Tim Wakefield said after his third attempt at career win No. 200 that he was just happy the team won the game. After his fourth try at the milestone resulted in a loss, he still had plenty of which he could be proud.
By going eight innings in a 5-3 loss at Seattle on Sunday, Wakefield accomplished several things. Since the Red Sox could not rally in the top of the ninth, he picked up his 33rd complete game and his first since April 22, 2009, which was a rain-shortened affair against Minnesota that was over after seven innings.
By doing it in two hours, 14 minutes, the second-fastest game of the year for Boston, he gave the team a chance to hit the airport nice and early and possibly get home at a time that might allow the players to actually enjoy Monday's day off.
And by eating up all the available innings, he sent the staff back home very rested as it prepares for what could be the most grueling portion of the schedule.
After the day off, the Red Sox begin a stretch of 14 games in 13 days. It all starts with a doubleheader Tuesday against Tampa Bay and another contest the following afternoon, during which all hands need to be on deck. The same could be said about the ensuing nine games, four in Kansas City and four in Texas, where temperatures will take down even the heartiest.
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