Sean McAdam: Finally, run prevention works in Red Sox’ favor

BOSTON — If this wasn’t what the Red Sox were thinking when they pursued an offseason strategy based on pitching and defense, it had to be darn close. Eight shutout innings from the starting pitcher. A clean night from the fielders behind him, including a couple of nicely executed plays at second base.

And just enough offense to get the job done. All of that translated to a 1-0 Red Sox victory over the Detroit Tigers in 10 innings, a veritable blueprint for the concept of “run prevention. ” With a few notable exceptions, the Red Sox have produced very little offensively in the first three weeks of the season.

They added on nicely to produce a couple of lopsided wins in St. Louis last weekend, but in most offensive categories — from runs scored to OPS to homers — they rank in the bottom third of all major league teams. In short, it’s been as though the Red Sox were talking about their own lineup when the phrase “run prevention” got tossed around.

Meanwhile, the starting pitching has been hit and miss. In the seven previous games before Friday that saw their starting pitcher give them six or more innings, they were a perfect 7-0. But too often, the starting pitching has been wobbly, with every member of the rotation except rookie Connelly Early turning in at least one poor outing.