There is no possible way I can sum up this game. None. So take a look at this graph. It’s shiny.


(via Fangraphs)

Okay, bullet points:

1) Phil Hughes had his first not good outing, even though he left the game with a lead. Basically, he didn’t have a ‘finish’ pitch working, and the Red Sox made like the Yankees and built the pitch count up early. By the time of JD Drew’s home run in the fifth inning, Hughes was way over 100, high-stress pitches. Every pitcher, especially one still only 23 years old, is gonna have not so good outings. His next start should come against the Mets, we’ll see how he rebounds.

2) Joe Girardi’s bullpen managing was full of ‘buuuh’, but think about it this way: had the game gone to extra innings, Javier Vazquez would have been able to give the bullpen some length. Of course, this would have probably not happened and instead Mariano would have pitched the 10th and then, umm, who knows what, but hey, Marte pitched well, and Chan Ho Park…not so much.

3) Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez need to hit against Jonathan Papelbon more often. Wow. Just. Yeah, A-Rod hate is so 2004.
3a) Reminders of that 15 inning game last summer and ALDS game 2.

4) As, apparently, does Marcus Thames. About whom I never will again say bad things.

5) Joe West has a point. That game was what, four hours and change? Or just under four? Eeesh.

6) A-Rod’s game tying and Thames’ game-winning home runs will be added to the “for your viewing pleasure” post shortly. You can find the link on the sidebar.