Game 1 Review

The Sox crushed the Nats last night 11-3 in the first game of their much-anticipated three game set at Nationals Park. First, of all, the Nats set their single-game attendance record last night, with just over 41,000 paying customers. Of those 41,000, there had to be 30,000 Sox fans. The traveling Faithful did not disappoint either, as battle cries of "Yoooouk" echoed far across southern DC. I have to believe that the Nats were shaken by their lack of homefield advantage in their own ballpark.

It was close for most of the game, as Penny and Lannan turned in quality starts. The Sox turned a few key double plays, including a top 10 play by journeyman-no-longer Nick Green. Lowell also snagged a Cristian Guzman liner and doubled off the jabroni at first in one motion, drawing cheers from the Nation. Penny was chased after former ally Josh Bard scored on a Willie Harris double in the 6th.

However, the game turned in the 7th and 8th. Lannan fanned Drew swinging, which was a surprise because JD seemed to be more interested in striking out looking. Then Manny Acta put in the immortal Julian Tavarez to face the meat of the lineup. Youk reached on an error, Ay Jay Bay moved him over with a rope to left, then Tek sac'd up with a sac fly to score. The inning ended 4-3 after Okajima pitched well.

The Nats are known for their bad bullpen, however, you have to see it to believe it. Baldelli pinch hit for Okajima and reached base. Acta brought in Kip Wells, who gave up two walks in 0.1 innings. Then, we were pleased to see Jesus Colome trotting in from the 'pen. He's appropriately named because the Nats fans were mostly saying "oh Jesus." Colome got shelled, as he gave up 6 runs on hits by Ay Jay Bay, Tek, Ellsbury (second triple of the game), and Green.

The rest of the game was quite relaxing. We picked up another run in the ninth. Hard-throwing Bard came in to pitch in the 9th, and promptly loaded the bases, because he can't throw a strike. However, the game ended on another good defensive play, the rarely seen 3-6-1 double play.

Players of the game: Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury
Goats of the game: Jesus Colome, Nick Johnson

The teams face off again tonight with Lester vs. Stammen, then tomorrow with Smoltz in his season debut vs. Zimmerman