Sox down early. Where have I seen this before? (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Well folks, it’s officially February 2nd in Boston. Another Red Sox starter that had been scuffling earlier in the season put up a quality start, while the offense went 0-6 with runners in scoring position. They were just 4 for 25 with RISP in the series and three of those hits came in Tuesday’s win. The starters have seven quality starts, a K/BB ratio of 42/12, and an ERA of 2.00 in their last eight games, while the offense has scored two runs or fewer in seven of their last nine games. The Sox dropped this one 3-1 and the series to the Rangers.

After Wednesday’s one-run performance, all the team wanted to do last night was get off to a good start. But alas, since it’s Groundhog Day, the Red Sox found themselves down in the early innings. It’s like seeing Ned Ryerson first thing in the morning.

It doesn’t mean you’re going to have a terrible day, but it sure as heck-fire makes it harder to have a good one. Similarly, going down 2-0 isn’t “game over” by any stretch, but it makes the offense’s job a lot tougher, especially when they’re already pressing due to lack of production. This team is 7-19 when the opposition scores first.

Texas’s first two runs came on a botched double play attempt. Pedey fielded a grounder to his left, wheeled and threw to Bogaerts covering the bag at second. The throw pulled Xander only slightly towards centerfield, but he dropped the ball and in doing so failed to heed every coach’s favorite cliché advice following a botched double play: make sure of one.

Obviously it’s not fair to place any of the blame on the pitching staff for this game or any of the past eight games, but hey! Wait! I’ve got a new complaint. Maybe if the starters gave up their 2-3 runs in, say, the 4th and 6th, the offense would have three relatively low-pressure innings to get something going. Wow, thanks Righty, forever in debt to your priceless advice!

There weren’t really many highlights in this one. The Sox’ lone run came on an Ortiz groundout (watching that clip is worth it just to hear Don giggle. I dare you to not crack a smile). Bogaerts was 2-2 with a walk. Pedey doubled. But the rest of the squad couldn’t solve Wandy Rodriguez, who gave up only 4 hits in 6.2 innings. The Red Sox have the worst batting average in the majors against left-handers so far this season.

Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?
Mrs. Lancaster: I don’t think so, but I could check with the kitchen.

At some point soon this season, this Red Sox team is going to have to decide what kind of day they want to have. They can try the same thing over and over again expecting different results (Einstein’s definition of insanity) and end up letting Punxsutawney Phil drive the truck:

or they can figure out how to get the offense going at the same time as the pitching staff, help everyone in the town, live a perfect day, and make Rita fall in love. (Ok, the metaphor kind of came off the rails towards the end there).

Notes:

-Pedroia made a great play in the field.

-Farrell hinted at roster changes in his post-game presser, but I don’t see any obvious moves to make. Calling up Castillo would be great – he’s been raking – but the guy he’d presumably replace (Victorino) has been the Red Sox’ best hitter since returning from injury. Though Shane was scratched last night due to an unrelated calf injury, so that didn’t do the club any good.

–Buchholz’s last 3 starts: 2.53 ERA 18/5 K/BB ratio. Maybe we should throw him in the lineup and see if he can hit.

-Here’s hoping today is tomorrow.