Lackey Struggles, AGAIN, as Red Sox Fall to Jays

Sports Illustrated

Blue Jays 9 Red Sox 7
Winning Pitcher: Brandon Morrow (5-4)
Losing Pitcher: John Lackey (5-8)
Save: Frank Francisco (10)


Recap
Continuing his terrible 2011 season, John Lackey got knocked around the ballpark in the Fourth of July matinee on Monday, leading to the 9-7 loss for the Sox. He led off the game by allowing a double to Rajai Davis. One batter later, Davis broke for third, and Youkilis let the throw down get by him, allowing the Jays to take the early 1-0 lead. Lackey was not happy about the play, and didn't exactly hide it, throwing his arms in the air. In the next inning, with one out, Lackey allowed a solo homer to Aaron Hill, followed by a double to Travis Snider. One batter later, John McDonald knocked him in, and Lackey left the second inning trailing 3-0. In the third, Lackey imploded, allowing four more runs while recording just one out. He was pulled after 2.1 innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits, two walks and just one strike out. Dan Wheeler came on in relief and pitched 2.2 shutout innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Kevin Youkilis was drilled in the back and had to leave the game, with Yamaico Navarro taking his spot. One inning later, Boston used an Ellsbury triple, Pedroia walk and Gonzalez double to score four in the 5th, all on two outs. Alfredo Aceves allowed two more runs, and the Red Sox trailed 9-4 going into the 8th. Jarrod Saltlamacchia hit a big one out double, scoring David Ortiz and Navarro, which was followed by a sac fly from JD Drew, bringing the Sox within two. However, the score stayed at that point, and the Red Sox lost their first game back against AL competition.


Home Runs
Boston: None
Toronto: Aaron Hill (4)


The Red Sox and Blue Jays will continue their series at Fenway tomorrow night at 7:10 PM ET.  Boston will send Jon Lester (10-4 3.43) to the mound against Toronto's Brett Cecil (1-3 7.24).