Before we talk about the game I just wanted to say it was real classy of Sox fans to give Nomar a standing ovation...
The Red Sox only had 2 hits in this game, as Brett Anderson looked like a stud. Anderson has all the tools be a top pitcher in this league, he is just very young. Well last night we saw what he is capable of as he pitched 9 innings of shutout baseball on way to his 5th win of the season.
Boston looked terrible at the plate. They didn't have Pedroia, who had to be with his pregnant wife, and we all know the Sox are already playing without Lowell. The 3 big hitters (Youk, Bay, Ortiz) in the Sox lineup last night went a combined 1-11. When a lineup is shorthanded you really need your stars to step up, and the Sox stars fell right on their face last night.
Smoltz had another miserable outing letting up 5 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings. He doesn't seem to want to pitch to the inside of these hitters, which is a sign that he doesn't have faith in the velocity on his fastball. Smoltz is now 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA through 3 starts. Oakland is not a strong lineup and I have to say I was disappointed with Smoltz. I said I would give him 6 starts before I gave a true evaluation, but you have to wonder how long the Sox will go with him instead of Buchholz, who is tearing up the minor leagues.
The good news is that the Yankees lost too so the Sox are still up 1 game in the AL East.
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