Nickname for blown game?

As we watched Jack Taschner turn Brett Myers' 2-1 lead into a 3-2 deficit in the 7th inning, Christine decided he needs a nickname.

J.T. is too obvious, and we know already know a J.T.

I suggested Traschman.

She said he's not cleaning up other people's messes, but creating his own.

I said it's more that he's pitching like garbage.

My next suggestion, Tasch-hole, just drew a glare.

Any suggestions?

The Phillies wound up losing 4-2 - Brad Lidge gave up the final run - spoiling a solid outing from Myers. With hope, the Red Sox will fare better in their nationally televised game against the Rays tonight. Matt Garza vs. Josh Beckett.

It's got to be an error, but the Globe has Dustin Pedroia playing short tonight.

We'll be watching and hoping to report on a win tomorrow.

Oh, heard on ESPN radio this morning: "The Mets, like a drunk on a bar stool, woke up in first place this morning. The only question is how long before they fall off."

And, Javier Lopez is no more. Welcome up, Daniel Bard. Funny, I was playing Baseball Mogul the other day, and they had a picture of the old Braves catcher Javy Lopez instead of our now former reliever. Christine always gets the two J-Lo's confused too, along with every other Javier or Lopez who ever played Major League Baseball. {Sorry, some weird mental block from watching Javy for all those years on TBS and playing against the Phils.}

Perfect night ruined

I was looking forward to tonight all week because the Phillies were off and MLB Network was showing the Red Sox-Rays game.

But I missed the beginning of the game because I decided to hustle and mow the grass because of a rainy weekend forecast. When I came inside, there was no score in the third, so I assumed Josh Beckett was in control. Oops. He soon lost it and gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. His ERA is 7.22. Remember when I said Cole Hamels is reminding me of Josh Beckett in 2008? Well, the 2009 Beckett is making me long for the 2008 Beckett.

But he wasn't the story of the game. Matt Garza took a perfect game into the 7th inning. Jacoby Ellsbury led off that inning with a comebacker. Garza might have slowed it down, preventing the shortstop from making a play. It was a real disappointing end to a no-hit bid. There were only two other Sox baserunners, both walks. I was half-rooting for the no-hitter. The Sox lost, 13-0.

Some comic relief in the 8th: Terry Francona replaced Tuesday's goat (Javier Lopez) with Wednesday's hero (Jonathan Van Every). But not only did the outfielder pitch, the pitcher took his spot in right field.