Punchless in Seattle

When you lose eight of nine on the road including two of three to the worst team in the American League, something is up. Boston slinked out of Seattle (20-34) last night after a 1-0 shutout.

True, the Red Sox (33-24) have run into some great pitching lately (Rich Harden, Justin Duchscherer, Joe Blanton, Felix Hernandez). Last night was no exception as Erik Bedard pitched like he did when he was on the Orioles facing the Sox. Bedard (4-3) threw seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while walking three and striking out eight.

On the other side, Boston wasted a great start by Tim Wakefield (who had been shaky at best in his last few starts). Wake went all eight innings, giving up one run on five hits with no walks and eight strikeouts.

The Mariners no. 9 hitter, shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt (2 hits) provided the only run of the game when he hit a solo homer in the third inning.

Sox hitters had six walks but only two hits. Hard-throwing set-up man Brandon Morrow pitched the eighth and closer J.J. Putz walked two in the ninth to make it interesting but Coco Crisp grounded out (with runners on first and second) to end it and earn his sixth save.

Boston has the day off today (which will hopefully allow Kevin Youkilis to get back in the lineup) and then begin a four-game set at Baltimore tomorrow night. The Red Sox need to salvage something from what has thus far been a disastrous trip.

Timlin has gotta go

Listen, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Mike Timlin and all he's meant for the Red Sox from 2003-2007. However, in his 17th season, at age 42 and with an ERA at 6.89 in 18 appearances this season, it's time for Timlin to call it a career. He's looked bad in previous seasons and returned to form but I think it finally might be over for him.

Timlin (2-3) gave up a two-out, walk-off hit to Jose Lopez (2 hits, RBI) in the bottom of the ninth last night as the Mariners won 4-3 at Safeco. The win snapped Seattle's season-high seven-game losing streak.

Of even more concern than Timlin's woes is the health of Dice-K. He left yesterday before the bottom of the fifth with "shoulder fatigue." Yikes, that's not exactly what you want to hear about your pitcher. He had gone four innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits with two strikeouts.

The Mariners (19-34) jumped ahead with two in the bottom of the first. Jose Vidro had an RBI on a fielder's choice and Raul Ibanez drove in Vidro with an RBI double.

Seattle scored once in the third after Ichiro (2 runs, 2 hits, walk, SB) got a hit, stole second and scored on Sean Casey's (3 hits) error.

Terry Francona and Julio Lugo were both ejected in the fifth for arguing balls and strikes.

The Sox (32-23) tied it in the sixth with one swing of the bat as Manny Ramirez hit a three-run jack, the 499th of his career. He also had an outfield assist at third base, with help from Mike Lowell who blocked the bag from Adrian Beltre.

An unlikely trio of David Aardsma, Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima combined to pitch four scoreless innings before Timlin's predictable finish.

Timlin walked Ichiro intentionally and gave up two hits while recording two outs.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz (2-2) had a scoreless ninth to earn the win.

Boston looks to take the series tonight as Tim Wakefield opposes Eric Bedard, who so far been a disappointment in Seattle.