A hero on most occasions, Bard gave away a game the Sox could ill afford to lose yesterday, surrendering three runs in the eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays rallied for a 5-4 victory at Fenway Park.
That’s eight losses in 10 games for the Sox, who lead the Rays by four games in the American League wild-card race after Tampa lost in Baltimore last night.
The Rays arrive at Fenway Park for a pivotal four-game series tonight.
Bard inherited a 4-2 lead in the eighth and lost it five batters later. As the Sox struggle to find healthy and competent starting pitchers, bullpen meltdowns are compounding the problem.
Yesterday was the third time in his last five appearances that Bard lost a lead in the seventh or eighth inning. In another game, he gave up the winning run in the 11th inning. In 4 ⅔ innings this month, Bard has allowed nine earned runs on six hits and five walks.
“Sometimes you go out there and your mechanics are a little off and they swing at a couple of pitches and you’re able to get through it,’’ Bard said. “Unfortunately they really haven’t been doing it.’’
Papelbon stands ready to help.
“Daniel’s going to respond in a positive way,’’ said Papelbon. “I don’t care who you are, this happens. Mariano blew Game 7 of a World Series. I’ve blown a playoff game. Does that decide your career? No.
“What defines you and who you are is how you battle and grind and compete over 162 games and, if you’re lucky, the playoffs.
“We’ve been talking and we’ll keep talking. I’m here for him 100 percent and he’s here for me. I have no success without the guy. Zero. We need him.’’
Bard (2-8) walked Edwin Encarnacion and Kelly Johnson on nine pitches, his fastball command nonexistent. When Mark Teahen bunted, Bard threw the ball wildly to first and the bases were loaded.
A run scored when J.P. Arencibia grounded to third base. Kevin Youkilis dropped a potential double-play ball and only had a play at first. Adam Loewen’s single to center then scored two runs.
