“It’s hard to think about April 6 or whatever,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “What happened in April, they’re probably not the same team of four months ago.’’
Then again, the Red Sox aren’t really themselves with their injury-depleted lineup.
Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew were already on the disabled list before Boston began this series without Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz.
Ellsbury was out of the lineup for the third straight game since being hit in the back with a pitch at Kansas City, though the All-Star center fielder is expected to be back Tuesday night. Ortiz hasn’t played since last Tuesday because of bursitis in his right heel. The slugger took swings inside on Monday.
Bedard (4-9) is 0-2 in his four starts for the Red Sox since being acquired July 31 in a trade from Seattle. The left-hander struck out four and allowed seven hits over six innings.
“He did great. He made one bad pitch,’’ second baseman Dustin Pedroia said. “Other than that, he did a great job, especially against this team. They have a great hitting team.’’
Mike Napoli’s 21st homer, in the sixth off Bedard, extended the Rangers’ 1-0 lead and his hitting streak to a season-best 11.
“I was trying to get him out. I was trying to get him to pop up or miss it,’’ Bedard said. “Some games, that’s how it ends up. One pitch and he won the battle.’’
Texas had a season-high scoreless streak of 17 consecutive innings before Elvis Andrus’ RBI single in the third after a potential inning-ending double play instead became a blown call and hit for Ian Kinsler.
Kinsler’s sinking liner to right in the third appeared to be caught by Josh Reddick.
Baserunner Craig Gentry was stranded between first and second base unsure which way to go until umpire Doug Eddings finally waved safe, ruling that the ball was trapped. Gentry scooted to second while Reddick threw to first thinking he had completed a double play.
“I know he caught it,’’ Francona said. “But the umpire says he’s sure, and he’s not, I don’t know what to do.’’
Francona argued to no avail and Reddick mouthed “There’s no way.’’
Replays showed clearly that Reddick caught the ball a few inches off the ground.
