Mariners vs. Red Sox (6/25-6/27)

Game 1: The Red Sox allowed Jeff Weaver to shut them down on Monday evening. At the same time, Julian Tavarez was not on top of his game. Tavarez allowed 3 runs in 4.1 innings.

Coco Crisp and Dustin Pedroia collected 2 hits each, but the Red Sox offense was only able to put 4 runs on the board. The Mariners scored 9 times in the game, 3 coming off of an ineffective Mike Timlin.

Game 2: The Red Sox lost a back and forth affair on Tuesday night to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners took an early 3-1 lead against a wildly inefficient Kason Gabbard. Gabbard lasted only 3.1 innings, allowed 4 ER, and earned 6.

The Red Sox were able to close the gap on numerous occasions, but both times the red-hot Mariners were able to answer. Manny Delcarmen and Javier Lopez allowed the Mariners to tack on runs and stay ahead.

JJ Putz recorded the final out for the Mariners against Manny Ramirez. The Red Sox have now lost 2 straight games.

Game 3: The frustration continued for the Red Sox on Wednesday night as they were only able to score 1 run and ended up losing in 11 innings.

Daisuke Matsuzaka turned in a masterful performance (8 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, and 8 Ks) before giving way to the bullpen in the 9th inning. In the 9th, Okajima got into a jam but was bailed out by Jon Papelbon who also pitched the 10th inning. In the 11th inning, Joel Pineiro took over and gave up a game-winning RBI double to Jose Lopez.

The Red Sox have now lost 3 straight and have been swept by the Mariners. Luckily, the Yankees are struggling at the current time as well.

On Deck: The Red Sox begin 3-game series with the Texas Rangers on Friday night. Tim Wakefield will start for the Red Sox in the opener.