Dickey Struggles Again, Red Sox Romp Blue Jays

Apr 7, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) runs past Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Dave Bush (54) and third baseman Mark DeRosa (16) after hitting his third homerun of the game in the seventh inning at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsThe Toronto Blue Jays were hoping that the second time was the charm for R.A. Dickey, especially coming off of a two-hit shut-out of the Red Sox on Saturday. Unfortunately, the only thing charmed in this game were the Red Sox bats, as Boston throttled the Blue Jays 13-0 to take the rubber game of the series.

Dickey followed his rough Opening Day start with an even tougher one on Sunday. The 2012 Cy Young winner allowed 10 hits and 8 runs (7 earned) over just 4.2 innings against Boston.

The Red Sox jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, before Dickey even recorded an out. Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury led off the game with a double and was followed by singles by Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia. Mike Napoli then added an RBI double before being followed by a 2-run home run by Will Middlebrooks.

Dickey would settle down in the second inning, but Middlebrooks would strike again in the third inning, doubling and scoring a run in the inning. The Boston third baseman was not done there either, adding another solo shot off of Dickey in the fifth inning, and a third home run off of Dave Bush in the seventh.

Dave Bush, making his first appearance in the big leagues since 2011, did not fair much better. In addition to the solo home run surrendered to Middlebrooks, the 33-year-old right-hander got lambasted by the Red Sox, surrendering five earned runs in his three innings of relief before giving away to Brett Cecil. Those five earned runs were punctuated by four Boston home runs; the one by Middlebrooks, and then one each by Daniel Nava, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Mike Napoli.

After not having hit a home run coming into the series, the Red Sox torched Toronto pitching staff for eight dingers in the series.

As for Toronto, there was not much good to take away from the game, as the Blue Jays garnered just seven hits in the game and moved only two runners into scoring position, stranding both.

Toronto batters did add 10 strike-outs in the contest, raising their season total to 54.

The Blue Jays will have Monday off as the team travels to Detroit to start a six-game road trip, their first of 2013. Brandon Morrow will get the start against Anibal Sanchez on Tuesday, and he will be followed by Mark Buehrle on Wednesday and Josh Johnson on Thursday.

Also, as reported by Evan Peaslee of MLB.com, Jose Bautista is expected to return to the line-up for Tuesday game. Bautista has sat out the last two contests after tweaking his ankle Thursday night against Cleveland.