There wasn't much to see at The Cell tonight and judging by the paid attendance, Sox fans thought the same. Even though the offense was able to put up five runs, the Blue Jays pounded Phil Humber early on and didn't let up when it looked like the Sox were trying to chip away at the deficit.
Humber walked three batters in the first inning leading to a Blue Jays run which served as an omen for the rest of his night. The Blue Jays then blasted two 2-run home runs in the fifth off Humber to give them a 5-1 lead which ended Phil's night at five innings of work giving up the five runs and four walks.
Zach Stewart provided no relief in his 2 2/3 innings giving up an additional four runs. It's a damn shame too because the Sox were able to put some runs on the board late in the game on a A.J. Pierzysnki 2-run bomb and Adam Dunn's 18th home run of the year.
All of that goes for not in the 9-5 loss on a cool evening on the South Side.
The Sox seem to struggle against the Canadians and perhaps that's the reason the marketing department decided to offer $5 tickets on select seats to this series. And when I mean select seats, I mean the worst possible seats you could get - the few sections in the Upper Reserved by the foul poles.
I applaud the Sox for recognizing fans' concerns over ticket prices and trying to get people in the park to see a first place team. But by putting the worst seats in the house on sale for $5 that's basically saying "We'd like to have a crowd, but really don't care that much." I understand lower level seats on the infield and down the lines aren't going to be discounted and nor should they, but at least put the bleachers on sale or some lower reserved outfield seats - make it more appealing than throwing rejuvenated fans in the upper barren corners of the 500 level.
With the loss and Indians win over the Tigers, the Sox hold a 1 1/2 lead in the AL Central over the Indians and a 6 game lead over the Tigers.
Tomorrow Jose Quintana (1-0, 1.69ERA) will make another start in place of John Danks against Blue Jay starter Brandon Morrow (6-3, 3.26ERA).
I've always wondered what it's like to sit in the furthest corners of the upper deck. Does it feel weird and otherworldly?
ReplyDeleteI've been up there once or twice while the park was packed. You have a crappy view but if you just want to be at the game its fine.
ReplyDeleteIf you're unfortunate enough to sit up there when the UD is empty it is awful. The Sox usually close the concession stands near those sections making it even longer to get food and drink.
I'm used to that bullshit at Rogers Centre. They keep the furthest outfield concessions closed most of the time. Food and especially BEER lineups are insane. You miss a half inning, guaranteed.
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