Red Sox Starting Pitching Rocked Again – Rally Falls Short Lose to Mariners 10-8
The Boston Red Sox' starting rotation was supposed to be the strength of the team, but it has proven to be a weakness as Rick Porcello was shelled allowing 9 runs (4 earned) in 2.2. innings on Sunday, March 31st as the Red Sox lost 10-8 to the Seattle Mariners, losing 3 out of the 1st 4 games of the season.
Porcello allowed 6 hits, 1 a homer to Omar Narvaez while striking out 3 and walking 4. Brian Johnson allowed 1 run in 2.1 innings, a homer to Jay Bruce. Brandon Workman, Brewer and Ryan Brasier each worked a scoreless inning in relief.
The Red Sox had the bases loaded and scored a run in the top of the 9th inning thanks to the Mariner's wild pitching. Corey Gearrin walked 3 and Chasen Bradford walked 1 before Bradford struck out Christian Vazquez and induced Jackie Bradley's groundout to 2nd base to end the game.
The Red Sox' bats remained hot. JD Martinez was 2-3 with a 3 run homer, his 2nd of the season. Mookie Betts hit his 1st homer of the season, a solo shot. Rafael Devers was 2-5 with his 2nd double of the season. Mitch Moreland and Jackie Bradley Jr. each had a double.
The Red Sox now 1-3 start a 4 game series in Oakland on Monday, April 1st. David Price will take the mound for Boston in his 1st start of the season. The pregame begins at 9:10 with the 1st pitch at 10:10 on AM 1370 WDEA.
After the game WEEI reported 1st, that the Red Sox and Xander Bogaerts are close to finalizing a 7 year $132 million contract extension. The deal will include an opt-out clause and includes the $12 million that Bogaerts is scheduled to make this year, then $120 million over the final 6 years.