The 26-year-old was nearly unhittable, keeping the Boston bats silent all afternoon as the White Sox won their third straight game over the Red Sox.
White Sox 5, Red Sox 1
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Ill.
Sept. 5, 2009
Headliner: Gavin Floyd was 2-0 with a 4.98 ERA against the Red Sox in his career before unloading his best stuff on Boston on Saturday. Floyd was perfect through 5 2/3 innings, eventually holding the Red Sox to just three hits and one run in eight innings. He had all of his pitches working, making batter after batter look foolish on his season-high 11 strikeouts.
Dirt Dog: After Friday night's disaster, the Red Sox needed — above all else — innings from Tim Wakefield. The 43-year-old, despite clearly being unable to move off the mound, made it through six innings. After surrendering three runs in the first, Wakefield responded by shutting down the White Sox until the sixth inning, when former Red Sox Mark Kotsay hit a solo homer.
He wasn't his All-Star self, but given his health, Wakefield showed how a true dirt dog plays the game.
Better Luck Next Time: It would be unfair to single out any one Red Sox batter, as they were all equally responsible for the team's lack of offensive output. As a team, the Red Sox went 3-for-30 with just one walk as Boston, for the second straight game, couldn't come close to staying in the game.
Key Moment: Looking back, it looks as though Wakefield might have needed some more time to warm up. His first inning was rough, as the White Sox jumped on him for three runs on three hits and two walks. It was all the White Sox would need.
On Deck: The season is quickly coming to an end and the Red Sox can't afford to continue to lose winnable games. Sunday afternoon, Jon Lester (11-7, 3.58 ERA) will be opposed by John Danks (12-8, 3.82 ERA). A lot of things will need to go right for Boston, but a win can't come if the bats don't wake up.
