Wakefield Whipped, Win Streak Ends at Seven

Tim Wakefield didn't have it again and the Oakland A's took advantage hanging an 8-spot on him and ending the Sox' 7-game winning streak.

It's getting very difficult to watch Wake pitch these days. He does eat up a lot of innings, but at some point if he continues to be ineffective a tough decision may have to be made. Francona always seems to leave him in a little too long also. I guess he thinks Wake can work his way out of jams, but he rarely turns it around once he starts off bad.

The Sox never were really in this one as the A's jumped out to the 3-run lead in the first and then added four more in the third.

BOX SCORE: A's 8, Red Sox 3

Mark Ellis hit a 3-run shot off Wake in the third that Manny almost made a spectacular catch on. He climbed the wall like that guy in Japan did a few years ago and just missed robbing the homer.

Manny has been lobbying for a Gold Glove this year. While he may not be at that level, he's definitely playing much better in the field.

Dustin and Ellsbury were the only bright spots as Pedroia hit a solo shot in the fourth and Ellsbury had 2 hits and 2 RBIs. He was caught stealing for the second time in his career, but he had the bag stolen only to overslide the bag and get tagged out.