4 HRs pace Red Sox past Seattle
Tim Booth | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 4 months AGO
SEATTLE - After yet another anemic effort at the plate from his hitters, Seattle manager Eric Wedge finally snapped.
It certainly wasn't a surprise after Wedge watched Aaron Cook need just 81 pitches to throw a two-hitter in Boston's 5-0 victory over the Mariners on Friday night.
"I have no plans on failing here. We're going to figure this thing out. WE are going to hit at home like we do on the road. We're not there yet, we're not even close yet, but it will happen," Wedge said.
"Whether it's the same guys in the room or not, that's yet to be determined. That's up to them but they are not getting it done now."
Seattle's only two hits came on a disputed infield single by Ichiro Suzuki in the fourth inning and John Jaso's sharp single into right field leading off the eighth that took away any uncertainty around Suzuki's hit, a bang-bang call at first by umpire Lance Barksdale.
That was about all that went in the Mariners favor offensively. It was the second time this season they were held to two hits or less, the other being Philip Humber's perfect game back in April. Entering Friday night, Seattle was hitting.201 at home. That number dipped to .197 after the finest performance of Cook's career.
Wedge was effusive in his praise for Cook's efficiency. He was also equally angry with the approach of his own hitters.
"It's a step back today offensively and that's hard as hell to do the way we've been swinging the bats here at home," Wedge said. "I'm tired of watching it. I'm patient and I believe nine times out of 10 you are rewarded with patience but there also has to be a sense of urgency with every player in that room. You've got to be able to walk that line. We've got too many people not doing it right now."
Cook (2-1) struck out two, walked none and needed just 81 pitches for his third career shutout and 12th complete game. His last complete game victory came on April 24, 2010, against the Marlins when he was pitching with Colorado.
"It means a lot to go out there and prove it, that I'm where I want to be and get back to be an effective pitcher and get back to giving our team a chance to win games and be efficient," Cook said.