Sox rookie Jed Lowrie trudges back to the dugout after striking out to end the ball game with two men in scoring position.

The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

BOSTON –– Jed Lowrie had an opportunity to snap out of his recent slump and help the Red Sox gain a victory last night.

He struggled in both instances.

Twice the rookie shortstop had opportunities with men in scoring position, but he came up empty both times. With the Red Sox trailing by a run with one out and the bases loaded in the seventh inning, Lowrie stuck out looking.

In the bottom of the ninth, with the Sox trailing, 4-3, and runners on second and third, he struck out swinging to end the game.

“[Indians closer Jensen Lewis] threw me a fastball up and I chased it out of the zone,” Lowrie said. “What can I say? I had a couple of opportunities, but it was one of those days where I didn’t come through.”

Lowrie had a strong August, but entered last night’s game 4 for his last 28 in the last eight games, and has a .197 average over the last 21 games. He went 0-for-5 last night.

“He hit a couple of balls well,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He also came up in some big situations. … I think he’s handled himself pretty well.”

Lowrie keeps his game very simple and that’s why he’s been a key component for the Sox since his recall on July 12 when Julio Lugo suffered a torn quadriceps. Last night Lowrie struggled.

“You’re walking up there and you know it’s a big spot,” he said of his plate appearances in the seventh and ninth innings. “Once the pitcher is ready to go, you focus and block (the atmosphere) out. You’re looking for a good pitch, but it’s really frustrating. You need to turn the page and move on to tomorrow.”

jmcdonal@projo.com