Jonathan Papelbon Slams Umpire After Blown Save Against Yankees

After the Boston Red Sox lost 4-3 to the New York Yankees in 10 innings on Sunday night, closer Jonathan Papelbon lashed out on the home plate umpire, Phil Cuzzi.

Papelbon, who blew a save opportunity in the ninth inning, blamed Cuzzi for his strike zone.

"Really rough tonight, considering the fact that I'm not only pitching against the hitter, I'm pitching against the umpire," Papelbon said. "When you've got to do that against this lineup, you'll never be successful."

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano drove in the tying run in the bottom of the ninth after Papelbon walked Alex Rodriguez to load the bases.

"Just call the game. There's 27 outs. Call the game. Don't let the crowd influence you, don't let the hitter influence you, don't call the pitch where the catcher catches it," said Papelbon. "Stay focused for 27 outs and call the game."

Papelbon, who leads the American League with eight blown saves, later said he doesn't blame the umpire, but explained that nobody can win when "you're pitching against an umpire and their lineup."