Another Wasted Start Means A Split w/Seattle: Peter

Today's game might have been, at least to some degree, a replay of yesterday's, Jenn. Yesterday Lester had an outstanding start and then it all fell apart. Today, the Diceman, in spite of five walks in six innings, had a good outing going. He even retired ten of the last eleven batters he faced, avoiding any serious trouble from his early wildness. Then, leaving after six due to his high pitch count (all those freebies), he gave way to the pen. Now Bard, he of the triple digit heater was OK. He did earn another Hold, although the tying run was later charged to him. Unfortunately, Bard was followed by Oki, who gave up enough hits in his time on the hill to plate the tying run and also allow the winning and insurance run for the M's. Deservedly, he took the loss. Result: the Sox are now trailing the Stripes by eight and the Rays by four, I believe. Not good; not at all.
The only good things offensively all were clustered in the middle of the order. Drew (a pair of hits), Ortiz (a hit and a run scored), Yooouk ( a pair of hits, including his 25th double and his 61st ribbie) and Beltre (a hit for his 63d ribbie) were it. But, when they had the Seattle starter on the ropes in the 4th with a pair of runs already across the plate, two men on base and only one out, they couldn't deliver the coup de grace. A K and a line out ended the Sox offense for the day. After that, they went quietly.

Separately, good news: Terry announced there's a good chance that Martinez will return to the lineup sometime during the Sox series with the Halos. That will be the fourth major DL listee to come back within a week's time. Hopefully, they can start performing at their former levels soon so it won't be too late.