For the first time since 1945, the Boston Red Sox have started a season 0-6. The 2011 version dropped their sixth-straight game to open this new campaign Thursday afternoon in Cleveland, falling to the Indians, 1-0.
Jon Lester did his part to see the Red Sox get their first win of the season, allowing just three hits in seven shutout innings, while striking out nine batters. But once again, Boston's bats were quieted, this time by Fausto Carmona, a pitcher who less than a week ago surrendered 10 runs on 11 hits to the Chicago White Sox.
The Red Sox' offense managed just four hits -- two from Marco Scutaro, the No. 9 hitter -- while leaving six runners on base. Five of Boston's starters are now batting .176 or lower. Which is laughably awful.
Giving credit where credit is due, the Red Sox are at least finding new ways to lose each time. Thursday, it was on a suicide squeeze. With one out in the eighth inning, Asdrubal Cabrera laid down a perfect bunt down the third base line, scoring Adam Everett from third. And that was enough for the win.
The Red Sox make their home debut on Friday, against the New York Yankees, at 2:05 p.m. ET.