Game #2 Wasn't So Grand...Sox Lose

The scheduled Hernadez/Lester pitching match-up in game two of the Boston Red Sox day/night doubleheader with the Seattle Mariners never came to pass last night at Fenway Park. This will affect the upcoming vital series with the Tampa Bay Rays, who the Red Sox are trying to chase down in their bid for a wild card spot in the playoffs. After the day off today, Lester will pitch Friday with Clay Buchholz going Saturday and John Lackey going on Sunday night. Those are the best arms the Red Sox have and a sweep of the Rays is really important. Tim Wakefield got the starting pitching job last night and although he pitched well, he was no match for Hernandez, who was nasty all evening. Here's Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre...

“Bottom line, we were facing one of the best pitchers in the league. We knew that and I knew that. But we had our chances. We didn’t capitalize. Nothing we can do about it now. We have to start gaining some ground because this is getting kind of late.’’

You can say that again, Adrian. You hit the proverbial nail on the head. He, along with Boston manager Terry Francona, were ejected by the home plate umpire, Dan Bellino. He's a rookie and he faced the ire of the Red Sox third baseman. Here's the man himself, Mr. Beltre...

“I don’t even know who he is. Then I find out he’s a rookie from Triple A and he makes decisions like that. Now, why is a rookie from Triple A behind home plate?

I don't have an answer to that one, Adrian, but the guy made a mistake. You weren't even talking to him. OK, back to business. There ain't much of the 2010 season left and a day/night doubleheader split gets the Red Sox nowhere fast in the AL East race, almost like running to stand still, hurry up and wait or one step up, two steps back. Wakefield was good but Felix Hernandez was better. Turn the page. Case closed.

Enjoy the day off from baseball and please click on this post's title for all the details and highlights from Wednesday. As always, BE WELL. Thanks.