Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Jenks and Lack of Fundys Cost Sox Big Game

There is no doubt that the biggest reason to why the Sox are not 2-0 in the new Q era is Bobby Jenks and his 4th consecutive bad outing. But for the 2nd day in a row the Sox didn't cash in on an opportunity late and this time it cost them.

In the 7th inning today the Sox had the bases loaded with 1 out. In the 7th inning yesterday the Sox had 1st and 3rd with no out. In each inning the 1/2/3/4 hitters were unable to get a run in. In close games against good teams, those are must score runs. Yesterday the Jenks shenanigans in the 9th didn't cost us the game, today was a different story.

But fundamentals aside we may have a bigger problem. Suddenly the Sox don't have a reliable closer. Sometimes relievers go through tough spots, but most of them come out of it after a few outings. This has been 5 in a row now for Jenks dating back to the debacles in the TwinkieDome back before the break. Yesterday he was able to escape by throwing ball 4 with the bases loaded and Bartlett swung at it. Today he wasn't getting any help from the umpire, but he didn't help himself either.

What is so frustrating about this one is that this series was setting up to be a 4 game sweep for the Sox. Now with Danks out of tomorrows game, and Jenks blowing tonight's, the Sox are now in grave danger of going on a losing streak before taking off to Detroit. We are now back to 2 games back with a reeling bullpen instead of 1 game back and on fire. Man that loss hurt. The good news is that it is only July 21, and big Kenny hasn't put his stamp on this ball club yet. I want Dan Haren, but my dreams are far from reality.

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