The Red Sox needed to win yesterday in order to split the series against the Royals, who have been a much better team than they have been in years. Lackey was toeing the rubber for the Sox against former Ray James Shields. Lackey got himself into a hole early and the Sox offense wasn't able to pick him up.
The Red Sox actually had the first lead in this game, but it would not be long lasting. Victorino scored the Sox's first run on a throwing error when the Royals catcher made a snap throw to 3rd. Sox 1-0. Lackey allowed the game to be tied in the bottom of the inning when he gave up an RBI single to Gordon. Sox 1-1. The Royals took the lead in the 2nd when he gave up RBI singles to Dyson and Lough. Sox 1-3. The Royals added on another run in the 3rd when Lackey gave up a solo HR to Gordon.
In the 6th inning the Sox were able to get within a run when Ryan Lavarnway hit a 2 run RBI single. Sox 3-4. Unfortunately, that would be the last time the Sox cracked the scoreboard. Lackey pitched through the 7th inning and while it was not a quality start, I wouldn't say he pitched poorly once he settled down. Drake Britton took the mound in the 8th and while he got himself in trouble during the inning, he would end up pitching a scoreless frame.
The Sox lost 3 out of 4 games to the Royals, however due to the Rays being swept by the Dodgers they are still sitting 3 games up in the race for the AL East.
Red Sox 3 Royals 4 BOXSCORE
WP: Shields (7-8) LP: Lackey (7-10) SV: Holland (32)
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