– The Angels get some revenge tonight, as they win an extra-inning game of their own. Things looked pretty good for the Sox with two outs in the 10th, but a double and a single off of Thornton quickly shifted the momentum. It’s a tough loss for the Sox becuase they fought so hard to get back in it, but it’s not the end of the world.
– Gavin Floyd confuses the heck out of me as a fan. My opinion changes on the guy after each start. Tonight he started off horribly, but he found a way to keep the Sox in the ballgame and went 6+ innings. He deserves credit for bouncing back after that start and limiting the damage. It could have been a lot worse.
– This bullpen is really starting to take shape. Nate Jones is flourishing in his role as the long relief man, and Brett Myers and Jesse Crain have been great with leads or in ties. The Francisco Liriano and Kevin Youkilis moves drew more press, but the Brett Myers move certainly helps the Sox just as much, if not more.
– With that said, Matt Thornton struggled today. It’s been the case with him for as long as he’s been here: he’s best served facing just left-handed hitters. Tonight, he didn’t have that option though, as Jones, Crain and Myers were all used by the time he entered the game.
Matt Thornton struggled and took the loss in tonight’s game (photo via USA Today).
– AJ’s power this season is truly a fascinating thing. Everyone’s talked about what Robin and Kenny Williams have done with this team, but no one has talked about what Jeff Manto has done with this offense. AJ, Rios, Dunn and pretty much everyone else looks more comfortable at the plate this season.
– I would like to remind everyone once more that we traded Brent Lillibridge and Zach Stewart for Kevin Youkilis. Thanks Boston.
– After watching Mike Trout for just two games, I’m convinced that this guy is the real deal. Aside from maybe his arm, there’s nothing he can’t do on a baseball field. I can’t believe that 24 teams, including our Sox (selected Jared Mitchell that year), passed on that guy.
This loss hurts the most in the standings, as Detroit won today to pull within a game and a half of our Sox. With the Indians in the midst of a tailspin and starting a guy against the Tigers tomorrow that hasn’t pitched in the MLB since 2007, I figure that the Tigers will sweep tomorrow, making our rubber match against the Angels a pretty big one. It’s two pitchers with dynamite stuff, with Dan Haren and Francisco Liriano on the bump. Hopefully the Sox can bounce back.