Gary Allenson - 1 Good, 3 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Tony Armas - 10 Good, 4 Bad, 7 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Marty Barrett - 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 2 Honorable Mention
Wade Boggs - 11 Good, 4 Bad, 6 Ugly
Oil Can Boyd - 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly
Mike Brown - 2 Good, 1 Ugly, 2 Jackass
Mark Clear - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Mike Easler - 13 Good, 2 Bad, 5 Ugly, 2 Hero
Dennis Eckersley - 2 Ugly, 1 Hero, 2 Jackass
Dwight Evans - 8 Good, 4 Bad, 10 Ugly
Rich Gedman - 9 Good, 6 Bad, 4 Ugly
Jackie Gutierrez - 3 Good, 7 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass, 4 Honorable Mention
Glenn Hoffman - 5 Good, 6 Bad, 3 Ugly, 1 Hero, 1 Honorable Mention
Bruce Hurst - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Hero
John Henry Johnson - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Hero
Ed Jurak - 1 Good, 2 Hero, 1 Jackass, 1 Honorable Mention
Rick Miller - 5 Good, 8 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Jeff Newman - 3 Good, 1 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Reid Nichols - 7 Good, 1 Bad, 7 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention
Al Nipper - 2 Good, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass
Bob Ojeda - 1 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass
Jerry Remy - 7 Good, 3 Bad, 10 Ugly
Jim Rice - 5 Good, 6 Bad, 7 Ugly, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass
Dave Stapleton - 5 Good, 4 Bad, 3 Ugly, 1 Hero
Bob Stanley - 6 Good, 2 Ugly, 3 Jackass
Most Valuable Player of the Month is Mike Easler with 13 Good
Least Valuable Player of the Month is Rick Miller with 8 Bad
The Ugliest Players of the Month are Dwight Evans and Jerry Remy with 10 Ugly apiece
Heroes of the Month are Ed Jurak and Bruce Hurst with 2 Hero apiece
Jackass of the Month is Bob Stanley with 3.
The Most Honorable Player of the Month is Jackie Gutierrez was 4 Honorable Mentions
Monday, April 30, 1984
Off-Day News (4/30/84)
Last night the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their second round NBA playoff series. Good luck to the Celtics moving forward.
On this day in Boston Red Sox Basebawful history:
Tomorrow night the Sox look to derail the red hot Detroit Tigers when Bruce Hurst (3-2) takes on Milt Wilcox of Detroit. The game begins at 8:05 PM Eastern time at Tigers Stadium.
Sunday, April 29, 1984
White Sox Pound Nipper, Hold On To Defeat Red Sox (4/29/84)
The good news was the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their second round NBA playoff series. The bad news was the Boston Red Sox lost to the Chicago White Sox. It was an up and down month for the Red Sox but it ended on a down note as the White Sox avoided a sweep by delivering a beating to Al Nipper (0-1, 4.58 ERA). Nipper was game for 7 innings of work but the White Sox beat him up for 6 runs on the day. Ron Kittle blasted two home runs and drove in 5 rbis by himself, Richard Dotson nearly went the distance for Chicago and the White Sox sent the Red Sox into the month of May with a 6-4 loss at Commiskey Park.
Officer Bimbeau says the Red Sox aren't allowed to win
The BoSox struck first in the top of the first inning as Jerry Remy hit a routine grounder to Julio Cruz at second...OLE! The ball went through for an error and Cruz responded by going OLE! on a grounder by Dwight Evans as well. Mike Easler singled home Remy and put runners at the corners, but Jim Rice banged into a double play. Evans did score to increase the lead and Tony Armas drew a walk. Rich Gedman grounded out to third to end the inning but the Red Sox led 2-0.
OLE!
The White Sox instantly got the lead back against Nipper in the bottom of the first. Rudy Law popped up to short but Marc Hill doubled. Greg Walker grounded back to the mound but Greg Luzinsky singled home Hill. Ron Kittle then hit a home run all the way into Lake Eerie to give the White Sox the lead. Harold Baines popped up third to end the inning with the White Sox ahead 3-2.
The Red Sox answered in the top of the second inning as Reid Nichols singled to start and Ed Jurak singled him to third. Glenn Hoffman grounded back to the mound to score Nichols and tie the game. Jurak moved to third on a grounder by Remy before Evans struck out to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
Nichols scores a run
Vance Law flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Cruz caught the BoSox asleep with a bunt single. Nipper picked off Cruz but Dybzinski walked. Rudy Law singled Dybzinski to third but Hill flied out to center to end the inning.
Dotson cruised in the top of the third as Easler struck out to start. Rice flied out to center and Armas struck out to end the inning. The White Sox wrapped up the scoring in a big way in the bottom of the third as Walker and Luzinsky stroked back to back singles to start. Kittle smashed a home run all the way into Lake Michigan to ice the game. Kittle drove in more runs by himself than the BoSox would as a team. Baines grounded out to second, Vance Law flied out to right and Cruz flied out to center to end the inning with Chicago ahead 6-3.
One man wrecking crew
The BoSox failed to respond in the top of the fourth as Gedman grounded out to short to start. Nichols grounded out to third but Jurak walked. Hoffman struck out to end the inning. Nipper recovered in the bottom of the fourth as Dybzinski grounded out to short to start. Rudy Law flied out to center but Hill walked and Walker singled. Luzinski flied out to right to end the inning.
Remy grounded out to second to begin the top of the fifth but Evans got a base hit. Easler banged into a double play to end the inning. Kittle flied out to left to start the bottom of the fifth before Baines also flied out to left. Vance Law grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Nothing happened in the top of the sixth as Rice popped up to first to start. Armas grounded out to second but Gedman singled. Nichols hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Nipper got Cruz to pop up to second to begin the bottom of the sixth and Dybzinski flied out to left. Rudy Law smacked a triple but Hill popped up to third to end the inning.
Jurak grounded out to short to start the top of the seventh but Hoffman somehow doubled. Remy flied out to left and Evans struck out to end the inning. Nipper returned for the bottom of the seventh and finished strong. Walker grounded out to second, Luzinski flied out to right and Kittle popped up to first to end the inning. Nipper got hammered in the first few innings but was almost unhittable the final four. He finishes with 7 innings and 6 runs allowed, not good enough.
7 innings but 6 runs run allowed
The BoSox fought back in the top of the eighth with Mike Squires now at first base. Easler singled and moved to second on the Rice grounder. Armas popped up to second but Gedman singled home Easler and bring the tying run to the plate. Nichols grounded into a force to end the inning but the Sox were down 6-4.
Gedman drives in a run
John Henry Johnson came in for the bottom of the eighth and cruised. Baines flied out to center, Vance Law popped up to first and Cruz flied out to right to end the inning.
Dotson came back to finish the job in the top of the ninth but Jurak walked to chase him. Rick Miller was sent in to pinch hit but Juan Agosto came on in relief. Sox manager Ralph Houk pulled Miller and sent in Marty Barrett instead. Barrett forced Jurak at second and Remy popped up to Agosto. Al Jones came in for the final out and Evans took strike three to end the game. The Red Sox were denied a sweep as they lost 6-4.
Jackass of the Night is Al Nipper. He allowed 6 early runs and the Sox couldn't bop their way back into it this time.
Nipper the Jackass
The Good:
Mike Easler was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Ed Jurak was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.
Glenn Hoffman was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
John Henry Johnson pitched a scoreless inning.
The Bad:
Jim Rice was 0 for 4.
Marty Barrett was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was 0 for 5 but scored a run.
Dwight Evans was just 1 for 5 with a hat trick of three strikeouts but scored a run.
Tony Armas was 0 for 3 but walked.
Reid Nichols was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Honorable Mention:
Rick Miller "pinch hit" in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
As the first month of the season comes to a close, its very obvious the weakness of the Red Sox is pitching. They've lost more games than they've won because they have to score 8 runs a game with the bad pitching they've had. Bruce Hurst and Dennis Eckersley didn't look sharp early, Bob Ojeda hasn't looked good, Al Nipper hasn't looked good and Mike Brown hasn't looked good. Mark Clear and Bob Stanley's arms are going to fall off unless the starters can pitch more consistently. Nipper allowed 6 runs and the Red Sox just couldn't fight their way back this time. At least Nipper picked himself up to toss 4 scoreless innings after the third inning. The month can pretty much be summed up as good offense, bad pitching. The loss dropped the Sox to 9-13, 10 games behind the Detroit Tigers for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox have a chance to get back in the race when they venture to Detroit to take on the red hot Tigers. Bruce Hurst (3-2) takes on Milt Wilcox at 8:05 PM Eastern time at Tiger Stadium.
The BoSox struck first in the top of the first inning as Jerry Remy hit a routine grounder to Julio Cruz at second...OLE! The ball went through for an error and Cruz responded by going OLE! on a grounder by Dwight Evans as well. Mike Easler singled home Remy and put runners at the corners, but Jim Rice banged into a double play. Evans did score to increase the lead and Tony Armas drew a walk. Rich Gedman grounded out to third to end the inning but the Red Sox led 2-0.
The White Sox instantly got the lead back against Nipper in the bottom of the first. Rudy Law popped up to short but Marc Hill doubled. Greg Walker grounded back to the mound but Greg Luzinsky singled home Hill. Ron Kittle then hit a home run all the way into Lake Eerie to give the White Sox the lead. Harold Baines popped up third to end the inning with the White Sox ahead 3-2.
The Red Sox answered in the top of the second inning as Reid Nichols singled to start and Ed Jurak singled him to third. Glenn Hoffman grounded back to the mound to score Nichols and tie the game. Jurak moved to third on a grounder by Remy before Evans struck out to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
Vance Law flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Cruz caught the BoSox asleep with a bunt single. Nipper picked off Cruz but Dybzinski walked. Rudy Law singled Dybzinski to third but Hill flied out to center to end the inning.
Dotson cruised in the top of the third as Easler struck out to start. Rice flied out to center and Armas struck out to end the inning. The White Sox wrapped up the scoring in a big way in the bottom of the third as Walker and Luzinsky stroked back to back singles to start. Kittle smashed a home run all the way into Lake Michigan to ice the game. Kittle drove in more runs by himself than the BoSox would as a team. Baines grounded out to second, Vance Law flied out to right and Cruz flied out to center to end the inning with Chicago ahead 6-3.
The BoSox failed to respond in the top of the fourth as Gedman grounded out to short to start. Nichols grounded out to third but Jurak walked. Hoffman struck out to end the inning. Nipper recovered in the bottom of the fourth as Dybzinski grounded out to short to start. Rudy Law flied out to center but Hill walked and Walker singled. Luzinski flied out to right to end the inning.
Remy grounded out to second to begin the top of the fifth but Evans got a base hit. Easler banged into a double play to end the inning. Kittle flied out to left to start the bottom of the fifth before Baines also flied out to left. Vance Law grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Nothing happened in the top of the sixth as Rice popped up to first to start. Armas grounded out to second but Gedman singled. Nichols hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Nipper got Cruz to pop up to second to begin the bottom of the sixth and Dybzinski flied out to left. Rudy Law smacked a triple but Hill popped up to third to end the inning.
Jurak grounded out to short to start the top of the seventh but Hoffman somehow doubled. Remy flied out to left and Evans struck out to end the inning. Nipper returned for the bottom of the seventh and finished strong. Walker grounded out to second, Luzinski flied out to right and Kittle popped up to first to end the inning. Nipper got hammered in the first few innings but was almost unhittable the final four. He finishes with 7 innings and 6 runs allowed, not good enough.
The BoSox fought back in the top of the eighth with Mike Squires now at first base. Easler singled and moved to second on the Rice grounder. Armas popped up to second but Gedman singled home Easler and bring the tying run to the plate. Nichols grounded into a force to end the inning but the Sox were down 6-4.
John Henry Johnson came in for the bottom of the eighth and cruised. Baines flied out to center, Vance Law popped up to first and Cruz flied out to right to end the inning.
Dotson came back to finish the job in the top of the ninth but Jurak walked to chase him. Rick Miller was sent in to pinch hit but Juan Agosto came on in relief. Sox manager Ralph Houk pulled Miller and sent in Marty Barrett instead. Barrett forced Jurak at second and Remy popped up to Agosto. Al Jones came in for the final out and Evans took strike three to end the game. The Red Sox were denied a sweep as they lost 6-4.
Jackass of the Night is Al Nipper. He allowed 6 early runs and the Sox couldn't bop their way back into it this time.
The Good:
Mike Easler was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Ed Jurak was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.
Glenn Hoffman was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
John Henry Johnson pitched a scoreless inning.
The Bad:
Jim Rice was 0 for 4.
Marty Barrett was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was 0 for 5 but scored a run.
Dwight Evans was just 1 for 5 with a hat trick of three strikeouts but scored a run.
Tony Armas was 0 for 3 but walked.
Reid Nichols was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Honorable Mention:
Rick Miller "pinch hit" in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
As the first month of the season comes to a close, its very obvious the weakness of the Red Sox is pitching. They've lost more games than they've won because they have to score 8 runs a game with the bad pitching they've had. Bruce Hurst and Dennis Eckersley didn't look sharp early, Bob Ojeda hasn't looked good, Al Nipper hasn't looked good and Mike Brown hasn't looked good. Mark Clear and Bob Stanley's arms are going to fall off unless the starters can pitch more consistently. Nipper allowed 6 runs and the Red Sox just couldn't fight their way back this time. At least Nipper picked himself up to toss 4 scoreless innings after the third inning. The month can pretty much be summed up as good offense, bad pitching. The loss dropped the Sox to 9-13, 10 games behind the Detroit Tigers for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox have a chance to get back in the race when they venture to Detroit to take on the red hot Tigers. Bruce Hurst (3-2) takes on Milt Wilcox at 8:05 PM Eastern time at Tiger Stadium.
Saturday, April 28, 1984
Red Sox Shock White Sox in 8 run Comeback (4/28/84)
In what's been an up and down month, tonight's Boston Red Sox game against the Chicago White Sox featured a month's worth of drama. The White Sox took a 6-0 lead against Bob Ojeda and the Red Sox going into the seventh inning. Suddenly the Red Sox exploded for 3 runs in the 7th, 3 in the eighth and two in the ninth to take the lead. Bob Stanley slammed the door in the ninth inning and the BoSox stunned the ChiSox 8-7 at Commiskey Park.
Flounder loves rallies
Tom Seaver got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jerry Remy led off with a grounder to short. Dwight Evans also grounded to short but Wade Boggs smacked a double. Jim Rice struck out to end the inning. Ojeda got the ball in the bottom of the first and walked Rudy Law to start. Carlton Fisk flied out to left and Law was thrown out trying to steal by the alert Rich Gedman. Tom Paciorek flied out to right to end the inning.
Mike Easler led off the top of the second inning with a grounder to second but Tony Armas hit a double. Armas moved to third on the Gedman grounder and Nichols grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Greg Luzinsky walked to open the bottom of the second and Ron Kittle followed with a base hit. Dave Stegman flied out to right and Luzinsky was doubled off second on the line drive to third by Vance Law to end the inning.
The Red Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the third inning as Glenn Hoffman grounded out to short to start. Remy also grounded out to short and Evans grounded out to second to end the inning. Scott Fletcher grounded out to first to begin the bottom of the third but Julio Cruz singled. Rudy Law flied out to left and Fisk flied out to right to end the inning.
Seaver cruised in the top of the fourth as Boggs grounded out to first to start. Rice grounded out to third and Easler struck out to end the inning. Ojeda kept pace in the bottom of the fourth although Paciorek singled to start. Tom moved to second on the grounder by Luzinsky and Kittle struck out. Stegman grounded out to third to end the inning.
Armas grounded out to short to begin the top of the fifth but Gedman drew a walk. Nichols banged into a double play to end the inning. The ChiSox struck first in the bottom of the fifth as Vance Law flied out to right to start. Fletcher singled to center and moved to second on the Cruz grounder. Rudy Law singled home Fletcher and Fisk doubled Rudy home. Paciorek grounded out to second to end the inning with the White Sox leading 2-0.
Fisk still haunting the Red Sox
The BoSox failed to answer in the top of the sixth as Hoffman popped up to second to start. Remy grounded out to short and Evans watched strike three go by to end the inning. The ChiSox finished off Ojeda in the bottom of the sixth as Luzinsky walked to start. Kittle popped up to third and Stegman took strike three but Vance Law doubled and Fletcher walked to load the bases. Cruz then walloped a 78,000 foot grand slam to seemingly ice the game. Rudy Law singled and that was it for Ojeda. He was good for 5 innings but that grand slam was the killer. Mark Clear came in and got Fisk to fly out to center to end the inning but the game looked over at 6-0 Chicago.
Not good enough
Suddenly the Red Sox sprang to life in the top of the seventh inning. Boggs doubled and Rice singled him in to put Boston on the board. Easler struck out but Armas clobbered his 6th home run of the season to cut the lead in half. Gedman grounded out to first and Nichols popped up to second but the Red Sox were down 6-3.
Tony jacks one out
Clear did his part in the bottom of the seventh as Paciorek struck out to start. Luzinsky grounded out to third but Kittle walked. Harold Baines pinch hit for Stegman and struck out to end the inning.
Mike Squires took over in the field for Paciorek to start the top of the eighth. Rick Miller pinch hit for Hoffman and got a base hit to chase Seaver. Britt Burns came in to allow Remy to get a base hit and Evans to walk to load the bases. Boggs banged into a double play but Miller scored and Remy moved to third. Rice FINALLY crushed his first home run of the season to tie the game. Easler struck out to end the inning but the BoSox had tied it 6-6.
Rice ties it up
Just as soon as the BoSox tied it, the White Sox took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Ed Jurak took over at third in Miller's spot with Jackie Gutierrez now playing short in Boggs' spot. Jerry Hairston pinch hit for Vance Law and walked to begin. Jerry Dybzinski pinch ran for Hairston and swiped second but Fletcher took strike three. Dybzinski moved to third on the fly out by Cruz and scored on a passed ball. Law popped up to Clear to end the inning but the ChiSox dealt a blow by taking a 7-6 lead.
It didn't look good in the top of the ninth when Armas grounded out to second to start. Dave Stapleton pinch hit for Gedman and struck out but somehow Nichols singled. Ron Reed came in to get the final out but Nichols stole second. Jurak stepped up with a triple to tie the game. Remy hit a routine grounder to Fletcher...UNDER HIS GLOVE! Jurak scored to give the BoSox the lead. Evans was intentionally walked but Gutierrez took strike three to end the inning with Boston ahead 8-7.
Jurak scores the go-ahead run
Gary Allenson took over behind the plate with Bob Stanley on the mound to close it out in the bottom of the ninth. Fisk grounded out to third, Squires grounded out to third and Luzinsky popped up to third to end the game. The BoSox had stormed back to win 8-7.
Hero of the Night is Ed Jurak. His triple tied the game and he scored the winning run.
Jurak the Hero
The Good:
Wade Boggs was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Jim Rice was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a 3 run homer.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with a two run homer.
Rick Miller singled and scored a run as a pinch hitter.
Bob Stanley earned his third save with a scoreless ninth.
The Bad:
Jackie Gutierrez struck out in his only at bat.
Mike Easler was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.
Dave Stapleton struck out as a pinch hitter.
Glenn Hoffman was 0 for 2.
Bob Ojeda got lit up for 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Dwight Evans was 0 for 3 but walked twice.
Rich Gedman was 0 for 2 with a passed ball but walked.
Reid Nichols was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Mark Clear allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings of work but it was unearned.
Honorable Mention:
Gary Allenson caught the bottom of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
What a game! The BoSox looked dead in the water down 6-0 with 9 outs to play and they stormed back to win the game. The offense can't do that every night but they got it done in this one. Ed Jurak with the triple was just as instrumental as the three run bomb by Rice and the two run shot by Armas. They pretty much did this without Easler who was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. Ojeda looked awful in the 6th inning but Stanley and Clear was a passed ball away from shutout ball the rest of the way. The BoSox have one game left in the month of April and that poor start put them a mile behind the Detroit Tigers who look invincible right now. If the Red Sox were to get an ace pitcher by hook or crook, then maybe they'd have a prayer of catching them. The Red Sox look to sweep the White Sox and end the month of April in style when they send Al Nipper to the mound up against Richard Dotson at 3:05 PM Eastern Time at Commiskey Park.
Tom Seaver got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jerry Remy led off with a grounder to short. Dwight Evans also grounded to short but Wade Boggs smacked a double. Jim Rice struck out to end the inning. Ojeda got the ball in the bottom of the first and walked Rudy Law to start. Carlton Fisk flied out to left and Law was thrown out trying to steal by the alert Rich Gedman. Tom Paciorek flied out to right to end the inning.
Mike Easler led off the top of the second inning with a grounder to second but Tony Armas hit a double. Armas moved to third on the Gedman grounder and Nichols grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Greg Luzinsky walked to open the bottom of the second and Ron Kittle followed with a base hit. Dave Stegman flied out to right and Luzinsky was doubled off second on the line drive to third by Vance Law to end the inning.
The Red Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the third inning as Glenn Hoffman grounded out to short to start. Remy also grounded out to short and Evans grounded out to second to end the inning. Scott Fletcher grounded out to first to begin the bottom of the third but Julio Cruz singled. Rudy Law flied out to left and Fisk flied out to right to end the inning.
Seaver cruised in the top of the fourth as Boggs grounded out to first to start. Rice grounded out to third and Easler struck out to end the inning. Ojeda kept pace in the bottom of the fourth although Paciorek singled to start. Tom moved to second on the grounder by Luzinsky and Kittle struck out. Stegman grounded out to third to end the inning.
Armas grounded out to short to begin the top of the fifth but Gedman drew a walk. Nichols banged into a double play to end the inning. The ChiSox struck first in the bottom of the fifth as Vance Law flied out to right to start. Fletcher singled to center and moved to second on the Cruz grounder. Rudy Law singled home Fletcher and Fisk doubled Rudy home. Paciorek grounded out to second to end the inning with the White Sox leading 2-0.
The BoSox failed to answer in the top of the sixth as Hoffman popped up to second to start. Remy grounded out to short and Evans watched strike three go by to end the inning. The ChiSox finished off Ojeda in the bottom of the sixth as Luzinsky walked to start. Kittle popped up to third and Stegman took strike three but Vance Law doubled and Fletcher walked to load the bases. Cruz then walloped a 78,000 foot grand slam to seemingly ice the game. Rudy Law singled and that was it for Ojeda. He was good for 5 innings but that grand slam was the killer. Mark Clear came in and got Fisk to fly out to center to end the inning but the game looked over at 6-0 Chicago.
Suddenly the Red Sox sprang to life in the top of the seventh inning. Boggs doubled and Rice singled him in to put Boston on the board. Easler struck out but Armas clobbered his 6th home run of the season to cut the lead in half. Gedman grounded out to first and Nichols popped up to second but the Red Sox were down 6-3.
Clear did his part in the bottom of the seventh as Paciorek struck out to start. Luzinsky grounded out to third but Kittle walked. Harold Baines pinch hit for Stegman and struck out to end the inning.
Mike Squires took over in the field for Paciorek to start the top of the eighth. Rick Miller pinch hit for Hoffman and got a base hit to chase Seaver. Britt Burns came in to allow Remy to get a base hit and Evans to walk to load the bases. Boggs banged into a double play but Miller scored and Remy moved to third. Rice FINALLY crushed his first home run of the season to tie the game. Easler struck out to end the inning but the BoSox had tied it 6-6.
Just as soon as the BoSox tied it, the White Sox took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Ed Jurak took over at third in Miller's spot with Jackie Gutierrez now playing short in Boggs' spot. Jerry Hairston pinch hit for Vance Law and walked to begin. Jerry Dybzinski pinch ran for Hairston and swiped second but Fletcher took strike three. Dybzinski moved to third on the fly out by Cruz and scored on a passed ball. Law popped up to Clear to end the inning but the ChiSox dealt a blow by taking a 7-6 lead.
It didn't look good in the top of the ninth when Armas grounded out to second to start. Dave Stapleton pinch hit for Gedman and struck out but somehow Nichols singled. Ron Reed came in to get the final out but Nichols stole second. Jurak stepped up with a triple to tie the game. Remy hit a routine grounder to Fletcher...UNDER HIS GLOVE! Jurak scored to give the BoSox the lead. Evans was intentionally walked but Gutierrez took strike three to end the inning with Boston ahead 8-7.
Gary Allenson took over behind the plate with Bob Stanley on the mound to close it out in the bottom of the ninth. Fisk grounded out to third, Squires grounded out to third and Luzinsky popped up to third to end the game. The BoSox had stormed back to win 8-7.
Hero of the Night is Ed Jurak. His triple tied the game and he scored the winning run.
The Good:
Wade Boggs was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Jim Rice was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a 3 run homer.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with a two run homer.
Rick Miller singled and scored a run as a pinch hitter.
Bob Stanley earned his third save with a scoreless ninth.
The Bad:
Jackie Gutierrez struck out in his only at bat.
Mike Easler was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.
Dave Stapleton struck out as a pinch hitter.
Glenn Hoffman was 0 for 2.
Bob Ojeda got lit up for 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Dwight Evans was 0 for 3 but walked twice.
Rich Gedman was 0 for 2 with a passed ball but walked.
Reid Nichols was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Mark Clear allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings of work but it was unearned.
Honorable Mention:
Gary Allenson caught the bottom of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
What a game! The BoSox looked dead in the water down 6-0 with 9 outs to play and they stormed back to win the game. The offense can't do that every night but they got it done in this one. Ed Jurak with the triple was just as instrumental as the three run bomb by Rice and the two run shot by Armas. They pretty much did this without Easler who was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. Ojeda looked awful in the 6th inning but Stanley and Clear was a passed ball away from shutout ball the rest of the way. The BoSox have one game left in the month of April and that poor start put them a mile behind the Detroit Tigers who look invincible right now. If the Red Sox were to get an ace pitcher by hook or crook, then maybe they'd have a prayer of catching them. The Red Sox look to sweep the White Sox and end the month of April in style when they send Al Nipper to the mound up against Richard Dotson at 3:05 PM Eastern Time at Commiskey Park.
Friday, April 27, 1984
Eck Goes The Distance as Boston Beats Chicago (4/27/84)
After all the pitching problems the Boston Red Sox have had this season, its about time Dennis Eckersley (2-2, 5.94 ERA) stepped up with a good game. Facing the Chicago White Sox, Dennis turned back the clock to 1978 by tossing 8 innings of 1 run ball. The Red Sox homer parade continued with two from Rich Gedman and one from Mike Easler provided the offense against Chicago starter LaMarr Hoyt. The Sox survived a late rally by the White Sox for Eckersley to post a complete game 5-3 victory over Chicago at Commiskey Park.
Black "Deep" Sabbath approves of the win
The BoSox struck first against Hoyt in the top of the first although Jerry Remy flied out to left to start. Dwight Evans walked and Wade Boggs singled him to third before Armas scored Dwight with a base hit. Mike Easler banged into a double play to end the inning but it was 1-0 Boston.
Armas drives in a run
The White Sox answered in the bottom of the first against Eckersley although Rudy Law grounded out to first to begin. Old pal Carlton Fisk continued to hound his old team with a 70,000 foot home run into the Atlantic Ocean to tie the game. Harold Baines hit a routine grounder to Jackie Gutierrez who went OLE! and Harold reached on the error. Ron Kittle singled to left and Baines tried to score. Nichols fired home...YOU'RE OUT! Baines was out at home and Greg Walker flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
The game didn't stay tied long as the BoSox answered in the top of the second. Rich Gedman blasted his second home run of the season to put Boston back on top. Reid Nichols and Rick Miller both grounded out to second and Gutierrez popped up to second to end the inning but it was 2-1 BoSox.
Gedman hits one out
Eck cruised in the bottom of the second as Tom Paciorek grounded out to third to start. Vance Law also grounded out to third and Scott Fletcher hit a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning.
Hoyt cruised in the top of the third as Remy flied out to left to start. Evans was retired on a squibber in front of the plate and Boggs took strike three to end the inning. Julio Cruz singled to start the bottom of the third but was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double. Rudy Law singled and took second when Easler muffed a pickoff throw. Fisk whiffed and Baines grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
The BoSox struck again in the top of the fourth although Armas struck out to start. Easler and Gedman pounded back to back home runs to increase the lead. Nichols and Miller both flied out to right to end the inning but the BoSox led 4-1.
Back to back jacks
The White Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the fourth as Kittle doubled to start. Walker walked and a wild pitch moved both runners over. Eck bore down to strike out both Paciorek and Vance Law. Fletcher grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Gutierrez grounded out to short to start the top of the fifth before Remy grounded out to second. Evans singled and Boggs singled him to third but Armas flied out to center to end the inning. Eck cruised in the bottom of the fifth as Cruz grounded out to short to start. Rudy Law flied out to center and Fisk popped up to first to end the inning.
The Sox did nothing in the top of the sixth as Easler popped up to second to start. Gedman popped up to third and Nichols flied out to left to end the inning. Baines popped up to short to start the bottom of the sixth and Kittle struck out. Walker grounded out to first to end the inning.
Miller grounded out to second to open the top of the seventh and Gutierrez grounded out to second as well. Remy flied out to center to end the inning. Paciorek doubled to start the bottom of the seventh and Mike Squires pinch hit for Vance Law. Squires popped up to Eckersley and Paciorek forgot the infield fly rule and was thrown out at second for the double play. Fletcher grounded out to second to end the inning.
Eck mows them down
Evans walked to chase Hoyt to begin the top of the eighth. Juan Agosto came in and Boggs sacrifice bunted Dwight to second. Armas was intentionally walked and Easler flied out to left. Gedman walked to load the bases and Salome Barojas replaced Agosto. Nichols walked home Evans to increase the lead and Miller struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-1.
Nichols walks in a run
The White Sox threatened in the bottom of the eighth as Cruz grounded out to second to start. Law singled but Fisk flied out to left. Law stole second and Baines walked, but Kittle flied out to center to end the inning.
The BoSox did nothing in the top of the ninth as Gutierrez grounded out to second to start. Remy flied out to left and Evans flied out to center to end the inning. Eck came back to finish the bottom of the ninth but ran out of gas. Walker struck out but Paciorek singled. Paciorek moved to second on the grounder by Squires and Jerry Hairston pinch hit for Fletcher. Hairston doubled home Paciorek and Cruz singled Hairston home to cut the lead and bring the tying run to the plate. Cruz stole second but Law flied out to center to end the game. Eck held on to toss a complete game and guide the BoSox to a 5-3 win.
Hero of the Night is Dennis Eckersley. He tossed a complete game and held the White Sox to just three runs.
Complete game Hero
The Good:
Dwight Evans was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.
Wade Boggs was 2 for 3.
Tony Armas was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 3 with a walk and two home runs.
The Bad:
Jerry Remy was 0 for 5.
Jackie Gutierrez was 0 for 4 with an error.
The Ugly:
Mike Easler was just 1 for 4 with an error but the one hit was a home run.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 3 but walked, drove in a run and threw out a runner at home.
Rick Miller was 0 for 4 but nailed Cruz at second base for a big assist.
Final Thoughts:
That's more like it Eckersley. The Sox finally managed to get a good start and save the bullpen some wear and tear thanks to Eck going the distance. I know it was against the White Sox but its encouraging to see Eck do well. If he and Bruce Hurst can continue to throw the way they are, the Sox may have a chance to topple Baltimore this season. Unfortunately it looks like the Detroit Tigers are off to a hot start and that losing streak earlier this month could come into play come September. The offense got timely hits when they needed with Jim Rice out and held on at the end to pull out the victory. With a rested bullpen the Sox look to make it two in a row over the White Sox when they send Bob Ojeda to the mound against future hall of famer Tom Seaver at 2:00 PM Eastern Time at Commiskey Park.
The BoSox struck first against Hoyt in the top of the first although Jerry Remy flied out to left to start. Dwight Evans walked and Wade Boggs singled him to third before Armas scored Dwight with a base hit. Mike Easler banged into a double play to end the inning but it was 1-0 Boston.
The White Sox answered in the bottom of the first against Eckersley although Rudy Law grounded out to first to begin. Old pal Carlton Fisk continued to hound his old team with a 70,000 foot home run into the Atlantic Ocean to tie the game. Harold Baines hit a routine grounder to Jackie Gutierrez who went OLE! and Harold reached on the error. Ron Kittle singled to left and Baines tried to score. Nichols fired home...YOU'RE OUT! Baines was out at home and Greg Walker flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
The game didn't stay tied long as the BoSox answered in the top of the second. Rich Gedman blasted his second home run of the season to put Boston back on top. Reid Nichols and Rick Miller both grounded out to second and Gutierrez popped up to second to end the inning but it was 2-1 BoSox.
Eck cruised in the bottom of the second as Tom Paciorek grounded out to third to start. Vance Law also grounded out to third and Scott Fletcher hit a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning.
Hoyt cruised in the top of the third as Remy flied out to left to start. Evans was retired on a squibber in front of the plate and Boggs took strike three to end the inning. Julio Cruz singled to start the bottom of the third but was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double. Rudy Law singled and took second when Easler muffed a pickoff throw. Fisk whiffed and Baines grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
The BoSox struck again in the top of the fourth although Armas struck out to start. Easler and Gedman pounded back to back home runs to increase the lead. Nichols and Miller both flied out to right to end the inning but the BoSox led 4-1.
The White Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the fourth as Kittle doubled to start. Walker walked and a wild pitch moved both runners over. Eck bore down to strike out both Paciorek and Vance Law. Fletcher grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Gutierrez grounded out to short to start the top of the fifth before Remy grounded out to second. Evans singled and Boggs singled him to third but Armas flied out to center to end the inning. Eck cruised in the bottom of the fifth as Cruz grounded out to short to start. Rudy Law flied out to center and Fisk popped up to first to end the inning.
The Sox did nothing in the top of the sixth as Easler popped up to second to start. Gedman popped up to third and Nichols flied out to left to end the inning. Baines popped up to short to start the bottom of the sixth and Kittle struck out. Walker grounded out to first to end the inning.
Miller grounded out to second to open the top of the seventh and Gutierrez grounded out to second as well. Remy flied out to center to end the inning. Paciorek doubled to start the bottom of the seventh and Mike Squires pinch hit for Vance Law. Squires popped up to Eckersley and Paciorek forgot the infield fly rule and was thrown out at second for the double play. Fletcher grounded out to second to end the inning.
Evans walked to chase Hoyt to begin the top of the eighth. Juan Agosto came in and Boggs sacrifice bunted Dwight to second. Armas was intentionally walked and Easler flied out to left. Gedman walked to load the bases and Salome Barojas replaced Agosto. Nichols walked home Evans to increase the lead and Miller struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-1.
The White Sox threatened in the bottom of the eighth as Cruz grounded out to second to start. Law singled but Fisk flied out to left. Law stole second and Baines walked, but Kittle flied out to center to end the inning.
The BoSox did nothing in the top of the ninth as Gutierrez grounded out to second to start. Remy flied out to left and Evans flied out to center to end the inning. Eck came back to finish the bottom of the ninth but ran out of gas. Walker struck out but Paciorek singled. Paciorek moved to second on the grounder by Squires and Jerry Hairston pinch hit for Fletcher. Hairston doubled home Paciorek and Cruz singled Hairston home to cut the lead and bring the tying run to the plate. Cruz stole second but Law flied out to center to end the game. Eck held on to toss a complete game and guide the BoSox to a 5-3 win.
Hero of the Night is Dennis Eckersley. He tossed a complete game and held the White Sox to just three runs.
The Good:
Dwight Evans was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.
Wade Boggs was 2 for 3.
Tony Armas was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 3 with a walk and two home runs.
The Bad:
Jerry Remy was 0 for 5.
Jackie Gutierrez was 0 for 4 with an error.
The Ugly:
Mike Easler was just 1 for 4 with an error but the one hit was a home run.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 3 but walked, drove in a run and threw out a runner at home.
Rick Miller was 0 for 4 but nailed Cruz at second base for a big assist.
Final Thoughts:
That's more like it Eckersley. The Sox finally managed to get a good start and save the bullpen some wear and tear thanks to Eck going the distance. I know it was against the White Sox but its encouraging to see Eck do well. If he and Bruce Hurst can continue to throw the way they are, the Sox may have a chance to topple Baltimore this season. Unfortunately it looks like the Detroit Tigers are off to a hot start and that losing streak earlier this month could come into play come September. The offense got timely hits when they needed with Jim Rice out and held on at the end to pull out the victory. With a rested bullpen the Sox look to make it two in a row over the White Sox when they send Bob Ojeda to the mound against future hall of famer Tom Seaver at 2:00 PM Eastern Time at Commiskey Park.
Thursday, April 26, 1984
Mariners Beat Sox in Ten Innings (4/26/84)
Once again the suspect Boston Red Sox pitching let them down big time in tonight's game against the Seattle Mariners. The Sox clung to a 4-2 lead going into the seventh when Sox manager Ralph Houk let Mike Brown give up a 2 run single to spike Owen. Three innings later Bob Stanley was left in too long and he gave up the backbreaking two run homer to Alvin Davis. The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the tenth but the Mariners held on long enough to win the game 6-5 in 10 innings at Fenway Park.
"DAMMIT STANLEY!!"
Brown actually pitched well to begin the top of the first as Jack Perconte popped up to short to start. Barry Bonnell singled to left but was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double. Alvin Davis grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Seattle starter Matt Young in the bottom of the first inning. Marty Barrett led off with a double but Ed Jurak struck out. Dwight Evans drove home Barrett with a base hit to give the Sox the lead. Tony Armas singled but Mike Easler popped up to short. Dave Stapleton grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.
Evans drives in a run
Pat Putnam walked to open the top of the second but Gorman Thomas popped up to first. Al Cowens flied out to center but Putnam swiped second. Coles grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the second as Reid Nichols grounded out to third to start. Both Jeff Newman and Jackie Gutierrez grounded out to third to end the inning.
The Mariners took the lead in the top of the third although Bob Kearney grounded out to short to start. Spike Owen grounded out to second but Perconte singled. Bonnell then struck a home run all the way to the Mississippi River to put the Mariners on top. Davis singled but Putnam struck out to end the inning with the Mariners ahead 2-1.
Barrett tried to rally the Sox with a base hit to open the bottom of the third but Jurak struck out. Barrett was thrown out at second trying to steal and Evans popped up to first in foul territory to end the inning.
Brown settled down in the top of the fourth as Thomas grounded out to first to start. Cowens grounded out to short and Coles struck out to end the inning. The Sox roared back in the bottom of the fourth as Armas and Easler walked to start the frame. Stapleton struck out but Nichols walked to load the bases. Newman scored Armas with a sacrifice fly to tie the game and Gutierrez put the Sox on top with a base hit. Barrett added the insurance run with a base hit but Jurak grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-2.
Newman ties it up
Kearney singled to open the top of the fifth but was forced at second by Owen. Perconte flied out to center but a wild pitch moved Owen to second. Bonnell grounded out to second to end the inning. Evans flied out to right to start the bottom of the fifth before Armas struck out. Easler got a base hit but Stapleton flied out to right to end the inning,
Brown got the Mariners to beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the sixth inning. Davis and Putnam grounded out to second and Thomas grounded out to short to end the inning, The Sox blew a chance to break it open in the bottom of the sixth as Nichols walked to start Newman dropped down a bunt to move Reid to second but Gutierrez flied out to right. The red hot Barrett was intentionally walked and Jurak grounded into a force to end the inning,
The Mariners took advantage of shoddy defense to tie the game in the top of the seventh. Cowens hit a routine grounder to Jurak who kicked the ball over to first for an error. Coles was hit with a pitch and Kearney dropped down a bunt to move the runners over. Owen slapped a base hit to score both runners and tie the game. Owen swiped second but Perconte grounded out to short. That was it for Brown who never should have pitched to Owen. As it was Brown went 6 2/3 innings and allowed 4 runs. Bob Stanley came in and got Bonnell to ground back to the mound to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.
Brown deserved better
The Sox failed to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Evans flied out to right to start. Armas grounded out to second and Easler flied out to center to end the inning.
Stanley got Davis to fly out to left to start the top of the eighth before Putnam struck out. Thomas grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the eighth as Stapleton flied out to left to start. Nichols singled but Newman banged into a double play to end the inning.
Stanley struck out Cowens to begin the top of the ninth before Coles also struck out. Kearney grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox had their chance to score in the bottom of the ninth when Young threw a routine grounder by Gutierrez away. Ed Vande Berg replaced Young and Barrett forced Jackie at second....but Jurak banged into a double play to end the inning.
Stanley was brought out for the top of the tenth and ran out of gas. Owen and Perconte both grounded back to the mound but Bonnell singled. Phil Bradley pinch hit for Bonnell and clobbered a 2 run homer to put the Mariners up for good. Putnam flied out to center to end the inning with the Mariners ahead 6-4.
One bad pitch spelled his doom
Mike Stanton came on to close out the bottom of the tenth and Evans flied out to center to start. Armas stepped up by bashing his 5th homer of the year to cut the lead. Paul Mirabella replaced Stanton and Easler singled to put the tying run on. Wade Boggs pinch hit for Stapleton but struck out. For some reason Bradley moved to left and Dave Henderson came in to play center for Seattle. Nichols got a base hit to put the winning run at first....but Newman grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox fought hard but the Mariners won it 6-5.
Jackass of the Night is Ed Jurak. He was 0 for 4 with 2 stirkeouts, leaving a ton of men on base. His error in the 7th led to the tying runs scoring.
Jurak the Jackass
The Good:
Marty Barrett was 3 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with a walk, home run and 2 runs scored.
Mike Easler was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Reid Nichols was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.
The Bad:
Dave Stapleton was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Wade Boggs struck out as a pinch hitter.
The Ugly:
Dwight Evans was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.
Jeff Newman was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.
Jackie Gutierrez was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Mike Brown allowed 4 runs in 6 2/3 innings of work. He was in a few batters too late.
Bob Stanley took the loss by allowing 2 runs in 3 1/3 innings, also left in a few batters too late.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of the few times Ralph Houk didn't manage well in this game. Leaving in Brown and Stanley too long is one thing, but not pinch hitting Jeff Newman with Jim Rice or Jerry Remy with the game on the line is outrageous. Still, you have to make the plays with what you have and Stanley shouldn't be giving up home runs to ice cold pinch hitters. The offense once again did well all things considered but Jurak leaving men on all night and letting Newman bat in the 10th was abysmal. The underlying tones of bad pitching continue to haunt the Red Sox and its going to be a long season if this continues. The Sox look to bounce back as they hit the road in their next series. Tomorrow night the Sox travel to Chicago to face the White Sox. Dennis Eckersley (1-2) goes one on one with LaMarr Hoyt at 8:05 PM Eastern Time at Fenway Park.
Brown actually pitched well to begin the top of the first as Jack Perconte popped up to short to start. Barry Bonnell singled to left but was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double. Alvin Davis grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Seattle starter Matt Young in the bottom of the first inning. Marty Barrett led off with a double but Ed Jurak struck out. Dwight Evans drove home Barrett with a base hit to give the Sox the lead. Tony Armas singled but Mike Easler popped up to short. Dave Stapleton grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.
Pat Putnam walked to open the top of the second but Gorman Thomas popped up to first. Al Cowens flied out to center but Putnam swiped second. Coles grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the second as Reid Nichols grounded out to third to start. Both Jeff Newman and Jackie Gutierrez grounded out to third to end the inning.
The Mariners took the lead in the top of the third although Bob Kearney grounded out to short to start. Spike Owen grounded out to second but Perconte singled. Bonnell then struck a home run all the way to the Mississippi River to put the Mariners on top. Davis singled but Putnam struck out to end the inning with the Mariners ahead 2-1.
Barrett tried to rally the Sox with a base hit to open the bottom of the third but Jurak struck out. Barrett was thrown out at second trying to steal and Evans popped up to first in foul territory to end the inning.
Brown settled down in the top of the fourth as Thomas grounded out to first to start. Cowens grounded out to short and Coles struck out to end the inning. The Sox roared back in the bottom of the fourth as Armas and Easler walked to start the frame. Stapleton struck out but Nichols walked to load the bases. Newman scored Armas with a sacrifice fly to tie the game and Gutierrez put the Sox on top with a base hit. Barrett added the insurance run with a base hit but Jurak grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-2.
Kearney singled to open the top of the fifth but was forced at second by Owen. Perconte flied out to center but a wild pitch moved Owen to second. Bonnell grounded out to second to end the inning. Evans flied out to right to start the bottom of the fifth before Armas struck out. Easler got a base hit but Stapleton flied out to right to end the inning,
Brown got the Mariners to beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the sixth inning. Davis and Putnam grounded out to second and Thomas grounded out to short to end the inning, The Sox blew a chance to break it open in the bottom of the sixth as Nichols walked to start Newman dropped down a bunt to move Reid to second but Gutierrez flied out to right. The red hot Barrett was intentionally walked and Jurak grounded into a force to end the inning,
The Mariners took advantage of shoddy defense to tie the game in the top of the seventh. Cowens hit a routine grounder to Jurak who kicked the ball over to first for an error. Coles was hit with a pitch and Kearney dropped down a bunt to move the runners over. Owen slapped a base hit to score both runners and tie the game. Owen swiped second but Perconte grounded out to short. That was it for Brown who never should have pitched to Owen. As it was Brown went 6 2/3 innings and allowed 4 runs. Bob Stanley came in and got Bonnell to ground back to the mound to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.
The Sox failed to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Evans flied out to right to start. Armas grounded out to second and Easler flied out to center to end the inning.
Stanley got Davis to fly out to left to start the top of the eighth before Putnam struck out. Thomas grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the eighth as Stapleton flied out to left to start. Nichols singled but Newman banged into a double play to end the inning.
Stanley struck out Cowens to begin the top of the ninth before Coles also struck out. Kearney grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox had their chance to score in the bottom of the ninth when Young threw a routine grounder by Gutierrez away. Ed Vande Berg replaced Young and Barrett forced Jackie at second....but Jurak banged into a double play to end the inning.
Stanley was brought out for the top of the tenth and ran out of gas. Owen and Perconte both grounded back to the mound but Bonnell singled. Phil Bradley pinch hit for Bonnell and clobbered a 2 run homer to put the Mariners up for good. Putnam flied out to center to end the inning with the Mariners ahead 6-4.
Mike Stanton came on to close out the bottom of the tenth and Evans flied out to center to start. Armas stepped up by bashing his 5th homer of the year to cut the lead. Paul Mirabella replaced Stanton and Easler singled to put the tying run on. Wade Boggs pinch hit for Stapleton but struck out. For some reason Bradley moved to left and Dave Henderson came in to play center for Seattle. Nichols got a base hit to put the winning run at first....but Newman grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox fought hard but the Mariners won it 6-5.
Jackass of the Night is Ed Jurak. He was 0 for 4 with 2 stirkeouts, leaving a ton of men on base. His error in the 7th led to the tying runs scoring.
The Good:
Marty Barrett was 3 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with a walk, home run and 2 runs scored.
Mike Easler was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Reid Nichols was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.
The Bad:
Dave Stapleton was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Wade Boggs struck out as a pinch hitter.
The Ugly:
Dwight Evans was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.
Jeff Newman was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.
Jackie Gutierrez was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Mike Brown allowed 4 runs in 6 2/3 innings of work. He was in a few batters too late.
Bob Stanley took the loss by allowing 2 runs in 3 1/3 innings, also left in a few batters too late.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of the few times Ralph Houk didn't manage well in this game. Leaving in Brown and Stanley too long is one thing, but not pinch hitting Jeff Newman with Jim Rice or Jerry Remy with the game on the line is outrageous. Still, you have to make the plays with what you have and Stanley shouldn't be giving up home runs to ice cold pinch hitters. The offense once again did well all things considered but Jurak leaving men on all night and letting Newman bat in the 10th was abysmal. The underlying tones of bad pitching continue to haunt the Red Sox and its going to be a long season if this continues. The Sox look to bounce back as they hit the road in their next series. Tomorrow night the Sox travel to Chicago to face the White Sox. Dennis Eckersley (1-2) goes one on one with LaMarr Hoyt at 8:05 PM Eastern Time at Fenway Park.
Wednesday, April 25, 1984
Hurst Outduels Beattie, Mariners (4/25/84)
Yesterday the question was asked if one of the young arms could step up for the Boston Red Sox since the offense can't keep trying to win every game 10-8. Today the Boston Red Sox could only manage to scratch out 2 runs but Bruce Hurst (3-2, 1.95 ERA) came to the rescue. Hurst was masterful, tossing 8 shutout innings against the Mariners. Rich Gedman and Tony Armas drove in the runs that Hurst needed and he survived a ninth inning surge to win the game 2-1 over the Mariners in front of a pathetic crowd of 11,748 at Fenway Park.
Kevin Dubrow approves of the win
Hurst got Jack Perconte to fly out to left to start the top of the first inning. Barry Bonnell singled but Alvin Davis struck out. Gorman Thomas walked but Al Cowens flied out to left to end the inning. Beattie cruised in the bottom of the first as Jerry Remy struck out to start. Evans grounded out to short and Boggs grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Steve Henderson singled to start the top of the second but Darnell Cioles flied out to center. Henderson was thrown out trying to steal and Bob Kearney popped up to Hurst to end the inning. Tony Armas flied out to center to start the bottom of the second before Mike Easler struck out. Rich Gedman grounded out to second to end the inning.
Spike Owen grounded out to second to start the top of the third but Perconte singled. Bonnell grounded back to the mound but Davis walked. Thomas walked to load the bases but Cowens grounded out to second to end the inning. Reid Nichols grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the third but Dave Stapleton got a base hit. Jackie Gutierrez grounded back to the mound and Remy grounded out to short to end the inning.
Hurst cruised in the top of the fourth as Henderson flied out to right to start. Coles grounded out to short and Kearney struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth although Evans flied out to right to start. Boggs flied out to left but Armas singled. Easler singled Tony to third and Gedman doubled him home to put Boston on top. Nichols struck out to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 1-0.
Gedman drives in a run
Hurst shut down the Mariners in the top of the fifth as Owen flied out to left to start. Perconte grounded out to first and Bonnell popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Stapleton grounded out to short to start. Gutierrez struck out and Remy grounded out to second to end the inning.
Hurst got in trouble in the top of the sixth as Davis flied out to right to begin. Thomas walked but was forced at second by Cowens. Henderson singled Cowens to third but Coles flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox got a big insurance run in the bottom of the sixth although Evans grounded back to the mound to start. Boggs tripled and Armas singled him home to increase the lead. Easler flied out to right and Gedman whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
Armas drives in a run
Kearney grounded out to short to start the top of the seventh before Owen also grounded out to short. Perconte hit a routine grounder to Gutierrez who dove on the ball and swam on it for an error. Bonnell struck out to end the inning. Nichols flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Stapleton popped up to short. Gutierrez flied out to right to end the inning.
The Sox got more bad defense in the top of the eighth although Davis grounded out to third to start. Thomas hit a routine grounder to short and this time Gutierrez tried to kick the ball over to first for an error. Cowens grounded back to the mound and Henderson flied out to center to end the inning.
Catch the ball Jackie!
Remy singled to open the bottom of the eighth and was sacrificed to second by Evans. Boggs was intentionally walked and the gamble worked as Armas forced Boggs at second and Easler grounded out to second to end the inning.
Hurst came back to finish his masterpiece in the top of the ninth and the Mariners rallied. Coles grounded out to third but Phil Bradley pinch hit for Kearney. Bradley popped up to second but Owen tripled. Dave Henderson pinch hit for Perconte and singled home Owen to break up the shutout. With the tying run at first.....Bonnell grounded into a force to end the game. Hurst went the distance to guide the Sox to a 2-1 win.
Hero of the Night is Bruce Hurst. He threw a complete game 6 hitter, allowing just 1 run to earn the win.
Complete game Hero
The Good:
Wade Boggs was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.
Rich Gedman was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
Dave Stapleton was 1 for 3.
The Bad:
Dwight Evans was 0 for 3.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Jackie Gutierrez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and 2 errors.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Mike Easler was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Final Thoughts:
That was encouraging to win a close, low scoring game like this. After trying to outslug teams since Opening Day, the Sox finally managed to win a game when the bats were silenced. Beattie pitched a heck of a game himself but Hurst was just a little bit better. Hopefully Hurst can finally develop into the ace pitcher Sox brass envision him to be. Someone has to step up and so far Hurst has been up to the challenge. Jackie Gutierrez can't catch a cold right now so Glenn Hoffman can come back into the lineup anytime now. The Sox are trying to bounce back into the win column and they need to go on a long winning streak in a hurry. Hopefully this game is the spark they need. The Sox are back in action against the Mariners tomorrow night. Mike Brown goes for the Sox against Matt Brown at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
Hurst got Jack Perconte to fly out to left to start the top of the first inning. Barry Bonnell singled but Alvin Davis struck out. Gorman Thomas walked but Al Cowens flied out to left to end the inning. Beattie cruised in the bottom of the first as Jerry Remy struck out to start. Evans grounded out to short and Boggs grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Steve Henderson singled to start the top of the second but Darnell Cioles flied out to center. Henderson was thrown out trying to steal and Bob Kearney popped up to Hurst to end the inning. Tony Armas flied out to center to start the bottom of the second before Mike Easler struck out. Rich Gedman grounded out to second to end the inning.
Spike Owen grounded out to second to start the top of the third but Perconte singled. Bonnell grounded back to the mound but Davis walked. Thomas walked to load the bases but Cowens grounded out to second to end the inning. Reid Nichols grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the third but Dave Stapleton got a base hit. Jackie Gutierrez grounded back to the mound and Remy grounded out to short to end the inning.
Hurst cruised in the top of the fourth as Henderson flied out to right to start. Coles grounded out to short and Kearney struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth although Evans flied out to right to start. Boggs flied out to left but Armas singled. Easler singled Tony to third and Gedman doubled him home to put Boston on top. Nichols struck out to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 1-0.
Hurst shut down the Mariners in the top of the fifth as Owen flied out to left to start. Perconte grounded out to first and Bonnell popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Stapleton grounded out to short to start. Gutierrez struck out and Remy grounded out to second to end the inning.
Hurst got in trouble in the top of the sixth as Davis flied out to right to begin. Thomas walked but was forced at second by Cowens. Henderson singled Cowens to third but Coles flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox got a big insurance run in the bottom of the sixth although Evans grounded back to the mound to start. Boggs tripled and Armas singled him home to increase the lead. Easler flied out to right and Gedman whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
Kearney grounded out to short to start the top of the seventh before Owen also grounded out to short. Perconte hit a routine grounder to Gutierrez who dove on the ball and swam on it for an error. Bonnell struck out to end the inning. Nichols flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Stapleton popped up to short. Gutierrez flied out to right to end the inning.
The Sox got more bad defense in the top of the eighth although Davis grounded out to third to start. Thomas hit a routine grounder to short and this time Gutierrez tried to kick the ball over to first for an error. Cowens grounded back to the mound and Henderson flied out to center to end the inning.
Remy singled to open the bottom of the eighth and was sacrificed to second by Evans. Boggs was intentionally walked and the gamble worked as Armas forced Boggs at second and Easler grounded out to second to end the inning.
Hurst came back to finish his masterpiece in the top of the ninth and the Mariners rallied. Coles grounded out to third but Phil Bradley pinch hit for Kearney. Bradley popped up to second but Owen tripled. Dave Henderson pinch hit for Perconte and singled home Owen to break up the shutout. With the tying run at first.....Bonnell grounded into a force to end the game. Hurst went the distance to guide the Sox to a 2-1 win.
Hero of the Night is Bruce Hurst. He threw a complete game 6 hitter, allowing just 1 run to earn the win.
The Good:
Wade Boggs was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Tony Armas was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.
Rich Gedman was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
Dave Stapleton was 1 for 3.
The Bad:
Dwight Evans was 0 for 3.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Jackie Gutierrez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and 2 errors.
The Ugly:
Jerry Remy was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Mike Easler was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.
Final Thoughts:
That was encouraging to win a close, low scoring game like this. After trying to outslug teams since Opening Day, the Sox finally managed to win a game when the bats were silenced. Beattie pitched a heck of a game himself but Hurst was just a little bit better. Hopefully Hurst can finally develop into the ace pitcher Sox brass envision him to be. Someone has to step up and so far Hurst has been up to the challenge. Jackie Gutierrez can't catch a cold right now so Glenn Hoffman can come back into the lineup anytime now. The Sox are trying to bounce back into the win column and they need to go on a long winning streak in a hurry. Hopefully this game is the spark they need. The Sox are back in action against the Mariners tomorrow night. Mike Brown goes for the Sox against Matt Brown at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
Tuesday, April 24, 1984
Angels Beat Sox Late (4/24/84)
The good news was the Boston Celtics eliminated the Washington Bullets with a Game 4 win in their first round NBA playoff series, the bad news is the Boston Red Sox dropped another game to the California Angels. Remember yesterday when the consensus was if the Red Sox bats come alive they have a chance to win? That's if the pitching is at least somewhat decent. Tonight it was anything but decent. The Sox offense pounded out 13 hits and 7 runs but the Angels smacked around Boston for 16 hits and 8 runs. Oil Can Boyd lasted just 3 innings and allowed three straight home runs before John Henry Johnson took a beating as well. Brian Downing drove in a run against Bob Stanley (1-1, 2.65 ERA) in the top of the ninth and the Angels drove the Sox to another loss with an 8-7 victory at Fenway Park.
"Damn Stanley."
The Angels wasted no time getting to Boyd in the top of the first as Gary Pettis and Rod Carew stroked back to back singles to start. Fred Lynn walked to load the bases and Doug DeCinces scored Pettis with a sac fly. Reggie Jackson struck out and Brian Downing flied out to right to end the inning with the Angels ahead 1-0.
The Sox struck back in the bottom of the first against Angels starter Steve Brown. Jerry Remy led off with a single then moved to second on a wild pitch. Dwight Evans popped up to second and Wade Boggs flied out to left, but Jim Rice doubled home Remy to tie the game. Mike Easler singled home Rice to give the Sox the lead but Tony Armas struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-1.
Rice ties it up
Boyd cruised in the top of the second as Bobby Grich struck out to start. Bob Boone singled but Dick Schofield Jr banged into a double play to end the inning. Rich Gedman grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the second before Reid Nichols popped up to second. Jackie Gutierrez doubled but Remy grounded out to short to end the inning.
Pettis grounded out to short to start the top of the third but Carew singled and Lynn doubled him to third. Carew then tried to steal home but was caught in a run-down. DeCinces popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the third as Evans and Boggs walked to start. Rice then tripled home both runners to increase the lead. Easler grounded out to second and Armas grounded out to short, but Gedman doubled home Rice. Nichols popped up to second to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 5-1.
Gedman adds to the lead
The Angels then went back to back to back off Boyd in the top of the fourth. Jackson, Downing and Grich all homered in short order as the boo birds rained down. Boone singled and Sox manager Ralph Houk pulled Boyd before it could get any worse. Boyd was clearly rattled and lasted just 3 innings and allowed 4 runs. John Henry Johnson came in and got Schofield to force Boone at second. Pettis singled but Carew struck out. Lynn flied out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-4.
Back to back to back jacks isn't good
Steve Brown didn't last long in the bottom of the fourth as Gutierrez flied out to right to start. Remy walked to chase Brown. Jim Slaton came in and the Sox rallied. Evans flied out to center but Boggs singled Remy to third. Rice singled home Jerry to increase the lead. Easler struck out to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 6-4.
Remy scores another run
The slugfest continued in the top of the fifth as DeCinces bashed a home run all the way into Walden Pond to cut the lead. Jackson grounded out to short, Downing grounded out to second and Grich flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-5.
Can anyone keep the ball in the yard?
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Armas popped up to third to start. Gedman popped up to short and Nichols flied out to center to end the inning.
The Angels took command in the top of the sixth as Boone singled to start. Schofield Jr hit a double play ball to Remy BUT HE BOOTED IT! Pettis walked to load the bases and Carew walked in a run to tie the game. That was it for Johnson as Al Nipper was brought in only for Lynn to score Schofield Jr with the go-ahead run. DeCinces forced Pettis at home and Jackson struck out to end the inning with the Angels ahead 7-6.
The old man would be proud of his son
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the sixth as Gutierrez singled to start. Remy forced Jackie at second and Evans banged into a double play to end the inning.
Nipper got Downing to fly out to left to start the top of the seventh before Grich grounded back to the mound. Boone doubled and Schofield Jr popped up to short to end the inning. Boggs flied out to center to start the bottom of the seventh before Rice grounded out to short. Easler grounded out to first to end the inning.
Nipper got Pettis to ground back to the mound to begin the top of the eighth but Carew singled. Lynn banged into a double play to end the inning. The Sox showed some balls in the bottom of the eighth as Armas singled to start. Gedman doubled to chase Slaton. Luis Sanchez came in and Nichols was plunked to load the bases with nobody out. Rick Miller pinch hit for Gutierrez and Marty Barrett pinch ran for Gedman. Miller scored Armas with a sac fly and Remy singled to reload the bases. All Evans needed was a sac fly but instead he struck out. Boggs grounded out to first to end the inning which was a huge waste, although the Sox tied the game 7-7.
Miller ties the game
Bob Stanley came in for the top of the ninth with Jeff Newman behind the plate and Glenn Hoffman taking over at short. DeCinces grounded out to third but Jackson doubled. Downing singled home Jackson to give the Angels the lead. Grich flied out to right and Boone grounded out to short to end the inning with the Angels ahead 8-7.
Dammit Bob!
The Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth although Rice popped up to second to start. Easler singled and moved to second on the Armas grounder. A passed ball moved Easler to third and Newman walked to put runners at the corners. Nichols flied out to right to end the game. The Angels won the hard fought battle 8-7.
Jackass of the Night is Bob Stanley. He allowed the go-ahead run to score in the top of the ninth.
Stanley The Jackass
The Good:
Jerry Remy was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Jim Rice was 3 for 4 with 4 rbis and 2 runs scored.
Mike Easler was 2 for 5 with an rbi.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Jeff Newman walked in his only plate appearance.
Jackie Gutierrez was 2 for 3.
Rick Miller drove in a run in his only at bat.
Al Nipper tossed 2 scoreless innings.
The Bad:
Oil Can Boyd allowed 4 runs in just 3 innings included 3 straight home runs.
The Ugly:
Dwight Evans was 0 for 4 but walked and scored.
Wade Boggs was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run.
Tony Armas was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 4 but was hit with a pitch.
John Henry Johnson was charged with 2 runs in 3 innings of work.
Honorable Mention:
Marty Barrett pinch ran in the bottom of the eighth.
Glenn Hoffman played short in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Sox offense can't save the day every time and tonight was one of those nights. Boyd didn't have it and Henry Johnson couldn't hold the lead. The Angels couldn't miss with 16 hits and even then, if the Sox could push across a second run in the bottom of the eighth, maybe Stanley closes it out. The Sox need to make a trade big time because they can't compete with pitching that's THIS bad. They have young arms in Boyd, Nipper, Bruce Hurst and Bob Ojeda. Somebody either has to step up or be traded for a proven starter. Going life or death with the California Angels isn't a good thing because the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers are much better. Tomorrow night the Sox start a set with the Seattle Mariners. Jim Beattie goes for Seattle up against Bruce Hurst (2-2) at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.
The Angels wasted no time getting to Boyd in the top of the first as Gary Pettis and Rod Carew stroked back to back singles to start. Fred Lynn walked to load the bases and Doug DeCinces scored Pettis with a sac fly. Reggie Jackson struck out and Brian Downing flied out to right to end the inning with the Angels ahead 1-0.
The Sox struck back in the bottom of the first against Angels starter Steve Brown. Jerry Remy led off with a single then moved to second on a wild pitch. Dwight Evans popped up to second and Wade Boggs flied out to left, but Jim Rice doubled home Remy to tie the game. Mike Easler singled home Rice to give the Sox the lead but Tony Armas struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-1.
Boyd cruised in the top of the second as Bobby Grich struck out to start. Bob Boone singled but Dick Schofield Jr banged into a double play to end the inning. Rich Gedman grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the second before Reid Nichols popped up to second. Jackie Gutierrez doubled but Remy grounded out to short to end the inning.
Pettis grounded out to short to start the top of the third but Carew singled and Lynn doubled him to third. Carew then tried to steal home but was caught in a run-down. DeCinces popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the third as Evans and Boggs walked to start. Rice then tripled home both runners to increase the lead. Easler grounded out to second and Armas grounded out to short, but Gedman doubled home Rice. Nichols popped up to second to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 5-1.
The Angels then went back to back to back off Boyd in the top of the fourth. Jackson, Downing and Grich all homered in short order as the boo birds rained down. Boone singled and Sox manager Ralph Houk pulled Boyd before it could get any worse. Boyd was clearly rattled and lasted just 3 innings and allowed 4 runs. John Henry Johnson came in and got Schofield to force Boone at second. Pettis singled but Carew struck out. Lynn flied out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-4.
Steve Brown didn't last long in the bottom of the fourth as Gutierrez flied out to right to start. Remy walked to chase Brown. Jim Slaton came in and the Sox rallied. Evans flied out to center but Boggs singled Remy to third. Rice singled home Jerry to increase the lead. Easler struck out to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 6-4.
The slugfest continued in the top of the fifth as DeCinces bashed a home run all the way into Walden Pond to cut the lead. Jackson grounded out to short, Downing grounded out to second and Grich flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-5.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Armas popped up to third to start. Gedman popped up to short and Nichols flied out to center to end the inning.
The Angels took command in the top of the sixth as Boone singled to start. Schofield Jr hit a double play ball to Remy BUT HE BOOTED IT! Pettis walked to load the bases and Carew walked in a run to tie the game. That was it for Johnson as Al Nipper was brought in only for Lynn to score Schofield Jr with the go-ahead run. DeCinces forced Pettis at home and Jackson struck out to end the inning with the Angels ahead 7-6.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the sixth as Gutierrez singled to start. Remy forced Jackie at second and Evans banged into a double play to end the inning.
Nipper got Downing to fly out to left to start the top of the seventh before Grich grounded back to the mound. Boone doubled and Schofield Jr popped up to short to end the inning. Boggs flied out to center to start the bottom of the seventh before Rice grounded out to short. Easler grounded out to first to end the inning.
Nipper got Pettis to ground back to the mound to begin the top of the eighth but Carew singled. Lynn banged into a double play to end the inning. The Sox showed some balls in the bottom of the eighth as Armas singled to start. Gedman doubled to chase Slaton. Luis Sanchez came in and Nichols was plunked to load the bases with nobody out. Rick Miller pinch hit for Gutierrez and Marty Barrett pinch ran for Gedman. Miller scored Armas with a sac fly and Remy singled to reload the bases. All Evans needed was a sac fly but instead he struck out. Boggs grounded out to first to end the inning which was a huge waste, although the Sox tied the game 7-7.
Bob Stanley came in for the top of the ninth with Jeff Newman behind the plate and Glenn Hoffman taking over at short. DeCinces grounded out to third but Jackson doubled. Downing singled home Jackson to give the Angels the lead. Grich flied out to right and Boone grounded out to short to end the inning with the Angels ahead 8-7.
The Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth although Rice popped up to second to start. Easler singled and moved to second on the Armas grounder. A passed ball moved Easler to third and Newman walked to put runners at the corners. Nichols flied out to right to end the game. The Angels won the hard fought battle 8-7.
Jackass of the Night is Bob Stanley. He allowed the go-ahead run to score in the top of the ninth.
The Good:
Jerry Remy was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Jim Rice was 3 for 4 with 4 rbis and 2 runs scored.
Mike Easler was 2 for 5 with an rbi.
Rich Gedman was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Jeff Newman walked in his only plate appearance.
Jackie Gutierrez was 2 for 3.
Rick Miller drove in a run in his only at bat.
Al Nipper tossed 2 scoreless innings.
The Bad:
Oil Can Boyd allowed 4 runs in just 3 innings included 3 straight home runs.
The Ugly:
Dwight Evans was 0 for 4 but walked and scored.
Wade Boggs was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run.
Tony Armas was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Reid Nichols was 0 for 4 but was hit with a pitch.
John Henry Johnson was charged with 2 runs in 3 innings of work.
Honorable Mention:
Marty Barrett pinch ran in the bottom of the eighth.
Glenn Hoffman played short in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Sox offense can't save the day every time and tonight was one of those nights. Boyd didn't have it and Henry Johnson couldn't hold the lead. The Angels couldn't miss with 16 hits and even then, if the Sox could push across a second run in the bottom of the eighth, maybe Stanley closes it out. The Sox need to make a trade big time because they can't compete with pitching that's THIS bad. They have young arms in Boyd, Nipper, Bruce Hurst and Bob Ojeda. Somebody either has to step up or be traded for a proven starter. Going life or death with the California Angels isn't a good thing because the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers are much better. Tomorrow night the Sox start a set with the Seattle Mariners. Jim Beattie goes for Seattle up against Bruce Hurst (2-2) at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.