Monday, May 5, 2014

How Sweep It Isn't; Sox Fall To A's, 3-2 In 10

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
If you're searching for the key differences between last year's team and this one, you need look no further than Sunday's 3-2 loss to Oakland. These are the kinds of games that fell into the win column in 2013—this year, not so much. After battling back to tie the game at two on an A.J. Pierzynski home run, Boston's bullpen coughed up an extra-inning lead—and it was Chris Capuano again that pitched poorly. Thus, another stellar pitching performance by John Lackey went by the boards. Then, in the bottom of the inning, a potentially game-winning situation (two on, none out), is snuffed out when the lead runner is cut down on an infield bouncer. Doesn't happen in 2013.