For the Red Sox, the explanation of what transpired in the biggest play of their 9-8 loss to the Twins last night would seem utterly improbable a few minutes earlier. They fell into a six-run hole after three innings and were still facing a three-run hill against one of baseball’s best closers in the ninth. But, there they were, with the potential game-tying run at second base in the form of J.D. Drew and a red-hot Coco Crisp up with just one out. Unfortunately for the Sox, the ball did bounce the wrong way as Crisp’s hard grounder up the middle ricocheted off Twins reliever Joe Nathan and dribbled toward the third base side. The closer gathered himself, picked up the ball and tossed it to third baseman Mike Lamb, who tagged out Drew. Crisp, who cut the Sox’ deficit to 8-6 with his second home run in as many nights in the seventh, added to the last-inning drama when he stole second. The comeback was necessary due to the unwelcome reminder of just how reliable Tim Wakefield has become. The Red Sox starter lasted just 2 innings, giving up seven runs (six earned) on seven hits. It was the first time since June 20, 1997 – a span of 243 starts – that Wakefield (3-2) had lasted fewer than three innings due to a poor performance. The subpar outing was even more surprising considering Wakefield was coming off his best start of the season, in which he thought he had identified a flaw in his mechanics. But this showing bore no resemblance to the eight innings of two-hit ball he threw in Detroit last Tuesday.
Sox Notes: Jed Lowrie who impressed in his first major-league call-up; hit .310 (13-for-42) in 17 games, including his first major league home run Saturday night and seven RBI was optioned back to Pawtucket on Sunday to make room for Alex Cora. Sean Casey is expected to be activated before tonight’s game against the Twins, therefore another roster move is expected to occur today.
