Drew Pomeranz struggles in first start with Red Sox

Maureen Mullen, Special for USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016
4 min read

BOSTON – In 17 starts with the San Diego Padres, Drew Pomeranz was 8-7 but received an average of just 3.33 runs of support. That number is well behind Stephen Strasburg’s major league-best 6.71 mark and the other 85 pitchers who received more run support than Pomeranz. The Red Sox acquired Pomeranz from San Diego on July 14 to bolster their rotation, believing the left-hander’s 2.47 ERA and 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings combined with their potent offense – which leads the majors in runs scored – would be just what he and they needed. Facing the San Francisco Giants at Fenway Park Wednesday night, Boston’s offense quickly showed Pomeranz he’s not in San Diego anymore, giving him an eight-run lead after three innings. The Red Sox knocked out Giants right-hander Matt Cain – making his first start since June 13 wtih a right hamstring strain -- after 2 1/3 innings and five runs. But it was not enough to keep Pomeranz in the game. Although the Red Sox won, 11-7, completing the two-game sweep, they did not get what they were hoping for from their newest acquisition. Pomeranz left in the fourth inning without recording an out as the first seven batters reached base – on a walk, five consecutive hits and another walk -- scoring five runs, including a three-run homer by Mac Williams. “I’ve faced these guys four times this year,” Pomeranz said. “I was going along pretty good there through the first three, made some bad fastball location pitches, and they made me pay for it.”

While he got through the first three innings without allowing a run, he was shaky throughout his abbreviated outing. Pomeranz entered the game averaging 4.14 pitches per plate appearance, third-highest in the majors. He needed 21 pitches, 11 strikes, facing four batters in the first inning, when he walked leadoff batter Denard Span. He had runners on base in every inning, but appeared to settle down after the first. He got through the second on 15 pitches. After a lead-off double by Brandon Crawford, he retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts. He ended the inning striking out No. 8 hitter Trevor Brown looking at a 92-mph fastball. In all, Pomeranz went three innings (plus seven batters) giving up five runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and two walks with four strikeouts. He threw 80 pitches, just 48 for strikes. “He got some swing and miss to his fastball,” said manager John Farrell. “I thought he threw a very good curveball, particularly the second and third innings. He threw a number of cutters in some fastball counts. But still the overall command probably wasn’t what he’s typically going to show. And unfortunately the big inning, went out and get him. “I thought the first three innings he was going about his work in a good way. He made a couple of good key pitches to get a strikeout to end an inning. We scored the five runs to take a 8-0 lead, and the length of the inning, I can’t say that’s the sole result but a walk mixed in with a base hit and a three-run homer and can’t seem to get an out on the board. And, unfortunately, it was an early night for him.”

Pomeranz left with the Red Sox leading, 8-5. But without some timely plays by his fielders, he could have been looking at much more damage by the Giants. Indeed, Hanley Ramirez nearly single-handedly delivered the game for the Red Sox, with a career-high three home runs and six RBIs. Ramirez also turned in several key defensive plays, including a sixth-inning, no-outs, bases-loaded, 3-2 double play to help shut down a San Francisco rally. Perhaps it was butterflies for Pomeranz. Perhaps it was a case of trying too hard to impress his new team. Perhaps it was the long bottom halves of innings while his offense was working. Perhaps it was the long layoff. Named to his first All-Star team, he pitched an inning in the game. Prior to that he hadn’t pitched since July 7. Perhaps it was a case of seeing the opponent too many times. This was Pomeranz’s fourth start this season against the Giants. It was also his shortest outing of the season. His previous shortest was an April 25 loss at San Francisco when he went 4 1/3 innings. “I don’t think I put too much pressure on myself,” he said. “Just trying to go out there and do the same thing I do every time, take it one pitch at a time and give us the best chance to win. “I think I just threw in some bad spots. I was a little off in my rhythm and timing tonight, and that was the thing. My fastball kept kind of shooting back over the plate, and that’s never good against guys anytime in this league.” Whatever the reason, this is not what the Red Sox, who gave up one of their top pitching prospects to acquire Pomeranz, were hoping to see. Pomeranz was the third acquisition by the Red Sox in span of six days – along with infielder Aaron Hill and right-hander Brad Ziegler – as they prepare for the stretch run. Pomeranz is accustomed to changes in venues. The fifth overall pick by the Indians in 2010, he is now with his fifth organization. He has also pitched at the big league level for Colorado and Oakland. In six seasons he has a combined record of 22-31 with a 3.66 ERA in 124 appearances and 66 starts. Letting an eight-run lead all but evaporate and taxing a bullpen depleted by injuries is not the way he wanted to start with his new team. He will get another chance to convince the Red Sox they made the right move, with his next start in five days. “I would definitely say it would be nice to get back on a rotation and get on that five-day and get back on schedule,” he said.