It looked like it was going to be a nice victory for the Sox but the bullpen decided to act like a sucky magician. They turned a three run lead into a three run deficit in the ninth as the Sox lose 7-4.
The Rays tried to make a quick rally in the ninth on Andrew Bailey as he gave up back to back base hits before getting an out. Carlos Pena managed to get a base hit to make it 4-2. He then walked Stephen Vogt, who is 0-for-19 this season, to load the bases. Desmond Jennings then tied the game with an RBI double that secured the blown save for Bailey and ended his night.
Vicente Padilla came in and apparently didn't want to be out there or long because he gave BJ Upton a meatball over the plate and just like that the ballgame was over. Three run shot for Upton.
Can the Sox get a mulligan for that ninth? Because it's such a damn shame to see Buchholz's effort go to waste. Especially going against David Price.
It was a pitcher's duel until the sixth inning when Cody Ross was able to get an RBI double off of Price to bring home Jose Iglesias. Ryan Lavarnway followed that wth a single to drive home Ross to make it 2-0. The Sox were able to add another run in the eighth as Mauro Gomez hit an RBI triple to bring in Lavarnway that ended Price's night.
Buchholz pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks. He had everything working tonight and the Rays couldn't figure him out all night.
The young guys really had a good night as Lavarnway, Mauro Gomez, and Jose Iglesias combined for 7 of the 10 Sox hits. One of those hits was Jose Iglesias' first career home run. He finished 3-for-4 and got the silent treatment in the dugout before the Sox celebrated his homer. A nice moment that was quickly dismissed as the bullpen completely crapped all over themselves. This games summarizes the 2012 Red Sox: one small step forward, one giant leap back.
