The Red Sox saw Erik Bedard’s first start end after just 2.2 innings of work, but have fought back to take a 5-4 lead after five innings of baseball Tuesday night.
The trouble for Erik Bedard came with two outs in the third inning. With a man on first, Bedard fought a 7-pitch battle with Nick Markakis which ended on a high fastball that the right fielder shot into center field for an RBI double, bringing the Orioles even with the Sox.
That’s where things should have ended, as Vlad Guerrero hit a hard liner into right that seemed entirely playable for a well-positioned Reddick. But instead of heading slightly back, Reddick came in, hesitated, and then made a leaping attempt at the ball. He only succeeded in knocking it into the dirt, however, allowing the Orioles to take the 2-1 lead.
What followed was a total meltdown from Erik Bedard, who lost control after the error. The Orioles loaded the bases on a pair of walks, and then took a 4-1 lead as Mark Reynolds grounded past third, chasing Bedard from the game.
The Sox wasted little time getting back in the game. Dustin Pedroia led off the inning with a double into center field, and up came Adrian Gonzalez. After planting one off the Monster in the first inning, Gonzo went just that little bit farther this time, taking a 2-1 fastball and leaving it in the seats to pull the Sox back within one.
One inning later, and the Sox went ahead and took the lead, picking up a walk and then three straight singles to tie the game, and then pulling ahead on an errant throw to first as the Orioles tried to turn a double play on Adrian Gonzalez’ ground ball.
While Scott Atchison seemed ready to come apart a bit in the fifth inning, a couple of strong throws to second from Jarrod Saltalamacchia saw two runners cut down, and Buck Showalter ejected as he came out to argue the call.