Just when it appeared just like the Red Sox had been primed to go on a scorching streak, they took a step again.
Though they did already win the collection, the Red Sox failed to finish a sweep and notch one other much-needed win in opposition to one of many worst groups in baseball. Josh Winckowski was torched for six runs – together with two house runs by Bryan Reynolds – and the Red Sox’ offense went inexplicably silent in an 8-2 loss to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates, considered one of their extra forgettable defeats of the season.
It might have been simply considered one of 162, however given the place the Red Sox are, this was a missed likelihood.
Thirty-four of the Red Sox’ remaining 43 video games are in opposition to groups contending for a playoff spot together with the subsequent 12 in opposition to the Orioles, Blue Jays, Rays and Twins – all groups they’re chasing for a Wild Card spot. While all these video games will give them loads of alternatives to make up floor themselves, they’ll make it simpler on themselves by caring for inferior opponents.
Instead, they fell again within the Wild Card standings and after profitable 5 of their earlier six video games, misplaced some momentum heading into this tough stretch as they dropped again under .500 with a 59-60 report.
After erupting for eight runs on Wednesday – their first time doing so since July 10 – the lineup went invisible in opposition to Pirates starter JT Brubaker, who entered Thursday with a 4.45 ERA and 2-10 report in 22 begins. He left along with his greatest begin of the season, as he tossed seven shutout innings. The Red Sox recorded simply hits in opposition to Brubaker, who had seven strikeouts.
The Red Sox had simply 4 baserunners in opposition to Brubaker – Alex Verdugo and Xander Bogaerts hit singles, Bogaerts was hit by a pitch (and wanted medical consideration earlier than staying within the recreation) and Jarren Duran reached on an error. They didn’t put a runner into scoring place till the seventh, when Bogaerts singled and Verdugo took second on a double play try that went improper as Oneil Cruz’s throw went crusing into the dugout.
By then, the Red Sox had been down 8-0 and nicely out of it.
Winckowski, filling in for Nathan Eovaldi (who was scratched as a consequence of shoulder soreness) had one of many worst begins of his rookie season as he lasted 5 innings and gave up six runs on seven hits. Reynolds, as he did Wednesday, hit a two-run homer within the first inning and the Pirates by no means appeared again.
Source: www.bostonherald.com