Marcelo Mayer’s big-league debut didn’t provide the spark we needed
The Red Sox bats and everything else were quiet. Lucas Giolito needed to stay in the game, and thankfully he did that, saving the bullpen for another day. There was some excitement at the very end of the game, but the offense fell short.
The Marcelo Mayer Chronicles
Mayer handled his first chance in the field just fine, but needed a nice pick by Nick Sogard at first to complete the play. In the seventh, he smoothly fielded a grounder on the line and made a crisp throw to first. Two batters later, he really seemed to come into his own, nicely grabbing a Rob Refsnyder throw and applying a strong tag to the runner. I especially loved the pro move in showing off the ball to the ump with a flourish as he danced away to conclude the inning.
He struck out three times altogether, including in a big moment in the seventh with runners in scoring position, and he failed to deliver in the ninth, too.
Small sample size, but Boston already loves him. He got a standing ovation before his first at-bat. He’ll probably get ‘em next time.
Studs
Lucas Giolito
7.0 IP, 6H, 2 BB, 6 SO
Abraham Toro
Twice in a day, he hits a solo HR. In this game, it was just about the extent of our offense.
Duds
Offense
Where have you gone? It wasn’t until the seventh inning that we got our second baserunner.
Bullpen
When Lucas Giolito goes seven and keeps it scoreless, that’s a game we should win. Brennan Bernardino and Luis Guerrero combined for two innings. They each gave up a hit and an earned run. Guerrero in particular seemed to struggle and walked three.
Play of the Game
It was Toro’s solo HR, especially since I didn’t mention this exact same feat in G1. He got us on the board.