Javier Lopez could use a mulligan.
Extra innings seemed inevitable. Kevin Youkilis snagged a ball to his right with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, flip to first base to the pitcher covering, inning over. Sounds routine enough. Right?
Well it didn’t end that way.
Lopez, who was covering the bag at first, took his eye off the ball, it landed in the infield and he crashed to his knees. The game was over, Mark DeRosa — 4-for-5 on the night — scored from second base, Indians win 9-8. And just like that Boston’s 11-game winning streak was over too.
Just like that.
There couldn’t be a worst way to snap an 11-game winning streak than that.
Goat of the Game – Brad Penny
Yes, only four of his runs were earned but his command still wasn’t sharp. However, Seven runs scored during his pathetic 2 2/3 innings pitched. Penny also gave up a game-tying three-run jack to Ben Francisco. After a dominant start from Tim Wakefield last night that “outing” was too sharp of a contrast to watch.
Next Game – Wed. 4/30 vs. Cleveland Indians – Jon Lester/Fausto Carmona
Keep Lugo on the bench or trade him. Nick Green is better.