Sox Lose Lowell as Tigers Win First Game

This is a game the Red Sox should have had in the bag. They scored off Jeremy Bonderman, who last year completely dominated them. Jon Lester pitched well until the endless 4th inning and then the middle relief couldn't hold back the formerly winless Detroit Tigers. Lester seemed to lose his concentration or at least his command after starting very well. He and Dice-K seem to share that problem, although Dice-K seems to have, for now, conquered that issue. Lester is still a mystery and if he's to assume the role of #3 starter, that is not a good thing.

But this was another potential win put out of reach by the middle relievers. Is it me or does this trend need to end--and fast? Yes, I realize that Lester gave up 4 runs which was all the Tigers offense needed, but those relievers give the team no chance to jump back in the game. First let me say that David Aardsma pitched well for a change. Bryan Corey, on the other hand, was throwing as if Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski had a few bucks left over from his off-season shopping spree and stuffed Corey's locker full of thousand dollar bills. I'm actually looking forward to the return of 67-year-old Mike Timlin.

Mike Lowell sprained his thumb on the first play of the game, so don't expect him back anytime soon--he was in a removable cast by the time the team left the park.

All in all, a bad day at the office. I'm confident that Sean Casey will fill in nicely while Lowell recovers and Youkilis moves to third.

Tonight it's Tim Wakefield vs. Nate Robertson, with each starter looking for his first win of the season.