Tuesday, April 24, 2007

When 5 Against 1 Doesn't Win

Julian Tavarez provides a soul-comforting presence for Manny Ramirez, but he hasn't replicated last season's salary drive starts, as the number five starter lost to Toronto ace Roy Halladay.

The Red Sox fell behind early, scuffled to catch up, and just looked sloppy in the field as the Blue Jays overwhelmed them 10-3. The Sox scored three but committed four errors, while Vernon Wells had a good week with a 5-4-4-3 line including a home run.

The good news? Hideki Matsui returned to the Bombers lineup, in time for their fifth consecutive defeat, as the D-Rays danced on the Tampa rivals 6-4. The New Yorkers plucked Phil Hughes from the minors to start Thursday, despite earlier promises not to rush their prime pitching prize package.

Meanwhile, down in A, Greenville got smacked 8-0 despite a shutout relief inning from Josh Papelbon. Lancaster has the early lead over San Jose behind Justin Masterson, who hasn't allowed an earned run in the first three frames. Jacoby Ellsbury (.434) had a pair of hits in Portland's loss, but Clay Buchholz allowed only 2 hits in five innings and fanned 8 on the fast track to the Show. Buchholz lowered his E.R.A. to 2.35. The Rochester Red Wings completed a tough night for the Farm Sox as Devern Hansack got roughed up for ten hits and five runs in six innings. Brandon Moss raised his average to .306 in the defeat.

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