With a host of question marks looming over Tim Wakefield’s much-anticipated return to the mound, it was the Red Sox bullpen that would leave everyone perplexed, as the Boston Red Sox drop the first game of a four game series to the Kansas City Royals, 12-9, in a come-from-behind win for KC.
At two different points in the game, the Red Sox led by six runs, on the heels of another Jason Bay home run (36 on the year) and a two-run RBI from Jacoby Ellsbury, who has been on fire as of late. Dustin Pedroia added an RBI of his own, before an untimely implosion of the bullpen, in a rain soaked game at Kaufman Stadium.
Tim Wakefield has always had a number of great qualities, but efficiency has never been one of them. His first start since going on the DL on September 5 was no different, as the 43-year-old went five innings, giving up five hits and four earned runs. The two strikeouts are easy to take or leave, but the seven walks that Wakefield lobbed have a tendency to stick with you, as it did for the Red Sox.
As laborious as the start looked for Wakefield, the bullpen’s performance was downright painful. In what proved to be an uncharacteristically undependable performance, Manny Delcarmen and Daniel Bard combined for six earned runs, all in the bottom of the sixth inning. Billy Wagner would give up another to Billy Butler in the seventh.
On a night when Lenny DiNardo pitched five innings with ten hits, eight earned runs, six walks and no strike outs, the Red Sox handed the game back to the Royals. If only it had rained a little bit harder in the top of the sixth.
Tonight’s “Welcome Back Kotter Award” goes to none other than Tim Wakefield. Although tonight’s showing wasn’t exactly Cy Young caliber, it’s still good to see him.
Next Game: 9/22 – BOS @ KC – Byrd / Greinke