"Aww... crap."After holding the yankees virtually scoreless over the weekend, the Red Sox bullpen imploded tonight. Tim Wakefield was good enough, giving up four runs (three earned) through six innings. However, the bullpen combined to give up three more runs pretty much eliminating any chance for a win.
The leader-in-implosion was Mike Timlin, though Joel Piniero did his part too. In particular was Timlin's performance in the ninth inning. After giving up a leadoff triple in the top of the ninth inning to Vernon Wells - no particular shame in that as Wells is a very good hitter - Timlin got the next two guys. He admittedly got a bit lucky when on an 0-2 count, Gregg Zaun hit a line drive right at his head which he was just able to catch. The next hitter was Aaron Hill. Timlin quickly jumped ahead by throwing two fastballs both of which Hill swung and missed at. On the next pitch Timlin gave up a towering three run homer which gave Toronto a commanding 7-3 lead and just about sealed off any chance the Red Sox had of a comeback. You hate to give up a homer like that, but you really hate to do it on an 0-2 pitch. That stings a bit.
With the loss Boston falls to 11-6. The Orioles lost too, so the Sox lead on the division is still 1.5 games. As of this writing, NY is losing to Tampa, 10-6. Kei Igawa started and, typically, got pounded. [Update: Despite two homers from April-Rod, the yankees couldn't beat the Rays, losing 10-8. They remain 4 games behind first place Boston.]
Tomorrow: A rematch of Roy Halladay vs. His Craziness, Julian Tavarez. Tavarez somehow managed to get the better of Halladay and the Jays last week, but lightning doesn't often strike twice. The Red Sox had better get the bats moving tomorrow if they want to avoid a mini-sweep at home at the hands of the ever-bothersome Jays.
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