4 real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs O's 4-11-13

Game 9: Red Sox fall in a close one 3-2
The Red Sox had goals of taking the third series in a row to start a season for the first time since 1952, but the Orioles spoiled all the fun. The game was close all night, and Alfredo Aceves was servicable at best, but the Red Sox could not put together enough offense to take this from the Os at Fenway. It almost felt as if the Orioles beat the Red Sox at their own game, as their bullpen took over and  didn't give up a hit in 3.2 innings of relief. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Top of the second inning, and Chris Davis is leading off. 3-0 count, and Alfredo Aceves throws Davis a gem, and Davis deposits it in the center field bleachers. Why throw a hittable pitch on a 3-0 count to the hottest hitter in baseball? Only Salty and Aceves know, but it's 1-0 Os and Chris Davis is on pace for 100 HRs this season.

2) Bottom of the third inning, and Tillman walks Stephen Drew, who then gets to third on a hard hit ball, right field single by Shane Victorino. Can we all be honest and at least admit that Victorino is the only reason why the Red Sox are even making these games close? His timely hitting in the two hole has been a God-send. Dustin Pedroia singles home Drew, and the game is now tied. 1-1.

3) Top of the 7th inning and Clayton Mortensen gives up a signle to Manny Machado.Andrew Miller comes in and walks Nick Markakis. Manager John Farrell goes for our best reliever, Koji Uehara, but Red Sox relievers are having an off day, and Uehara gives up his first hit of the season, a two out rope down the left field line to Adam Jones, and the Os take a 3-2 lead. Adam Jones is really having a hot start, and he has killed the Red Sox this series.

4) Up a run, closer Jim Johnson enters in the ninth inning to win the game for the Os. The Orioles, remember, lead the league in one run wins, and Johnson led the majors with over 50 saves last year. The Red Sox bring four men to the plate, but only Drew manages to get on base, and the Red Sox lose this one 3-2. 

The Red Sox struck out 9 times in the game, but Jarrod Saltalamacchia's three Ks topped them all. Jackie Bradley is now hitting .120 and the Red Sox just can't get two hits in a row to break the game open. The Orioles showed that they are a good team with good relief and some pretty good hitting, but the Red Sox wasted two good chances to walk away with a sweep.


Next up the Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow night at Fenway.

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