Finally - A Lead Even Lackey Can't Blow! Sox Pound Orioles 18-9

Coming after a disgusting 6-5 loss to the Orioles in the afternoon portion of a day-night doubleheader, the Red Sox sent John Lackey to the mound in the evening half of the festivities asking him to stop the bleeding and help provide a much-needed win in order to keep something of a lead over the Rays in the Wild Card race.

The game started in familiar fashion for Red Sox fans when John Lackey is on the mound. He treated the Orioles to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on 3 singles, a walk and a sacrifice fly. When the Red Sox responded with 4 in the bottom of the 1st and 2 more in the 2nd, Lackey promptly allowed 2 runs to get the game close at 6-5.

Ultimately, Lackey didn't get through the 5th inning; he went 4.1 innings allowing 8 runs (all earned) on 11 hits with 2 walks while striking out 3. Should the Red Sox actually hold on and win the Wild Card you have to be more than a little concerned about what Lackey's role will be in the playoff pitching scenario.

Offensive highlights for the Red Sox included 3 hits by MVP candidate Jacoby Ellsbury who hit the 1st inside-the-park home run of his career in a 7-run 7th inning for the Red Sox. Marco Scutaro, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez each had 3 hits as well.

NOTES -

Carl Crawford missed both games with a stiff neck.

Erik Bedard is expected to start for the Red Sox in Tuesday's game.

In between games, David Ortiz was lobbying for Alfredo Aceves to be put into the starting rotation. Given how Lackey and Kyle Weiland have performed during this slide, you have to wonder if that wouldn't make sense.