Game 127 - Rangers 4, Red Sox 0

After taking three of four from the Kansas City Royals over the weekend, the Red Sox opened up a 4-game series against the Texas Rangers with a 4-0 loss to a possible playoff opponent. Erik Bedard took the loss, his record now stands at 4-9. With the exception of a 3-run home run pitch to Mike Napoli, Bedard pitched reasonably well allowing 7 hits and one walk in 6 innings of work. He had a couple of 1-2-3 innings and the first Texas run scored on a fly ball to RF Josh Reddick that the umpires ruled a trap; replays showed that Reddick caught the ball.

Texas starter C.J. Wilson held the Red Sox scoreless over 6.2 innings giving up 4 hits and issuing a pair of walks.


I don't know about you but after watching the Red Sox hitters the past 5 games, Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz, and Kevin Youkilis can't get back into the lineup soon enough. Elsbury took some cage swings and should play tomorrow night; Ortiz took regular BP and is pushing to get back before the end of the road trip. Youkilis isn't eligible to return until early September.

The reality is that Jed Lowrie and Josh Reddick have both come back to earth (Lowrie's defense has REALLY taken a tumble) and Ryan Lavarnway has potential, but may need a little more time at the AAA level before he's ready to play at the Major League level.

NOTES -

J.D. Drew is expected to play for Single-A Lowell on a rehab assignment this Friday and Saturday. He'll move on to Pawtucket before finally being activated on Sept. 1.

Clay Buchholz is still hoping to get back on the mound before the end of the season. If his back continues to improve, he hopes to get clearance from the team doctors to begin playing catch again sometime during the next homestand.

This game marked the first time since June 24 that the Red Sox didn't have at least one extra base hit.

Texas starter C.J. Wilson is now 4-1 lifetime against the Red Sox.