Sox Fall to Orioles 10-3, Sale Throws 92 Pitches
Chris Sale’s velocity was down again, but still struck out 8 Orioles. The Red Sox bullpen struggled again, giving up 7 runs.
Sep 26, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY SportsBOSTON - The Red Sox dropped the nightcap of their doubleheader with the Orioles 10-3 at Fenway Park Wednesday.
Chris Sale took a no-decision in his final regular season tune up ahead of the playoffs, tossing 92 pitches over 4 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs on four hits and struck out eight.
But much of the discussion will center on Sale’s velocity. He averaged only 90 MPH on his fastball, the lowest mark in any start of his career. Sale relied heavily on his slider and changeup, as he did five days ago in his start against Cleveland.
The Red Sox bullpen struggled again, giving up seven runs.
Matt Barnes (6-4) gave up three runs on four hits and recorded only one out in the seventh inning.
Craig Kimbrel, working for the first time in five days, was not sharp. He walked three batters and gave up four runs and got only one man out.
The Red Sox are off until Friday when they host the Yankees for the final series of the season. Rick Porcello will get the ball in game one for his last regular season appearance.
