Bard Strugglers In Start; Sox Fall Again, 7-3

REUTERS/Mike Cassese

The Great Daniel Bard Starting Experiment may be over faster than you can say, "Bridge Year Three". The tall, fire-balling righty went just five plus innings tonight in Toronto, yielding five runs on eight hits. He did strike out a career-high six batters. Meanwhile, the Boston offense receded into oblivion again—stymied by the immortal Kyle (not Doug) Drabek (only one run in 5 1/3). The Jays prevailed, 7-3.

The Red Sox did stage a late rally of sorts, with Adrian Gonzalez delivering a two-run ninth-inning double. But the Carmine Hose were never really in this one—as the bullpen (Thomas and Bowden) gave up two more runs in three total innings. Until this team can demonstrate consistent pitching and string together several wins, they will be ticketed for fourth place in this dramatically-improved American League East.