Editor’s Note: All my graphics going forward will come directly from my new website, Stat Soldier. Go check it out by clicking here.
Overall Takeaway
I was boots on the ground for Saturday’s game, and let me tell you, barely anything happened. Yes, the Red Sox won and hit two bombs, but that was it from both sides. Probably not the game to take my wife to in an attempt to get her into baseball. Regardless, I had fun.
Entering the All-Star Break, I don’t think vibes can be higher for Red Sox fans. They are in the Wild Card race, and games are fun to watch.
What else could you ask for?
Game 1: Red Sox 6-2
Game 2: Red Sox 4-0
Game 3: Red Sox 3-2
What I Loved
SMALL BALL WINS GAMES
Alex Cora rarely utilized the sacrifice bunt. Chad Tracy lives for it. Using it won the Red Sox the game on Sunday. He knew all they needed was a run, and the bullpen would lock it up. Manager of the year for me.
Masataka Yoshida
Home run on Saturday, doubled twice on Friday, got benched on Sunday. Would have loved to see him start on Sunday with his hot hand.
Sonny Gray
Shrugged off a 24-hour travel nightmare to deliver 6 strong innings of 1-run ball with 5 strikeouts. He is unbeaten in 13 consecutive starts.
Andruw Monasterio
I have been critical of Monasterio in the past, but seeing him hit a home run a few seats from me on Saturday changed me. I also have to appreciate his ability to move from 1B to SS without being a liability.
Bullpen
Aside from a home run given up by Weissert on Friday and by Bello on Sunday, the bullpen was nails. (I kind of don’t count Bello; it was a planned ministart with Tolle on a short leash.)
They continue to have the 2nd-best ERA in the American League.
Helped lock in Boston’s AL-leading 9th shutout of the season.
What I Was ‘Mid’ About
Brayan Bello
Bello looked great in his first two innings before giving up a home run to Francisco Lindor. He then settled in for the rest of the game. I am not ready to put him back in the “loved” section, but if you did, I wouldn’t fight you.
What I Didn’t Love
The “Show and Go” Travel Nightmare
I don’t love the fact that something like this could totally derail a team. I do love the fact that yet another plane incident could start a Red Sox rally. The Red Sox caught fire after the Minnesota incident and secured an AL Wild Card spot. Hmmmmm.
Jarren Duran
Jarren has a .457 OPS over his last 30 games. That is all.
(Editor’s Note: I have to write these blogs during the last game so that when it ends, I can publish them immediately. Very happy that Duran knocked in those runs in the 9th. That being said, it was not well hit, and I would not have removed him from this section.)
Who Got Screwed
My Wife’s Credit Card
She got double-charged for a margarita behind center field at Citi Field. Financially, I do not know if we will ever recover from this.
Stat Soldier Score Cards
Game 1:
Game 2:
Game 3:
