The Orioles scored nine runs from the sixth inning on to secure a 9-1 win Tuesday.
The Sox left 11 men on base and committed two errors in falling to 1-4 on their current homestand.
Boston remains 6 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay in the wild card race. Only 11 games remain as Red Sox Nation keeps a sharp eye on the standings.
Orioles (61-90) at Red Sox (83-68)
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7:10 p.m. NESN
Fenway Park, Boston
Baltimore leads the season series 9-8.
RHP Kevin Millwood (3-15, 5.14 ERA) vs. RHP John Lackey (12-11, 4.63 ERA)
Lackey has lost four straight starts for the first time in his career (he dropped four decisions in a row in 2004, but over the course of five starts) after a rough outing to start the homestand.
In 4 1/3 innings of an 11-9 loss to Toronto, Lackey gave up seven runs — six earned — on eight hits. He is 2-6 with a 5.49 ERA in his last nine starts.
The righty is 6-3 with a 2.66 ERA in his last 12 outings vs. Baltimore.
It has been a difficult season for Millwood but like a lot of Orioles he has been better lately. Over a span of eight starts his record is just 1-4 but his ERA is a solid 3.02. He gave up just a run in seven innings against the New York Yankees his last time out.
Millwood is 4-1 with a 2.90 ERA in eight career starts at Fenway Park.
Orioles | Red Sox |
---|---|
Brian Roberts, 2B Nick Markakis, RF Ty Wigginton, 1B Luke Scott, DH Matt Wieters, C Adam Jones, CF Felix Pie, LF Robert Andino, 3B Cesar Izturis, SS |
Ryan Kalish, CF J.D. Drew, RF Victor Martinez, C David Ortiz, DH Adrian Beltre, 3B Mike Lowell, 1B Bill Hall, 2B Josh Reddick, LF Yamaico Navarro, SS |
Red Sox
Orioles
Red Sox
Orioles
This homestand had some promise before it began but much of that was lost just a few innings into the opener, in large part due to John Lackey. He can at least finish it on a good note and send the Sox to New York for the last time with a little bounce in their step. There isn't much of that right now.