GAME #80 - TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021 - KANSAS CITY ROYALS @ BOSTON RED SOX

markj · June 28, 2021, 09:54:10 PM

7:10PM Eastern

Red Sox

Nick Pivetta (R)

1. Enrique Hernandez (R) 2B
2. Alex Verdugo (L) LF
3. J.D. Martinez (R) DH
4. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS
5. Rafael Devers (L) 3B
6. Hunter Renfroe (R) RF
7. Christian Vazquez (R) C
8. Danny Santana (S) CF
9. Bobby Dalbec (R) 1B

Royals

Brad Keller (R)

1. Whit Merrifield (R) 2B
2. Jorge Soler (R) RF
3. Carlos Santana (S) 1B
4. Salvador Perez (R) C
5. Ryan O'Hearn (L) DH
6. Emmanuel Rivera (R) 3B
7. Hunter Dozier (R) LF
8. Michael A. Taylor (R) CF
9. Nicky Lopez (L) SS

Gametime Temp: 85Â°F
Chance of Precip: 6%

MongoLikeSox · June 29, 2021, 05:58:50 PM

Duran's already hit one out this evening. thumb_u

Schloicka · June 29, 2021, 07:07:08 PM

Bad base running tonight. First by JD then Dalbec.

MongoLikeSox · June 29, 2021, 07:51:05 PM

Another DP didn't help.

markj · June 29, 2021, 08:08:02 PM

Not a great night for Pivetta.

markj · June 29, 2021, 09:10:11 PM

Rays lose again.

markj · June 29, 2021, 09:35:52 PM

Barnes with another 1-run lead to protect.

markj · June 29, 2021, 09:43:59 PM

Barnes K's the side. Nicely done. Sox with another good effort for the win.

Schloicka · June 29, 2021, 09:46:59 PM

Another not pretty game but a win is a win. On to Wednesday.

markj · June 29, 2021, 09:55:18 PM

Back on game 41 (quarter of the way through the season), the Sox had 25 wins. I jokingly asked if that meant they could have a 100 win season. Tomorrow is game 81, halfway through the season. If the Sox win, it'll be their 50th win. Maybe 100 wins is indeed possible.

MongoLikeSox · June 29, 2021, 10:44:50 PM

Count me amongst those who didn't think the Sox were going to do well with that end of May and June schedule that was facing them. I think I froze some of that Crow from earlier in the year.

I'm glad the Sox picked up Pivetta tonight. His last start deserved a much better result. The ups and downs of a season.

SeaBeachFred · June 29, 2021, 11:13:06 PM

Earlier when we hit the pitchers didn't pitch well, then it was the other way around for awhile. Yet we were able to win most of those games. Would be nice if we could combine sound pitching with solid hitting so we can keep our record impressive as we head into the dog days of the season starting in July. A decent win tonight certainly helped.

Sea Dog 23 · June 30, 2021, 07:03:20 AM

The Sox hitting has picked up, yes. Even Santana and Dalbec. Im curious how much the new rules on stick 'em ban has affected the outbreak in batting Pitchers are getting field checked one or more times between innings. The college pitichers are not getting checked.
Our draft pitching targets at Vandy, Leiter and Rocker, are blowing away batters. Could also be MLB pitchers getting wilted after almost half the season gone.

The new addition to the staff Rios, has had two good games. He really has some zip on the ball. Yes, small sample, as he did bring in a 4.80 era.

longgame · June 30, 2021, 08:15:35 AM

They seem to find ways to win which is what it takes. Last night was an easy game to lose but they kept coming back and this bullpen continues to be a strength. Keep this streak going. As Mark said, a win tonight puts them on pace for 100. I would have been shocked if someone told me we'd be in first place at the halfway point.

rkarp · June 30, 2021, 08:27:12 AM

the entire roster is contributing to winning. sure, some more so than others, but everyone is contributing.
I saw Franchy getting some practice time at 1B. could Franchy for Santana be on the way? would Santana accept the demotion and go down to 3A and find his swing?
Dalbac with a decent June.
not sure what else Duran has to prove in 3A?
Sale, Houck and Brazier with fresh arms would be most welcome in July.