Oakland Overcomes Boston

OAKLAND: 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 - 9 21 0

BOSTON: 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 - 8 14 3

Where do I begin? What do I write? Why did this happen? The fact: the Boston Red Sox lost the second game of the four-game series to the Oakland Athletics in extra-innings at Fenway Park today. The final score may have one think it was close throughout the game, but that would be incorrect. Boston had a three-run lead going into the ninth inning and one would think that be enough to assure a win, but that would also be incorrect. Errors (Green) and ineffective relief pitching (Delcarmen) led to a blown save (Papelbon) and a Red Sox loss. Everything broke down for Boston. How does Boston protect itself from such meltdowns? Answers have to be found.

The only happy part of the day came before the start of the game. Newly inducted Hall of Famer Jim Rice's number fourteen was retired in pre-game ceremonies, joining Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Johnny Pesky (6), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9), and Carlton Fisk (27). A great ending to days of celebration for the former Red Sox leftfielder. Hurrah Jim!

=============================================

OAKLAND: Starting Pitcher: Vin Mazzaro, Winning Pitcher: Craig Breslow

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Manny Delcarmen (2)

OAKLAND: Save: Andrew Bailey

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 58, Losses: 41, AL East Standings: New York, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

=============================================

Next game: Wednesday 29 July 2009, 4:10 p.m. PT, Oakland Athletics, Fenway Park, Brad Penny