Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Red Sox Bullpen Gags Away Chris Sale Masterpiece, Rockies Win 5-4 In 11

(Getty Images)
Red Sox ace Chris Sale set a new career mark by striking out 17 batters (in seven innings) last night—and yet Boston's closer-free and lefty-free bullpen managed to blow the game anyway. The lanky lefty departed after seven with a 3-2 lead, but Brandon Workman and Ryan Brasier coughed up three more runs to give the Colorado Rockies a 5-4, 11-inning win. This was a deflating loss—which also included solo homeruns by Michael Chavis, Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez. Championship teams win games when their starter strikes out 17. This team is still in dire need of a real closer—and how about a left-handed reliever? Somehow, Dave Dombrowski thinks he can slip through this season with neither of these essential elements. Craig Kimbrel is still out there and should be signed to a two-year deal now—so that he can be ready to help this team around the All-Star Break and beyond. Do it!