Rangers vs Red Sox (4/6-4/8)

Game 1: Tim Wakefield pitched a pretty good ballgame on Friday afternoon. He allowed 1 ER over 6 innings and really settled down after the first few innings. The other run that Wakefield allowed came courtesy of a Dustin Pedroia error followed by a base hit.

Despite Wakefield's performance, the Red Sox were unable to come up with the victory. They were only able to put together 3 hits as a team. There was some hope in the 9th inning when Manny Ramirez got a leadoff single, but the Red Sox were retired in order after that. The loss drops the Red Sox to 2-2.

Game 2: Julian Tavarez started for the Red Sox and gave up 4 runs as he struggled throughout the night. He left after just three innings due to a high pitch count and ineffectiveness. The bullpen, for the first time this season, did not provide the needed relief and allowed the game to get out of hand. It was another frustrating night for the Red Sox as they cranked out some hits, but were unable to put enough runs on the board. The Red Sox still only have 1 home run on the season (hit by Kevin Youkilis) and drop to 2-3 with the loss.

Game 3: Curt Schilling put an end to his Opening Day struggles and put together a 7-inning gem (4 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts). Unfortunately, it was almost blown by Terry Francona, but I'll get to that later. Vicente Padilla, who started for Texas, pitched a pretty good game himself. He went 7 innings and allowed 3 runs.

David Ortiz was all that the Red Sox needed offensively as he finally got himself going. Ortiz had 2 homeruns and 3 RBIs on the night. JD Drew also added 2 hits for the Red Sox.

Jonathan Papelbon saved the day for the Red Sox as Francona put him into an incredibly tough spot, but Papelbon just proceeded to embarrass everyone he faced. He is an unbelievable pitcher.

Now, onto Terry Francona. Schilling told Francona after he finished the 7th inning that he could pitch another inning. Francona seemed to acknowledge Schilling's request, but decided to bring in Joel Pineiro to start the 8th inning with a 2-run lead. Schilling had only thrown 102 pitches to that point and should have been allowed to face at least another batter or two. Pineiro struggled to throw strikes to the first two batters he faced. Despite this, he was left in to face Kenny Lofton who reached on a bunt single after 1st base was not covered. Now, instead of bringing Papelbon (who was ready to go), he brings in Javier Lopez with the bases loaded and no outs in a 2-run ballgame. Lopez got hit hard, but fortunately the ball was right to Youkilis. Youkilis dropped the ball but was able to get a force out at 2nd, which left runners at 1st and 3rd with 1 out and a 3-2 score. Finally, in came Papelbon to save face for Terry Francona who completely botched the inning.

While Francona does a solid job of managing the players, his in-game management is horrendous and I'd like to see him fired. He will cost the Red Sox at least 5 games this season with poor game management if he gets the chance to do so.

Anyways, I'll stop ranting. The Red Sox move to 3-3 with the victory and head home for their home opener on Tuesday.

On Deck: The Red Sox have their home opener on Tuesday against the Mariners. Josh Beckett will get the ball in front of the Fenway Faithful for the first time of the young season.