I’m supposed to detach myself from what ever I’m writing. Even the Red Sox. It’s in the professional journalists handbook. Chapter one Page one. I think I do a pretty good job of it. but what I can’t do is detach myself from the game of baseball. Those of you not new to the show know. I Hate stupid. I Hate Sloppy Baseball. And I can’t stand losing games because of it.
Trying to determine if I want to drink two beers or four for everyone Chris Sale strikes out tonight. — Red (@SurvivingGrady) July 12, 2022
That’s exactly what happened last night. I should be writing about Chris Sale’s debut. Sale was nothing short of brilliant. Five Scoreless , while allowing just three hits and striking out five batters. It was his 44th start of at least five scoreless innings. His fastball topped out at close to 97mph and he hit that mark in the first and the fifth. I guess taking ten months off is good for your velocity, he left the game with a 2-0 lead. Then all Chris Sales hard work and rest was shot to hell in the sixth.
Chris Sale is buckling knees 🤤#RedSox | #DirtyWaterpic.twitter.com/VwLYYK3Azp — Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) July 13, 2022
Cora started the sixth with Ryan Brasier on the hill, he put runners on first and second but recorded an out on his way into the jam then struck out Arozarena. Here comes the hook. Cora inserts Strahm with two outs who gives up a single to center which cuts the lead to 2-1., then a Little League game broke out. Strham takes a liner off his wrist and he throws the ball past Cordero at first allowing another run to score. THEN Cordero whips a throw from actual Tampa Bay home past an unsuspecting Vazquez to plate Francisco Majia who scores what would be the winning run.
But we aren’t done yet
Red Sox fans, please look away 🙈 (via @RaysBaseball)pic.twitter.com/5qCoMxvzE1 — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 13, 2022
The Sox still believing in themselves after the Yankees series charge back. Verdugo doubles to center and Jeter Downs ( In for the injured Trevor Story ) singles to left, moving Alex to third. With Franchy Cordero at the plate and no outs Verdugo manages to get back picked by Majia. This Can’t Happen , No Way No How can you get picked off here. Cordero promptly goes down looking and after Bobby Dalbeck walked Refsnyder popped out to first. What could have been a statement inning turned into a debacle. End Game.
“Billy, this is Alex Verdugo. He’s a solid outfielder with several good tools. His defect is that he not fully aware of the concept of baserunning.” pic.twitter.com/Q62mkg7if1 — Jake (@JakeWallinger) July 13, 2022
I tweeted after the inning that Cora should bench Verdugo. Some ill informed stats type people tried to take me to task for it. I wish you could see my eyes rolling right now. Often as a coach you need to send a message to your players. Alex Cora missed that opportunity last night. The Sox have been a terrible baserunning team this year. Verdugo’s blunder was once again the cherry on top of that melted sundae. Blowing an opportunity to tie or go back on top of this game is inexcusable. he should have been sat.
As always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter @Tmurph207