Red Sox Offensive Woes Again Prove Costly in Loss to O’s

The Boston Red Sox certainly had their chances to capitalize offensively Wednesday night at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles, but horrid base-running miscues and the inability to produce with runners on base proved costly. The Red Sox have now dropped the opening two games of their three-game series with the Orioles, totaling a measly two runs in the 5-2 defeat. They were shutout 1-0 on Tuesday.

In the second, with the game tied 0-0, the Red Sox literally ran themselves out of a chance at a successful inning. Both Xander Bogaerts and Pablo Sandoval were gunned down at second base after attempting to stretch nice hits into doubles. Bogaerts was thrown out by Orioles center fielder Adam Jones and Sandoval was hosed down by left fielder Travis Snider.

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The Red Sox mental lapses on the bases cost them early on. It was there inability to produce in clutch spots that cost them later in the game.

In the third, trailing 2-1, Hanley Ramirez popped out with Brock Holt stranded at second base. Holt reached after smacking a double that plated Dustin Pedroia.

Boston had its greatest chance to breakout in the sixth. Down 3-1, Pedroia and Holt reached base with no outs in the frame. With runners on first and third, Ramirez was retired by way of the strikeout. While Mike Napoli plated Boston’s second and final run on a groundout, the Orioles recorded the second out of the inning. Bogaerts grounded into a force to completely foil any chance at a legitimate rally.

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In relief of Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen, Tommy Hunter and Darren O’Day combined to retire nine straight Red Sox batters to end the game. Boston was put away in lifeless fashion as the Orioles dropped the Red Sox to last place in AL East Standings.

Rick Porcello was slapped with his fourth straight loss in the game. Porcello surrendered 10 hits and five runs over 5 1/3 innings of work. He’s now 4-6 on the season.

The Red Sox will send Wade Miley to the hill on Thursday. He’ll look to help his team avoid a sweep. Chris Tillman will toe the rubber for the Orioles.

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