Wasted Weekend in Oakland

All of a sudden the Sox are the Celtics. After cruising through an undefeated 7-game homestand, the boys go on the road and get swept in a 3-game series in Oakland.

The Red Sox always struggle in Oakland, but getting outscored 17-6 and not even being competitive in the three games is reason for concern. Now the Sox find themselves once again in second place behind the pesky rays, who look like they're in the race for the long haul.

On Saturday, Boston managed just one hit - a seventh-inning single from David Ortiz - off former Red Sox farmhand Justin Duchscherer. The Sox didn't even come close to getting another hit. Manny got a much-needed night off, which was probably good as he likely would have just extended his slump.

BOX SCORE: A's 3, Red Sox 0
BOX SCORE: A's 6, Red Sox 3

Things looked much better on Sunday as the Sox jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first on a solo shot from Big Papi, but Lester gave it right back allowing the A's to tie in the bottom of the order - so much for the back-to-back no hitters.

Lester came back to Earth giving up 4 runs in 5 innings, but the Sox battled back to make it 4-3 on a 2-run single by Manny in the fifth. Manny went 3-for-4 as it looked like the day off paid dividends.

The bullpen imploded again, however, as Hansen and Lopez were both ineffective. their struggles combined with Delcarmen's pathetic performance of late has to have the Sox brass deeply concerned and looking for some relief help.

Good teams take care of business at home, which the Sox have done with a MLB-best 21-5 record at Fenway, but they also are competitive on the road and usually at or above .500. After 7 straight losses away from The Fens, the Sox are now 10-17 on the road and it doesn't get any easier with three in Seattle and four in Baltimore before heading home for a crucial series with Tampa Bay - that's something I never thought I'd say.

Boston now turns to the Round Mound of Rosin - Bart Colon - to get things straightened out, but the offense will have a tough matchup against Felix Hernandez.