Sometimes the offense just isn’t there, and that’s when the pitchers have to slip into the big-boy pants and shut the other team down. Easier said than done when your team doesn’t have a real closer. Aceves turned a Lester win into his own 6th loss and 4th blown save. Say what you want about Papelbon, the Sox would be in a much better place with him pitching the ninth.

As for the bats, what the hell is going on? That’s the fourth straight game where the Sox have scored two runs or less. Now they are in the ugly position of needing today’s win to salvage the series and stay out of their old stomping grounds; last place. This on the heels of a split with lowly Seattle. It all seems to add up to a short season.

Happy 4th everyone!