Sean McAdam: Red Sox still seeking an offensive identity — with little margin for error
You can't win if you don't score many runs — as the Red Sox are finding out.
BOSTON — When the Red Sox made a commitment to emphasize run prevention this season, it was done with a certain tacit understanding — that there would be at least a modicum of offense to accompany the focus on pitching and defense. That doesn’t mean that they have to replicate Murderer’s Row with their lineup or be capable of bludgeoning opponents to death. But is it too much to ask for some offense to help support the other facets of the team?
The Red Sox could have used something Saturday, in a dispiriting 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. They’re due some credit for rallying to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth when a 15-foot roller in front of the plate by pinch-hitter Andruw Monasterio resulted in a run-scoring fielder’s choice — with some thanks to San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth, who dropped a throw and wiped out any chance of an inning-ending double play. But it also says something that a swinging bunt qualifies as perhaps the best at-bat of the afternoon.
Through eight games, the Red Sox have yet to score more than five runs in any single contest. It’s perfectly acceptable to win games 4-3 and 5-4 — not that there’s evidence the Red Sox have grasped that concept. The offense has been so punchless that there’s very little margin for error.
The Sox had every reason to feel good about themselves in the ninth. After rallying to tie the game in the previous inning, they had two outs and two strikes, the bases empty and closer Aroldis Chapman on the mound. But then came a line double over Ceddanne Rafaela’s head and a sharp single to left to account for the go-ahead run.
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