BOSTON -- Nobody is taking the rough start of the defending World Series champion Red Sox harder than Mookie Betts. The winner of the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award last season, Betts sounded off -- on himself -- following Monday’s 8-1 loss to the Orioles. “Basically, what I’m doing

BOSTON -- Nobody is taking the rough start of the defending World Series champion Red Sox harder than Mookie Betts.

The winner of the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award last season, Betts sounded off -- on himself -- following Monday’s 8-1 loss to the Orioles.

“Basically, what I’m doing is unacceptable,” Betts said. “I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team.”

While the Red Sox are 6-11 and 6 1/2 games behind the Rays in the American League East, Betts is slashing .222/.324/.413 and has three homers and seven RBIs.

As one of the star players in the game, is Betts putting too much pressure on himself to help his team escape a sluggish start?

“I wouldn’t say it’s more pressure, but I know I’m definitely -- there have been many times where I can help score runs or do something and I haven’t done it,” said Betts. “I take full ownership of that.”

Could it be a plate approach thing?

“I’m not exactly sure,” Betts said. “Just have to find a way to get some hits and get on base. I’m not really doing anything well right now. It sucks. Nothing really else to say, but it sucks and I have to figure out a way to make something happen.”

Betts will continue to search in the batting cage and on video until he finds a fix.

“Not sure I found anything,” said Betts. “I think we’ve all been watching the same game. It’s tough having so much success last year and not really having any right now. But I just have to continue to work to get out of it.”

The Red Sox departed Fenway after Monday’s game and headed to New York, where they will start a two-game series against the Yankees on Tuesday night.