Lackey Pitches Well in Red Sox Shutout Victory

Sports Illustrated

Red Sox 4 Orioles 0
Winning Pitcher: John Lackey (6-8)
Losing Pitcher: Alfredo Simon (1-2)


Recap
The last time John Lackey took the mound at Fenway, he was booed off the mound. Tonight, he left the game amidst a standing ovation after a spectacular start against the Orioles. He allowed a hard hit single off the Monster to JJ Hardy to start the game, but settled down after and hit his spots all day. In his first few innings, he was consistently hitting 94 and 95 on the gun. On the other side, the Red Sox offense had plenty of chances throughout the game, but stranded four runners in scoring position in the first three innings. Lackey continued to cruise through the fifth, when the offense started to come through. With Dustin Pedroia on second, the Orioles decided to intentionally walk Adrian Gonzalez with two outs, allowing Kevin Youkilis to come up with two on. He knocked in Pedroia to break the scoreless tie with a double, putting men on second and third. The Orioles decided to try the same strategy again, this time walking David Ortiz. Josh Reddick came through with a double to right, scoring two and giving the Red Sox the 3-0 advantage heading into the sixth. John Lackey continued to pitch well, and was finally pulled in the seventh. He finished with 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, while striking out seven in his best start of the season. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon finished out the game from the bullpen for the Sox, and they succeeded in taking their fifth straight, and ninth in their last ten. 


Home Runs
Boston: None
Baltimore: None


The Red Sox and Orioles will finish their final series before the All Star break tomorrow at 1:35 PM ET. Boston will send Kyle Weiland to the mound for his Major League debut against Baltimore's Mitch Atkins (0-0 1.50).