09/01 SOX @ Rays 7:10PM

[TylerD]

Ottavino time !

[redsoxrules]

Lol Lopez

[Maxbialystock]

Fastball right down the middle for strike 3 on Lopez, who also has an error.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

There you have it. Vazquez was out at home because he's actually as slow as a catcher (and doesn't know it). Devers had exactly the same play and scored standing up.

 

I believe VAZ still leads the SOX in stolen bases. Another SOX stat which makes no sense.

[redsoxrules]

I'm ready for the leadoff walk. I'll be shocked if it doesn't happen

[redsoxrules]

I believe VAZ still leads the SOX in stolen bases. Another SOX stat which makes no sense.

 

That's just because he catches the other team off guard. Definitely nothing to do with his speed

[oldtimer]

Now the Sox need to pitch and defend for 3 outs. Cross your fingers.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Jack Lopez is not a major leaguer.

 

 

The SOX have had a few of those this season.

[Tedballgame]

The SOX have had a few of those this season.

 

Mostly pitchers.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

That's just because he catches the other team off guard. Definitely nothing to do with his speed

 

True, but it does disillusion VAZ into thinking that he's fast. In fact, VAZ has a sticker on his locker that reads "Speed Kills.'

[Tedballgame]

Walk Lowe!

[redsoxrules]

Walk Lowe!

 

That would bring up the top of the order. Not a good idea

[a700hitter]

I feel great for Duran who has really been getting a tough introduction to the major leagues.

[Tedballgame]

O man with a beautiful inning.

[moonslav59]

Come on!

[redsoxrules]

Ottavino was sharp tonight. Good stuff!

[Jasonbay44]

Ottavino was dominant tonight. Great job by him

[moonslav59]

Damn straight!

[TylerD]

That was nice!!

 

Ottavino should be out perm closer !! Hell yes.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

That was Koji like. Good way to start September.

[a700hitter]

We needed this game! Nice win.

[moonslav59]

Ottavino was dominant tonight. Great job by him

 

I'd have stuck with Whitlock for 3, but this is a big boost for Adam.

[moonslav59]

OAK lost to DET.

 

We are not the only WC contender struggling.

 

(Yanks won.)

 

We are 2 behind the Yanks and 2 ahead of the A's.

Edited September 2, 2021 by moonslav59

[Maxbialystock]

I'd have stuck with Whitlock for 3, but this is a big boost for Adam.

 

When the Sox went up 1 in the top of the 9th, they showed Ottavino warming up, and I was happy because Whitlock gave up a double in the 7th and again in the 8th. It took good defensive plays to prevent the Rays from scoring.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

The Rays tonight didn't do what they do best; timely hitting. Timely hitting may not be sustainable, but the Rays have had much more of it than any other team in MLB.

[harmony]

OAK lost to DET.

 

We are not the only WC contender struggling.

 

(Yanks won.)

 

We are 2 behind the Yanks and 2 ahead of the A's.

And the Red Sox are 3.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners, who Wednesday shut out the Houston Astros for the second straight day to take the three-game series in Seattle.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

The Rays tonight didn't do what they do best; timely hitting. Timely hitting may not be sustainable, but the Rays have had much more of it than any other team in MLB.

 

The Rays lead MLB in total runs and average runs per game(5.35). They're doing this with a team BA of .239.

[moonslav59]

And the Red Sox are 3.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners, who Wednesday shut out the Houston Astros for the second straight day to take the three-game series in Seattle.

 

You guts have hung tough. Your division is strong and you played the NL West.

 

I still think we are better, but it will be hard for us to take 2 of 3 in your home park.

[Maxbialystock]

Sox still up 2 on the A's for the 2d wild card. So all you naysayers--and you know who you are and I'm not afraid to name names (like Maxbialystock)--need to admit you don't know squat about this team this year.

 

A pretty big win, all things considered.

 

As much as I enjoy giving credit to Vazquez for those big hits and rbi's, my biggest praise has to go to Chris Sale for pitching 6 big innings and giving up 2 runs, 1 of which was thanks to the Sox offensive defense. This was a gritty performance on a night when he didn't have his best stuff, when the defense was not so hot, and when the umpire was hostile (albeit unintentionally so). And he did it against the best team in the AL on their home field

[moonslav59]

The Rays lead MLB in total runs and average runs per game(5.35). They're doing this with a team BA of .239.

 

They say OPS is one of the best indicators of runs scored.

 

TBR are tied for 10th.

 

.778 HOU

.776 TOR

.770 BOS

 

.758 CIN

.756 SFG

.755 CWS

.752 ATL

.748 WSH

 

.741 TBR & MIN

 

The rest are below .729.

 

Let's see just how unsustainable timely hitting can be, even against weak pens.