By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.comFollow @JCameratoNBA
BOSTON -- You could say Erik Bedards bid at his first win with the Red Sox went down the drain.
Or it was washed out.
Any precipitation-related phrase you like will do the trick.
In spite of striking out five and giving up just two hits in four scoreless innings, Bedard ended up with a no decision (his third with the Red Sox) after Game 2 of the Red Sox-Athletics doubleheader was halted for a one-hour rain delay, a result of weather conditions caused by Hurricane Irene.
He remains 0-2 in five starts with the Red Sox (4-9, 3.45 for the season).
You always want wins, but as long as the team wins thats the good part, he said following the Red Sox 4-0 victory. But its coming. Eventually Ill get one.
Bedard was just outs away from capturing his first win since June 15, which came as a member of the Seattle Mariners. But mother nature was not as accommodating, and heavy downpours put his plans for a W on hold.
Boston Red Sox
You just try to pray to God that the rain stays away so you can finish at least three more outs and have a decision, but we won the game so thats the bottom line, he said, adding, Deep down youre like, Just put it in play so we can get an out or get it over with, but stuff like that happens and thats that.
Terry Francona noted Bedard had a sore knee, which the pitcher said warmed up and settled down, and though he pitched well as the game went on.
He struggled, especially early, first couple of innings I think he ended up with four walks, said Francona. The good news is he wiggled out of it and stuff was pretty good. He can pitch. He just had trouble commanding, especially early.
Once the game resumed, Alfredo Aceves took the mound and pitched three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no hits. He picked up the win, improving to 9-1 (2.86 ERA), and earned praise for performing in less-than-ideal conditions.
He pitched well again, and under the circumstances, with a rain delay, a runner on base, guy in the middle of the count, and continues to put up zeroes and sets up not only the game but the rest of the bullpen, tremendous, said Francona.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia echoed, The guy hes a competitor. Hes passionate about the game so hes been a great asset to the team. Hes gone out there and whatever day you want him to pitch, he pitches.
Even though Bedard did not get the win, he was happy to have such a strong bullpen behind him. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively.
When you only go four and then you have the bullpen shut it down for the rest of the game, thats awesome, he said. Aceves went three innings and I dont even know if he gave up a hit. Then youve got Bard and Pap, it makes it easier on the starters when the reliever can do that.
The start of Game 2 of the doubleheader was delayed one hour and 52 minutes due to the length of Game 1. There was a one-hour delay during Game 2 in the fifth inning.
David Ortiz extended his hitting streak to 12 games. He went 3-for-4 with a two-run blast in Game 2.
Saltalamacchia (2-4, 2B) has six extra-base hits in his last seven games.
Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.comJCameratoNBA