Let's get this out of the way. Three is a streak, yea I'm chuckling to myself but here in 2023 that’s never been more true. Garrett Whitlock took the hill yesterday afternoon in his Yellow City Connect Jersey and didn't come off it for seven innings. Why do I point this out ? One The city Connect Yellow’s are bad ass. And two he’s the first red sox starting pitcher to go seven this season. Take that non-believers.
After sitting down Neto, Ohtani and Trout to start the game. Whitlock gave up a double to Rendon to open the Angels half of the second. Old buddy Hunter Renfroe moved him to third on a ground out and Rendon would score on a Brendon Drury single to right. That was it for the Angels. Whitlock scattered a hit here and a walk there but that was it. Whitlock struck out five on the day and the Sox played solid D. Yes folks error free baseball can be played.
Justin Turner did all the damage the Sox would need in the bottom of the third inning. With two strikes on him Verdugo singled to center and then Turner sent Angels starter Reid Detmers second pitch over the monster for his first home run in a red sox uniform.
Whitlock gave the Sox seven strong. And the Sox surely needed it. Coming into the game the Sox led the majors in innings pitched by relievers at 64 innings. So a strong outing was needed. Kenley Jansen had shut the door on the angels in the previous two games and was not available today. New England held its collective breath as Cora went with Kaleb Ort and Ryan Brasier to close out the game. And Exhale. Yes, I was holding my breath even while typing their names.
Today’s Patriots day ( We Will Never Forget ) start will be of course at 11 AM. Brayan Bello will take the mound for the first time this season and go up against Godzilla aka Shohei Ohtani looking for a much needed sweep after dropping 4 to the Rays. everyone remember to be as nice as you can be to Ohtani. Be respectful, tip caps. We want him in a Sox uniform in 2024.
As always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter @Tmurph207