All this because Beckett just can't seem to pitch in the late innings any more. JoS shares the painful truth about the only two starters on our staff that don't make me want to throw up:
This was Beckett's second start in a row in which Terry Francona watched him run out of gas in the middle innings and did not pull him. In six starts since September 11, Beckett and Jon Lester have posted an 8.18 ERA.JoS also asks the good question why Aceves pitched the 8th last night. Why wouldn't you have rested him, knowing that it's more likely that we'll need him tonight?
Sigh. It didn't need to be this way. And now our lonely eyes turn to Bedard, who had four runs, albeit only one that was earned, in 2 and 2/3 innings against the Orioles just last week. Let's hope his knee/hip/brain is feeling better tonight!
Eh, Aceves pitched the seventh, not the eighth.
ReplyDeleteAs far as why he pitched? Probably because the Sox used the entire bullpen on Sunday, and Aceves is the only reliever who can reliably pitch on back-to-back days. Francona had to try for the win, had to believe that the Red Sox hitters could put together four runs against Baltimore at the end of the game. Which they very nearly did.
Nearly ain't cutting it, though. So, Bedard. Followed by . . . Lester on short rest?