It may not seem like the Red Sox offense has been skidding over the past seven games, since five of those games resulted in victories. However, if you dig in a bit, some of that success is misleading if you take into account:
- Last Saturday, Boston was shut out through eight innings, mainly by Giants rookie starter Blade Tidwell (4.54 ERA) before rallying for three runs in the bottom of the ninth.
- Tuesday, while the scoreboard said “7” when all was said and done, the Red Sox entered extra innings tied 2-2 on two solo home runs by Mickey Gasper. Marlins starter Tyler Phillips (3.59 ERA) who has pitched much of the season out of the bullpen, struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings and allowed one run.
- Wednesday, a shorthanded Red Sox lineup appeared to already be on their flight to New York, mustering just five hits in a shutout. Ryan Gusto (3.98 ERA), who has spent much of his time in the minor leagues this season, got his first win of the season pitching 5 2/3 innings.
- Friday, Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler did what he usually does, striking out eight Red Sox in 5 2/3 shutout innings, allowing two hits.
The Sox have 20 runs prior to extra innings in those seven games. Here are some of the batting averages on this team since last Friday:
- Nick Sogard .214 (28 at-bats)
- Wilyer Abreu .214 (28 at-bats)
- Willson Contreras .174 (23 at-bats)
- Andruw Monasterio .150 (20 at-bats)
- Adley Rutschman .056 (18 at-bats)
The team may get some reinforcements today or tomorrow, in Roman Anthony and/or Trevor Story. Reading through the comments on this website and social
media, one of those players seems to be more welcome back than the other, understandably.
How should Chad Tracy shake up the lineup, with left-handers Carlos Rodon and Max Fried as the probable starters on Saturday, and right-hander Will Warren on Sunday?
Discuss in the comments and be good to each other. A big twelve hours ahead, clear your schedules!
