BOSTON — Reliever Greg Weissert took the blame for the Red Sox’ 2-1 loss to the Athletics at Fenway Park on Tuesday.
“We lose that game because I can’t do my job,” Weissert said.
Weissert inherited a runner at first base when he replaced rookie starter Connelly Early with one out in the sixth inning.
With Boston ahead 1-0, Weissert struck out Brent Rooker for the second out. But the 30-year-old righty then allowed a game-tying RBI double to Tyler Soderstrom, a walk to Carlos Cortes and a go-ahead RBI single to Brett Harris.
“We’re fighting all game,” Weissert said. “Early pitches an unbelievable game and I go in there and do that (expletive). It sucks.”
Weissert has thrown the second most innings (61 ⅔) among Red Sox relievers, behind only Whitlock (67 ⅔).
“Physically, I feel fine,” Weissert said. “It’s been a lot of innings but it’s why I play the game. I want to be out there every day if I can. I have to shut that down in that situation, not let that inherited runner score.”
Although Weissert took the blame, the offense was equally responsible. The Red Sox went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base. They wasted a bases-loaded, no-out opportunity in the second inning when Ceddanne Rafaela struck out swinging and Romy Gonzalez grounded into a double play.
“We’ve just gotta keep getting better with men in scoring position,” manager Alex Cora said. “Hit the ball the other way. Put the ball in play. I don’t think we hit the ball in the air that much today.”
Boston has scored zero or one run in four of 11 games with Roman Anthony on the injured list. They are 4-7 and have averaged 3.8 runs per game during the stretch.
“Obviously it’s not ideal,” Story said. “We’re not stacking at-bats together like we have … for most of the season. And it shows. The pitchers, I feel like they’ve had our backs, they’ve kept the games really close and done really well there. Especially tonight. Early was amazing. The bullpen held it down for the most part. You’ve gotta score more than one or two to win on a nightly basis.”
Early allowed one run, five hits and no walks while striking out seven in 5 ⅓ innings.
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