The Red Sox were poised for a much-needed win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday after shortstop Xander Bogaerts' two-run single put Boston ahead 7-6 entering the ninth inning.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the bullpen, which has been awful most of the season, suffered another Fenway Park meltdown and wasted a solid effort from the team's lineup.
The Red Sox turned to Matt Barnes for the save and he immediately gave up a single to Leury Garcia. Garcia would be thrown out at second base, but Yolmer Sanchez singled soon after to give Chicago a baserunner with one out. Jose Abreu then stepped up to the plate and smashed a two-run homer over the Green Monster to give the White Sox an 8-7 lead, which they protected in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.
Take a look at Abreu's winning blast in the video below:
The Red Sox now have blown 16 saves this season, led by Barnes' six. Barnes is 4-for-10 in save opportunities, and his ERA for June was 6.57 in 13 appearances entering Wednesday. The need to acquire a real closer before the trade deadline is as strong as it'll ever be.
This loss drops the Sox nine games behind the rival New York Yankees for first place in the American League East. These two teams will soon leave for London, England, where they'll play a two-game series beginning Saturday.
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