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Well, we have our answer.
Drew Pomeranz is
not ready for prime time. The lefty returned from the disabled list last night, and went just 4.1 innings—giving up four earned runs on two HRs in
the eventual 7-6 loss. The Red Sox offense
tried to overcome their starter's ineffectiveness—powering out four home runs of their own (
two by MLB leader
J.D. Martinez). With any kind of decent pitcher on the mound, six runs wins the game—but with Pomeranz on the hill, not so much. Of course, another
Joe Kelly meltdown did not help the cause either (0.2 innings, 3 ERs).
Blake Swihart and
Mookie Betts also went yard, with Boston pounding out nine hits in all. If one or two of Boston's HRs had been more than a solo shot, the Red Sox would have likely won. But, now
Dave Dombrowski has to focus on
both starting and relief pitching at the deadline. The loss cuts Boston's lead in the AL East to just five games.