Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ In the matinee of Saturday's day/night doubleheader, Red Sox starter Paul Byrd wasn't his usual effective self. The right-hander lasted only five innings (plus one batter in the sixth) and allowed five runs on 10 hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

"He almost threw too many strikes," said Francona. "You hate to say that because you love when guys pound the zone. (Toronto) was so aggressive and he was around the plate. They were swinging from the get-go and they squared up a lot of balls."

The big blow to Byrd and the Red Sox came in the top of the fifth inning when Blue Jays' Travis Snider launched a three-run homer to give Toronto a 5-0 lead. Byrd faced one batter in the sixth before he was lifted from the game after throwing only 59 pitches (47 strikes).

"I would have loved to stay out there and help our team," said Byrd. "I felt like they were really aggressive and I felt they were swinging early. I just didn't command my fastball well today, which is what I do for a living. I usually keep our team in the game and I didn't today. It's super frustrating for me. I've been throwing the ball well, but I want to throw the ball well every time out. I want to give this team a chance to win every time I take the mound."

Saturday was the fourth time in his last seven starts Byrd has faced the Blue Jays. And, he's scheduled to start against them again next weekend in Toronto. Safe to say he's sick of facing these guys.

"Yes!" he admitted after yesterday's matinee game. "I know I've faced them a lot, but I just didn't make the pitches I needed to make today. I couldn't throw the ball away very well. I was up and left some key pitches over the middle of the plate, and you can't do that against a team that is really hot and has great hitters."

Red Sox reliever David Aardsma, who been battling a groin injury, replaced Byrd and quickly surrendered three runs on three hits as Toronto took an 8-0 lead.

If there was anything positive about the matinee game, it was the pitching performance by Sox' Devern Hansack. The right-hander worked three perfect innings with three strikeouts.

"He pitched well," said Francona. "I thought he pitched very well. He used all of his pitches and that was the bright spot by watching him pitch."

 Tags  Paul Byrd Red Sox

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