The Yankees looked flat and arguably lackluster on Friday night as they lost their seventh straight 11-4 in the opener of the weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox took an early 2-0 lead thanks to a Kevin Youkilis homer off of Andy Pettitte. The Yankees rallied for four runs to take the lead at 4-2 but then Pettitte gave it right back the next inning with runs scoring on a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch.

The Red Sox added two more to take a 7-4 lead and Mariano Rivera (who needs work) was called to pitch in the bottom of the eight inning with the Yankees losing. He wasn't any better, allowing four runs and getting only one out. With Boston extending the lead to 8-4 and Rivera loading the bases, Torre pulled Mo after 21 pitches and brought on Mike Myers. Myers allowed all the inherited runners to score and Boston eventually won 11-4.

Julio Lugo killed the Yankees last night with four hits including a home run and David Ortiz chipped in as well.

Today the series resumes with a FOX nationally televised game of the week with Karstens facing off against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

From my perspective the Yankees really need to be read the riot act, because their performance has been simply awful.