Daniel Bard threw to one batter too many as his seventh & final walk of the game brought home the winning run as the Rays avoid the sweep, winning by the score of 1-0.
Besides the walks, Bard did really well for his second career start. His fastball & slider were both working well enough to get out of any trouble caused by the walks. He struck out seven and managed to get the Rays to ground into two double plays. Thus far, the Daniel Bard experiment has gone well despite his 0-2 record.
James Shields managed to figure out the Sox lineup and get his second career win at Fenway. He was previous 1-9 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts prior. He scattered four hit, walked two, and struck out five in 8 1/3 shutout innings.
Cody Ross was the only one who had any success today as he went 2-for-3 against Shields. Pedroia went 1-for 3 and was able to draw the walk in the ninth to chase Shields. Fernando Rodney came in and got Adrian Gonzalez out, intentionally walked David Ortiz, and got Ross looking on a debatable third strike to end the game.
Kevin Youkilis didn't start or pitch hit in the game due to a combination of a sore groin & his poor track record against James Shields (4-for-39 career). There was speculation that Bobby Valentine kept him out of the lineup may have had something to do with the message he may or may not have been trying to send in an interview yesterday. Hopefully this puts that whole situation to rest, especially with the two time AL Champion Texas Rangers coming in town tomorrow for a two game series.
