Red Sox Bats Still Alive; Lead Way to Victory

 

                                                                                            Sports Illustrated

Red Sox 15 Cubs 5

Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (6-1)

Losing Pitcher: Doug Davis (0-2)

Save: Scott Atchison (1)

Recap

In their first trip to Fenway Park since 1918, the Chicago Cubs gave up 15 runs, 19 hits and committed four errors on their way to a 15-5 loss. The offense started early against Cubs starter Doug Davis. Jacoby Ellsbury led off with an infield single, and Pedroia followed that up with a walk. When they attempted the double steal, catcher Koyie Hill made a throwing error, allowing Ellsbury to score and Pedey to advance to third. Alex Gonzalez, the next batter, then drove Pedroia in with a base hit to left. Chicago was able to tie the game at 2 in the 3rd, but the Red Sox came back in the bottom of the inning to score two more runs of their own. After another RBI single from Gonzalez, Davis was pulled from the game after just 3.2 innings, giving up 7 runs on 8 hits, striking out 3. Scott Maine came in for relief, and gave up a two run shot to Kevin Youkilis, the first batter he faced. This gave the Sox a 8-2 lead, one that would never be relinquished. Jon Lester didn't have his best stuff, but his offense gave him plenty of runs to work with. Lester ended up with 6 innings, allowing 5 runs on 12 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5. Scott Atchison came in on relief in the 7th with a 10-5 lead, and because of the stupid save rule currently in place, was able to get a save in a game that was never really in doubt. 

Home Runs

Boston: Kevin Youkilis (8), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2)

Chicago: None

The Red Sox and Cubs continue their series on Saturday at 7:10 PM ET at Fenway. The Red Sox send Alfredo Aceves (1-0 2.60) to the mound in place of the injured Dice-K against Chicago's Carlos Zambrano (4-2 4.89)