Unfortunately, it came on a day when Josh Beckett pitched well for 6 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits, one earned run, two walks, and nine strikeouts. He was supported by signs of life from an offense that managed only two extra-base hits in the doubleheader loss Saturday. Yesterday, the offense finally got big hits — a two-out, two-run double by David Ortiz in the third and a two-run homer by Victor Martinez in the seventh.
“An 0-2 [actually 1-2] walk, and bloop hit and I couldn’t finish the job, basically,’’ said Papelbon. “I mean, you know, I came in throwing the ball well and wasn’t able to execute a few pitches the way I wanted to in there.’’
Entering yesterday, the Red Sox still believed they were in contention for a playoff spot.
That’s why they asked Papelbon to get five outs. If the team felt it was hopelessly gone, it never would let him stay out there for 48 pitches. After Saturday’s double dip and yesterday’s disaster, it’s time to think about next year.
After managing Papelbon’s workload during the year, the Sox usually allow the embattled closer to increase his pitch counts later in the season in order to prepare him for crucial situations and the postseason.
Papelbon came in with one out in the eighth and, after a tough at-bat by pinch hitter Manny Ramirez, he hit his former teammate on the hand with a pitch. He struck out Gordon Beckham and got Juan Pierre to fly out to left field for the final out.
“Pap came out in the eighth with one out, and it’s tough, he did all he could do out there,’’ said Martinez. “I think he wound up throwing 50 pitches. If you want to know how he felt, you got to go ask him, but the ball was coming out of his hand great in the eighth and I think he got a little tired obviously. I don’t think he’s used to throwing over 40 pitches.’’
While Papelbon later disputed he was tired, Martinez noticed a difference from the eighth and ninth innings.
