Tigers 4, Red Sox 1

 

It says something, I'm not sure what, but something, when the only run Boston scored the whole game came on an RBI when the backup catcher hit into a double play. Other than that, the Sox struck out a dozen times, managed only five hits (four of those singles), and managed to leave 15 on base.

Fortunately for the Red Sox, the Blue Jays lost yesterday, too, so Boston is still in fourth place in the AL East, one game ahead of Toronto and four back from first-place Tampa Bay.

But it's Crochet Day and Boston can retake the lead in this four-game home series with a win today. Despite a 2-2 start and getting banged up in a 13-6 loss last week that ballooned his ERA to 7.58, Crochet is still the Red Sox' great shining hope. 

Against Detroit, Crochet is 0-1 but has struck out 27 batters and allowed only four earned runs in 20 innings pitched with no homers. Today, he's up against former Astro ace Frambler Valdez (1-1, 3.75). In six games, Valdez is 3-2 against the Sox, also striking out 27. The Red Sox have yet to get their first home run off Valdez, although they have managed to score a total of ten earned runs off him.

The Game starts at 4:35, after the smoke has cleared from Game 1 of the Celtics' first-round playoff game, and should end before the start of Game 1 of the Bruins' first-round playoff game, so you know what I'll be doing all day today.