Cueto Roughed Up In Boston

Owens vs. Cueto. 

I was looking forward to this game for a variety of reasons: seeing Cueto pitch live for the first time, watching Owens continue to improve and grow before our eyes, etc.

Anyways, the game truly did disappoint. While Owens gave us 8 strong innings (4 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 K, 1 BB), Cueto was roughed up early and never really recovered. In 6 innings, Cueto gave up a career-high 13 hits and 7 runs (6 earned). 

Blake Swihart led the Red Sox, going 4-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Josh Rutledge launched his first home run in a Red Sox uniform, while Rusney Castillo had two hits in his return after having the "day off" yesterday (He was benched, no doubt). 

However, Kansas City struggled with mental mistakes throughout the game. The Royals, officially, only had 2 errors, but they continuously botched plays and the Red Sox capitalized off of it. They did not look like the best team in the American League by a long shot.

Tonight, Yordano Ventura (7-7, 4.82 ERA) will battle against Matt Barnes in his second start for the big league club. In his last start against the Indians, Barnes gave up 6 hits and 6 runs over 5 innings, striking out 7 and walking 3. 

The team has now won 4 games in a row and Hanley Ramirez believes. Do you? 

By Pete Packowski @Pete_BBS