61 for strikes. This will be his 10th career start against the Orioles. In the previous nine, he is 4-2 with a 3.73 ERA. He has five walks and 15 strikeouts over his first two starts.

 

BAL: RHP Adam Eaton (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

Eaton was lit up for eight hits and four earned runs in his season debut, which came on an unwieldy 10 days' rest. He is taking his usual rotation turn in Boston, and he hopes to rebound from some encouraging work toward the end of his debut. He allowed all four runs in the second inning of his first start but fired two scoreless innings after that. The veteran was spent by that point, though, and was unable to pitch deeper into the game.

 

Tidbits

Boston's comeback on Friday night was the club's biggest in the regular season since climbing out of a seven-run hole on Sept. 11, 2007, to beat Tampa Bay, 16-10. The Sox trailed that game by seven runs in the middle of the fourth. ... Manny Delcarmen tossed 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and hasn't allowed a run over his last 19 1/3 innings over 13 games dating back to Sept. 7. ... Bay has reached base safely in all 10 games this season

[Dojji]

Our bullpen is a little pinched for this game. I don't know if I'd use Ramirez tonight, and Delcarmen is right out after his heroic effort last night. If Beckett gets into trouble for some reason we'll probably see Hunter Jones debut. Possibly a Saito sighting as well.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

For the sake of joining in this mojo s***, I played Reign In Blood in its entirely last night before gametime, and I'll do the same tonight. See if we got something here.

[BoSox21]

he might ride Beckett no matter what tonight knowing he'll have at least an extra day's rest before his next start

[Spudboy]

For those looking to find tonight's game nesn broadcast , Boston.com Sports has a list of channels.

NESN Plus is 81 and 817 (HD) on Comcast. Hope to see you then.

[Cocos Disciples]

Our bullpen is a little pinched for this game. I don't know if I'd use Ramirez tonight' date=' and Delcarmen is right out after his heroic effort last night. If Beckett gets into trouble for some reason we'll probably see Hunter Jones debut. Possibly a Saito sighting as well.[/quote']

 

I wouldn't be too worried. Beckett should go at least 6, then we have a fully rested Saito, Okajima (10 pitches last night), Papelbon (13) and Hunter Jones (God forbid).

 

Hopefully this isn't a reverse lock game. It's Adam Eaton damnit.

[Dojji]

and Hunter Jones (God forbid).

 

Ehh? Jones is a pretty decent pitcher. I'd rather see a young pitcher with his numbers, who the Orioles have not seen before other than some chance meetings in the minors, then some of our more workworn veterans right now.

[J-Beck]

http://i32.ahpic.com/e47b7f.png

 

Accuscore has the Sox as clear favorites (however accurate that may be).

 

And I like our chances against Baltimore's 6.47 team ERA.

[Dojji]

Giving David a 22% chance of homers today? Love to see it. Doubt I will.

[J-Beck]

BA HR RBI OBP SLG

.158 0 4 .261 .184

 

With stats like those I think he's gotta be due for a game with at least.... 6 home runs.

[Spudboy]

I think Beckett is do to have a good game. I agree that he'll get a good 6 innings in.

[yeszir]

Keep the streak alive

[Gom]

Red Sox definitely win this game.

[J-Beck]

Anybody know if there's any way to watch these games online other than having an MLB.tv account?

 

I only get to see them play whenever they're on Fox or ESPN.

[Cocos Disciples]

Ehh? Jones is a pretty decent pitcher. I'd rather see a young pitcher with his numbers' date=' who the Orioles have not seen before other than some chance meetings in the minors, then some of our more workworn veterans right now.[/quote']

 

If Hunter Jones is pitching, Beckett likely didn't do his job.

[BoSox21]

too bad Jones sucks vs. lefties otherwise id love to see him try and take Lopez's job

[Spudboy]

good evening mannyhof24

[Spudboy]

Nice start for beckett

[MANNYHOF24]

Nice Start by Beckett.

[J-Beck]

http://i32.ahpic.com/w6967l.png

 

That's gotta be the goofiest player picture I've ever seen. Good player, though.

[MANNYHOF24]

good evening mannyhof24

 

good evening to you to sir.

[J-Beck]

2 batters, 2 K's.

[Cocos Disciples]

Beckett looking very good to begin.

[Cocos Disciples]

Anyone have RCN? I don't think this game is in HD because of the Bruins game.

[Spudboy]

Let's see if Jacoby can avoid starting out with something other than a chopper to second or a K.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

http://i32.ahpic.com/w6967l.png

 

That's gotta be the goofiest player picture I've ever seen. Good player, though.

Nah, I have MVP 2004 and some of the player pics on there are just amazing. This would barely register.

[Spudboy]

Comcast is in HD.

[J-Beck]

Anybody know how much of a delay there is between ESPN GameCast and live broadcast?

[Cocos Disciples]

At least he hit it pretty hard.

[Spudboy]

Well, at least he got some wood on the ball!