Red Sox Drop 2 of 3 in Oakland

The last series before the All Star break found the Red Sox losing two out of three.  It was an exhausting West Coast trip that is thankfully over.

07/12:  Red Sox 4 (58-37) Athletics 2
John Lackey continued to pitch well in his redemption season and took the win.  Shane Victorino got hit in the wrist with a pitch but remained in the game.  Mike Napoli managed to hit a triple.  He is not the fastest guy in the world.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

DUSTIN PEDROIA:  2 for 4, 2 RBIs.

07/13:  Athletics 3 Red Sox 0 (58-38)
Jon Lester pitched well for the first time in awhile but was victimized by a non-existent offense.  Boston had seven hits, but only one for extra bases and could not scrape together a run.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

JON LESTER:  6.1 innings, 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts, Loss.

07/14:  Athletics 3 Red Sox 2 (58-39)
Brandon Workman made his first Major League start and flirted with a no-hitter, giving up his first hit in the 7th inning.  It was an impressive debut, but former Red Sox Bartolo Colon shut down the offense again.  Boston lost in the 11th when new Red Sox Matt Thornton gave up the winning run.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

BRANDON WORKMAN:  6.1 innings, 2 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts.