Sports Redux: Some Days You Eat the Bear...

It happens to the best of teams. Every so often, you're just going to run into a good pitcher having a great game, and all of the stats, controversy and wishful thinking in the world won't help you get men on base or drive them home.

Such was the fate of the Red Sox last night, who were introduced to a 6'10" buzzsaw named Chris Young, who carved his way through the Sox lineup to the tune of 7 IP, 1 hit, one walk and eleven strikeouts. When the pitcher's putting up numbers like that, forget it.

What drama there was came on a home run by Josh Bard in the fifth. It was instantly ruled a foul ball, but Bard and Padres manager Bud Black squawked, causing the umpires to have a tete-a-tete and reverse the call to a home run. Terry Francona, displeased with the reversal, made his opinions known to the authorities and as a result was granted the rest of the evening off. Upon some reflection, Tito said, "I have a feeling they probably ended up getting both right. But you get frustrated. ... When umpires confer like that you actually appreciate it because some are going to be in your favor." Just not last night.

Bard was bettered in the home run department by Khalil Greene, who hit two out, while aggravating Ray Walston and having a pizza delivered to the dugout in the fourth inning.

So a tough loss for Tim Wakefield, who pitched OK, not great, but not horribly. And the glitzy matchup of Josh Beckett and Jake Peavy is still on for this afternoon, which is a must-see for anyone who loves pitching.

Image from PadresNation.com.