The Red Sox started their first extended homestand in a while in fine fashion with a 6-0 win over the Angels. Ryan Kalish blasted a grand slam and Clay Buchholz pitched seven solid innings to improve his record to 14-5. Boston also added another piece on the field as Dustin Pedroia played his first game in almost two months. The second baseman 0-for-4 in his return with a strikeout.
Unfortunately, the victory did nothing to help the Sox standing in the playoff race as both the Yankees and Rays were winners as well. With just 42 games left to play and the Red Sox five and a half games behind both Tampa and New York, the margin for error shrinks dramatically day by day. That is why this homestand is so crucial for Boston.
With three games each against the Angels, Blue Jays and Mariners, the Sox have an opportunity to re-assert themselves into the thick of the playoff race. Of course, the Yanks and Rays will have to cooperate, but Boston's excelled against all of their upcoming opponents and hopefully will hold up that track record.
John Lackey makes his second start against his former team tomorrow. After beating up on Angels ace Jered Weaver tonight, the Sox offense will take a crack at former nemesis Scott Kazmir. Though he dominated Boston early in his career, Kazmir has struggled as of late, especially against patient lineups.
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