Lackey Pitches Well In A 6-3 Red Sox Win

John Lackey was able to go five and two thirds innings. He gave up three runs and that's much better than earlier in the season. Boston defeated and swept Oakland by a score of 6-3. Bard pitched an effortless one-two-three ninth, a welcome change from Papelbon's unpredictability. Lacks said after the game that the rest coupled with a cortisone shot did the trick...for now. Here he is...

"It definitely felt better than it has been. My slider was definitely a little harder, a little sharper today than it has been. Physically I’m going to feel something (elbow). It just is what it is in there. But I felt I was ready to go, ready to compete.’’

And the Boston skipper, Terry Francona, had these glowing words...

“Really professional game. He stayed down for the most part, threw his breaking ball, had some depth on his fastball. I thought that was what we hoped for.’’

The Red Sox are still in second place, two games behind the NY Yankees, who we play in a three game series starting Tuesday. The Sox had their three best starters slated to go Tuesday through Thursday, just the way it was planned, but Clay Buchholz has been bothered by his back so he'll be pushed back to Friday. Wakes will pitch in his stead. I want to stress one thing, however. With Matzasuka gone, maybe for good, Lackey becomes an even more important part of the machine, a part that has to perform with maximum effectiveness. And again, it seems the major injury problems have befallen the Boston pitcher, much unlike last year.

I'll have the Yankee/Red Sox pitching match ups first thing tomorrow morning. Until then, have a great day, click on this post's title for more on the Sox including highlights of yesterday's action and as always, BE WELL.