Photo by Kelly O'Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

The Red Sox and Yankees kicked off their second series of the 2014 season on Tuesday. With Jon Lester and Masahiro Tanaka on the mound, game 1 had the makings of a pitchers duel, but fell short of its expectations. Lester endured his first poor start of the 2014 season, tossing just 4.2 innings and allowing 8 runs (3 earned) on 11 hits. Tanaka, on the other hand stymied the Red Sox order through 7.1 innings, allowing just two runs via the home run. In his first game back at Fenway, Jacoby Ellsbury provided New York with a triple and a double, collecting 2 RBI, and helping the Yankees secure a 9-2 win.

  • Currently, the Red Sox hold a 9-12 record and have lost 6 of their last 10 games. But before you start to look at the standings, remember that it’s only April, meaning the Red Sox first priority should be to climb back to .500. (The Re Sox’ familiar, frustrating dance around .500)
  • All signs pointed to the Red Sox activating Shane Victorino from the disabled list on Wednesday, but a taxed bullpen has Boston pumping their breaks. Since the 14 inning game in Chicago, Red Sox starters haven’t pitched adequately enough to give the pen a breather, which makes it likely that Boston will recall a reliever from AAA. (Red Sox likely to call up pitcher on Wednesday)
  • Whether you still like him or not, there’s no denying that Jacoby Ellsbury was one of the most dynamic Red Sox to ever grace Fenway Park. Now in pinstripes, the center fielder will get booed by Red Sox fans, but it’s important to remember his contributions to 2 of Boston’s 3 World Series in the past 10 seasons. (Ellsbury returns to Boston a person few really know)
  • Tweet of the day: Bizarro world