Red Sox End Streak In An Unlikely Way (3-0)

Justin Germano was impressive

Today was an interesting day for the Red Sox, in a game that was broadcasted by neither television or radio. Justin Germano (right) pitched well through the first two innings for Boston-- he allowed one hit and no runs with no strikeouts or walks either. In the 3rd inning, Oscar Tejeda and Juan Carlos Linares each singled to put runners at the corners with no outs. After a Mike Aviles popup, Ryan Sweeney drove Tejeda in with a sacrifice fly. Cody Ross then singled to keep the Sox in business, but they couldn't keep up the rally. However, in the bottom of the 3rd-- Justin Thomas was a bit rocky. In his lone inning, he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on two hits and a walk to give the Jays a 3-1 lead entering the 4th. A pair of one-out singles by Lars Anderson and Kelly Shoppach gave the Sox two baserunners, but Oscar Tejeda struck out to give the Sox two outs. Francisco Cordero of the Blue Jays tossed a wild pitch to move the runners up and then a rare throwing error by defensive wizard Omar Vizquel tied up the game at 3-3. That would be all either team would get as the game would stay tied.

Bright Spots:
Justin Germano- 2 innings, no runs, 1 hit, no walks or strikeouts
Tony Pena Jr.- 1 inning, 1 hit, no runs, walks, or strikeouts
Mark Melancon- 1 inning, no runs or hits, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Junichi Tazawa- 1 inning, no runs, 1 hit
Chorye Spoone- 1 inning, 1 hit, no runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
Doug Mathis- 2 innings, 1 hit, no runs
Lars Anderson- 1-2, 1 run
Kelly Shoppach- 1-2, 1 run
Oscar Tejeda- 1-2, 1 run

Dull Spots:
Justin Thomas- 1 inning, 3 runs, 2 hits, 1 walk
Zach Gentile- 0-2, 1 strikeout
Jorge Padron- 0-2

Homers By Ross, Sweeney, Gonzalez Highlight Slugfest Vs. Northeastern

The Red Sox essentially went crazy on Northeastern University today in their annual double-header against NEU and BC. After scoring twice in the first inning on a timely double by Darnell McDonald, the Sox exploded in the 2nd with a 7-run inning highlighted by a solo home run by Cody Ross and a 3-run shot by Adrian Gonzalez. Through this time, Jon Lester was very strong for the Sox-- allowing just a hit and striking out two through the first couple of innings. After a run in the third inning, the Sox came storming back in the fourth-- scoring 7 more times-- highlighted by a grand slam by Cody Ross and a 2-run shot by light-hitting outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin. Through this, Justin Germano pitched very well for the Sox-- allowing a hit and striking out one through two innings-- also not allowing a run. Two runs in the fifth, on RBI doubles by Max St. Pierre and Will Middlebrooks, plus two more perfect inning by Michael Bowden slates the Sox with a 19-0 lead in the middle of the 6th. The Sox scored six more in the 6th inning and are now up 25-0 after a big inning highlighted by a 3-run homer by Ryan Sweeney. The game was called after the top of the 7th, the Sox still up 25-0. All in all, a very successful day for the Sox-- even against a college team. There were many reasons to hope, such as the power shown by everyone-- but particularly Cody Ross and Ryan Sweeney. Everyone pitched very well, with Justin Germano's nice outing a pleasant surprise. I'll be away from home for tonight's game against Boston College, but I should be able to post about it tomorrow morning (hopefully after having watched the game in the MLB.TV archives. 

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 2 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts-- not bad

Justin Germano- 2 innings, 1 hit, 1 strikeout-- very pleasant surprise 

Michael Bowden- 2 innings, no hits, 3 strikeouts-- excellent outing for the bullpen candidate

Jose Iglesias- 1-3, 1 run, 1 stolen base

Pedro Ciriaco- 2-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI

Che-Hsuan Lin- 2-2, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, 1 home run, 1 walk

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-1, 1 walk, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, 1 home run

Nate Spears- 1-2, 2 runs, 1 walk

Darnell McDonald- 2-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 1 double

Ryan Sweeney- 4-5, 3 runs, 5 RBIs, 1 home run, 1 double

Cody Ross- 2-3, 2 runs, 5 RBIs, 2 home runs

Will Middlebrooks- 3-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 double

Dull Spots:

Northeastern University!

Red Sox Sign Justin Germano

Well, the Red Sox just keep on making minor signings-- I guess Ben Cherington is looking for a diamond in the rough. Last night, the Red Sox came to terms with reliever Justin Germano. Germano pitched 9 games with the Indians last year, going 0-1/5.68/5, as well as a 4.92 FIP and 6.08 xFIP. His strikeout and walk rates will need some work, as both clocked in at exactly 3.55. He actually finished last season with the Samsung Lions of Korea last year, however. He fared much better with the Indians in 2010, however, when he put together an 0-3/3.31/29 stat line with a 4.83 FIP and 4.08 xFIP. That year, his strikeout and walk rates were normal, at 7.39 and 2.04, respectively. This is likely a very minor signing, and Germano is unlikely to make an impact at the major league level. However, in spring training he could be one of the Bowden/Doubront/Jenks/Tazawa competing for a bullpen spot. This is not a very big move in all likelihood though.