Red Sox and Rays ninth inning (Varitek up)

Let's get right to it. The Rays were up on the Red Sox 7-6 in the top of the ninth with 1 out and a runner on 1st base. It was Mike Lowell (we'd classify him as a C runner). Jason Varitek was hitting against the Rays closer, Wheeler. To give some perspective on Varitek, he was 12 for his last 101 at bats from the left side. Wheeler is a righty.

What to do? Pinch hit for Varitek seems like the likely answer. How about pinch run for Lowell.

Yet, the Red Sox did something that seemed beyond the realm of possibility. They put on a hit and run with Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell. WITH 1 OUT! TWICE!

Understand that the hit and run is a glorified sacrifice bunt. Ostensibly, you put a hit and run on to advance a runner into scoring position and to stay out of a double play. Best case scenario- you hit the ball through a vacated hole and create a 1st and 3rd.

I'm having a hard time getting a grip on what Francona was thinking. There was 1 out and you were down . You had 2 outs remaining to score the runner from 1B. Let's think this one through before we throw Francona under the bus.

Wheeler wasn't a hard thrower. Just the opposite. He was a righthanded "thumber." Varitek was hitting in the seven hole in the lineup. That means that 8 and 9 are on deck. More likely, a pinch hitter would make an appearance following Varitek's at bat. Francona signals a hit and run on a 1-0 count. Varitek laces the ball foul down the right field line. I didn't see who had coverage on the play. I can only assume it was the shortstop. Very few times do professional teams have the 2B cover with a lefty up. Just too much of a hole and less damage occurs when the shortstop covers. So, Varitek turns on a hit and run with the shortstop covering? This would tell me that he isn't exactly invested in the hit and run.

So, the count goes 2-1 and they put the hit and run on again. Except this time Varitek swings through the pitch and Lowell gets thrown out by a mile. 2 outs and nobody on.

Seriously, this was terrible baseball. You're asking a slumping hitter to make contact and hit it the other way through the vacated hole. It's the only possible way to justify the play. You can't claim you're looking to advance the runner. There was 1 out. So, you've got 2 outs left to work with and although Varitek is slumping, he can hit it out of the park. Yet, as the visiting team (play to win?) you ask him to swing at the pitcher's pitch to try and find a hole on the left side of the field vs. a soft throwing righty.

I don't think I've seen a more egregious call.

Maybe there is a better explanation. Maybe both infielders were covering on the play? Doubtful. Maybe Varitek asked Francona to give him the hit and run? Doubtful.

I just can't figure it out. THERE WAS 1 OUT!