It's still raining

Figuratively. The real weather was nice today - it actually stopped raining for what feels like the first time in a month (but it's supposed to rain again both Saturday and Sunday).

But the bad news keeps coming for the SoxandPhils.

Last night's post, "When it rains, it pours," pertained to the bad news - Raul Ibanez's injury, another bullpen meltdown and a Rod Barajas/Scott Rolen-led sweep by the Blue Jays.

I didn't think the rain would have another meaning as the Red Sox game ended 2-1 in a rain-shortened five-inning loss. I hate rain.

Tonight's news isn't much better. Daisuke Matsuzaka keeps pitching like a guy looking to be banished to the bullpen: six earned runs on eight hits and four walks in four innings as the Red Sox lost to the Braves 8-2. His ERA is now 8.23.

Here's a list of the Red Sox who have hits in the last two games: Jason Bay (two tonight), Kevin Youkilis (one last night) and ... and ... that's it. Pathetic.

The Phillies Antonio Bastardo pitched better than Dice-K, four earned runs in seven innings. It's not a dominant line, but that should be good enough to beat the lowly Orioles. It wasn't. Orioles 7, Phillies 2. The Phillies annual June interleague swoon continues - they've now lost six of their last seven.