By MaureenMullen
CSNNE.com
BOSTON -- Daisuke Matsuzaka's night against the Rays was rough, but he isn't the only Red Sox pitcher who has been knocked around this season.
The starters have each had two turns now, posting a combined ERA of 7.24 (41 earned runs, 51 innings), while giving up 60 hits, 23 walks, and 14 home runs with 37 strikeouts. John Lackey and Josh Beckett have each recorded wins, with Beckett and Jon Lester posting the only quality starts.
After Matsuzakas departure Monday night, Tim Wakefield gave up five earned runs in 3 13 innings, and Dan Wheeler allowed four earned runs in one inning. Only Alfredo Aceves held the Rays scoreless, throwing two perfect innings, with two strikeouts. The Red Sox pitching staff has a combined 7.29 ERA.
I think just collectively we just have to go out and there and do a better job all the way around, said catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Were not hitting the ball and not throwing the ball. Beckett had a great game Sunday night. So, we just have to step it up and continue to do well.
Wakefields 3 13 relief innings were the most hes pitched out of the bullpen since also throwing 3 13 on June 3, 2002, at Detroit. The seven hits he allowed were the most in relief since a career relief-high eight on April 28, 2001 against Kansas City.
The last time the Red Sox allowed at least 20 hits to the Rays was July 24, 2003, when they gave up 21 at Fenway. The 16 runs are the most the Sox have ever allowed to Tampa Bay. The previous high was 15 (also July 24, 2003).
Boston Red Sox
David Ortiz hit his first triple of the season. He is the only American League player with at least one triple in each of his 12 seasons since 2000. Adrian Gonzalez also tripled, making them the first DH and first baseman to triple in the same game since Reggie Jefferson (DH) and Brian Daubach (1B) on Aug. 9, 1999, at Kansas City.
J.D. Drew extended his hitting streak to seven games, batting .348 in that stretch. He has reached base safely in his eight games this season.
Sam Fuld, a native of Durham, NH, who was playing in his first game at Fenway Park, nearly hit for the cycle, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored, and three RBI. Needing just a single to complete the feat, Fuld came up to bat in the ninth but doubled down the left-field line. The home run was just the second of his big-league career. He is the fourth New Hampshire-born player to hit a home run at Fenway, joining Phil Plantier, Kevin Romine, and Red Rolfe.
Johnny Damon went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, three RBI, a walk, and a home run.
Maureen Mullen is on Twitter athttp:twitter.commaureenamullen