Boston 'Pen Blows It In Extra Innings

It was one of those off kilter games in Detroit Saturday night as the Tigers took on the Boston Red Sox. What once was a 6-1 sixth inning Red Sox lead with Jon Lester on the mound became a 6-6 game (thanks to Okie) and then kept going and going and going until the bottom of the 12th inning. Ordonez singled off Delcarmen to lead off the 12th and I knew trouble was just moments away. Darn it, I was right. Lefthander Scott Schoeneweis gave up a single to Boesch, who was a thorn in the Red Sox' side the whole evening. In came Ramon Ramirez. Boom. The end of the game was at hand, quickly. He walked Inge on five pitches and the bases were loaded. No way to walk another guy, right? He struck out Avila for the second out and I was crossing my fingers for an inning number 13. But noooo. Ramirez, who has sucked all season long amid moments of OKness, threw 4 fastballs that weren't even close to the plate. Game over. Way to go, Ramon. Schoeneweis and Ramirez have been the worst pair of relievers so far this year for that team from Boston. Hands down. Here's Red Sox manager Terry "Tito" Francona...

“He just got behind and didn’t throw strikes,’’ Francona said. “Ramon’s never been touch-and-feel. Just get it and fire it. That’s part of his success. You can’t go out every night and not give up runs."

RR had NO success last night, that's for sure. He didn't even utter a word to the assembled media people. To make matters worse, Detroit pitchers issued Red Sox batters an astounding 12 (!!) walks during the game. That's the most in the league so far this year. Wasted opportunities galore. Here's Youk, who was walked every time he stepped to the plate...

“One of those days, a crazy day,’’ said Kevin Youkilis. “We should have won that game. But you have to move on.’’

Another day, another game today shortly after 1pm EDT. It'll be Lackey (4-1) versus Galarraga (0-0). The Red Sox will win this game and take the series 2 games to 1. Period.

Hey, thanks for stopping by on this Sunday morning. It's going to be a beautiful day here in southern New England and I can't wait. You can click on this post's title for the Boston Globe's Red Sox home page and as always and forever, BE WELL. See ya.