Manny Alexander: Good 3 times, Bad 4 times, Honorable Mention 3 times
Rheal Cormier - Good 5 times, Bad 2 times, Jackass 1 time, Hero 1 time
Brian Daubach - Good 10 times, Bad 4 times, Ugly 9 times, Hero 3 times
Carl Everett - Good 9 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 11 times, Jackass 2 times
Jeff Fassero - Good 2 times, Ugly 2 times, Hero 2 times
Jeff Frye - Good:9 times, Bad 4 times, Ugly 2 times
Rich Garces - Good 10 times, Ugly 2 times
Nomar Garciaparra - Good 5 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 5 times, Hero 1 time
Scott Hatteberg - Good 3 times, Bad 4 times, Ugly 3 times
Darren Lewis - Good 7 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 3 times, Honorable Mention 3 times
Derek Lowe - Good 10 times, Jackass 1 time
Trot Nixon - Good 11 times, Bad 3 times, Ugly 9 times, Hero 3 times
Jose Offerman - Good 7 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 9 times
Troy O'Leary - Good 6 times, Bad 5 times, Ugly 13 times
Pedro Martinez - Good 2 time, Hero 3 times
Ramon Martinez - Good 1 time, Ugly 1 time, Jackass 1 time, Hero 1 time.
Hipolito Pichardo - Bad 1 time
Brian Rose - Good 2 times, Bad 2 times, Hero 1 time.
Donnie Sadler - Good 5 times, Bad 7 times, Ugly 2 times, Hero 1 time, Honorable Mention 1 time
Pete Schourek - Good 2 times, Bad 1 time, Jackass 2 times, Hero 1 time
Andy Sheets - Good 1 time, Bad 5 times, Hero 1 time, Honorable Mention 2 times
Mike Stanley - Good 7 times, Bad 6 times, Ugly 8 times, Hero 1 time
John Valentin - Good 2 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 3 times, Jackass 1 time, Honorable Mention 1 time
Jason Varitek - Good 11 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 8 times
Wilton Veras - Good 10 times, Bad 5 times, Ugly 4 times
Tim Wakefield - Good 3 times, Bad 2 times, Ugly 4 times, Jackass 1 time.
John Wasdin - Good 5 times, Bad 1 time, Ugly 2 times, Jackass 1 time.
Tim Young - Good 4 times, Ugly 1 time.
Co- Most Valuable Players: Trot Nixon and Jason Varitek
Least Valuable Player - Donnie Sadler
Ugliest Player of the Month - Troy O'Leary
Co-Heroes of the Month: Brian Daubach, Pedro Martinez and Trot Nixon
Co-Jackasses of the Month - Carl Everett and Pete Schourek.
Co-Honorable Players of the Month - Manny Alexander and Darren Lewis
Wednesday, May 31, 2000
Sox Rally Falls Short Against Royals (5/31/00)
Before the game the Sox made two moves, one that made sense and one that didn't. John Valentin was placed on the 15 day disabled list after tearing his ACL last night, he was replaced by Andy Sheets. The surprising move was sending down hot lefty Tim Young to Pawtucket and bringing up veteran Hipolito Pichardo. Young had been lighting it up, they couldn't have sent away John Wasdin or Rheal Cormier?
It turns out Pichardo poured gas on a fire that led to a 9-7 Kansas City Royals victory at Fenway Park. The 2 runs that Pichardo allowed could have been the difference in the game. You mean to tell me he's better than what Tim Young had been?
Billy hates shoddy relief pitching
Pete Schourek (2-5, 3.84 ERA) didn't have it although he had a good top of the first inning. Johnny Damon led the game off with a groundout to first. Carlos Febles grounded out to third but Mike Sweeney stroked a single. Jermaine Dye popped up to end the inning. Royals starter Mac Suzuki was outstanding in this one. Jeff Frye led off the bottom of the first by lining out to Damon. Trot Nixon singled but Brian Daubach flied out. Nomar Garciaparra singled but Carl Everett flied out to end the inning. More lack of clutch hitting from Everett.
Schourek promptly crapped himself in the top of the second. Carlos Beltran grounded out and Joe Randa flied out but David McCarty homered to put the Royals up 1-0. Gregg Zaun and Rey Sanchez worked back to back walks and Zaun swiped third to add insult to injury. Damon then doubled home both runners and took third on the throw home. Damon then took home when Schourek fired a pitch 700 feet over catcher Scott Hatteberg's head. Febles grounded out to end the inning but it was 4-0 Royals. Could the Sox answer in the bottom of the second? NO! Troy O'Leary grounded out and Mike Stanley flied out but Hatteberg doubled. Wilton Veras flied out to end the inning.
Schourek recovered in the top of the third inning. Sweeney whiffed and Dye grounded out but Beltran singled. Randa flied out to end the inning. The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third. Frye walked and moved to second on the force by Nixon, but both Daubach and Nomar struck out to end the inning.
Once again Schourek kept pace in the top of the fourth inning. McCarty and Zaun flied out then Sanchez grounded out to end the frame. The Sox finally struck back in the bottom of the fourth when Everett crushed his 16th homer of the year. O'Leary singled and Stanley walked but both Hatteberg and Stanley whiffed. Frye came through with a single to score O'Leary to cut the deficit in half. Nixon walked to put the tying run on first but Daubach whiffed to end the inning. At least they showed some life.
Just as soon as the Sox scored to cut the lead in half, Schourek fell apart in the top of the fifth. Damon poked a single to right and stole second as Febles flied out. Sweeney doubled home Damon to make it 5-2 and chase Schourek from the game. Hipolito Pichardo made his season debut by allowing a single to Dye that scored Sweeney. Beltran singled and Randa walked to load the bases and chase the ineffective Pichardo. Tim Wakefield came in and Hatteberg immediately allowed a passed ball to score Dye and advance the runners. A ground out by McCarty scored Beltran and Zaun flied out to end the inning with the score now 8-2. What a disaster. The Sox needed to strike back but they failed in the bottom of the fifth inning. Nomar flied out and Everett struck out but O'Leary walked. Stanley grounded out to end the inning.
The Royals got another one in the top of the sixth inning. Sanchez grounded out but Damon tripled. Damon couldn't advance on the lineout by Febles but Dye singled him home. Beltran struck out to end the inning with the Royals up 9-2. Suzuki remained hot in the bottom of the sixth. Hatteberg grounded out and Veras lined out but Frye doubled. Nixon grounded out to end the inning.
The Sox ran into more trouble in the top of the 7th inning. Randa led off with a single but McCartly lined out. Zaun walked but Sanchez beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Looking for the cycle, Damon whiffed to end the inning. Suzuki finished his night with a flourish in the bottom of the 7th. Daubach and Nomar grounded out and Everett struck out to end the inning.
John Wasdin took the mound in the top of the 8th, Andy Sheets took over for Nomar at short and Donnie Sadler replaced Everett in center. Febles flied out but Sweeney singled and Dye doubled. Somehow Wasdin struck out Beltran and got Randa to ground out to end the inning. Ricky Bottalico took over for the bottom of the 8th and suddenly the Sox sprang to life. O'Leary struck out but Stanley doubled. Hatteberg singled him to third and Veras hit a little roller to Bottalico. He was already going to be safe but Bottalico decided to go for the out only to throw the ball away. Stanley scored and the Fenway crowd finally got into it. Frye walked to load the bases and Nixon got plunked to drive in Hatteberg. That was it for Bottalico as Jose Santiago came in to put out the fire with the Sox now down 9-4. Daubach then crushed a double that scored 2 and advanced Nixon to third. Sox manager Jimy Williams showed some sense by pinch hitting Andy Sheets with Jason Varitek. Varitek grounded out but scored Nixon and advanced Daubach to third. Suddenly Donnie Sadler became the tying run and he did his part by getting plunked. That was it for Santiago as Jerry Spradlin replaced Santiago with the tying runs on and the Sox trailing 9-7. Sadler swiped second to put the tying run in scoring position but O'Leary grounded out to end the inning. Suddenly the Sox were back in the game.
Sadler moved to short and Darren Lewis took over in center to replace Varitek. Derek Lowe came in to pitch and got McCarty to fly out. Zaunn struck out and Sanchez grounded out to end the inning. Could the Sox pull off the rally in the bottom of the ninth? Stanley whiffed but Hatteberg doubled. Representing the tying run, Veras flied out. Frye grounded out to end the game. The Royals had held on to win 9-7.
Jackass of the night is easy, Pete Schourek. Yes Pichardo pissed himself in his season debut but you can attribute that to rust. There was no excuse for Schourek to stink that bad against a lineup he should have handled.
Jackass of the night: Pete Schourek
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 4 with 2 walks, a run scored and an rbi.
Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk, was hit with a pitch, scored a run and drove in a run.
Donnie Sadler was hit in his only plate appearance and stole a base.
Scott Hatteberg was 3 for 5 with a run scored.
John Wasdin pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Derek Lowe pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Hipolito Pichardo was a mess in his season debut. He didn't record an out, allowed all his inherited runners to score and allowed a run of his own.
The Ugly:
Brian Daubach was just 1 for 5 but the one hit was a double that drove in two runs.
Nomar Garciaparra was just 1 for 4
Jason Varitek grounded out in his only at bat but it drove in a run.
Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was his 16th home run of the year.
Troy O'Leary was just 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Mike Stanley was also just 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Wilton Vera was just 1 for 5 with a run scored.
Tim Wakfield tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief and allowed the 9th and final run to score.
Honorable Mention:
Andy Sheets played short in the top of the 8th.
Darren Lewis played center in the top of the 9th.
Final Thoughts:
Well that sucked. The Sox showed some life by trying to rally but just couldn't get it done. Hopefully Pichardo is going to work out down the road but tonight he didn't have it. Schourek not having it was disheartening as well. The Sox dropped to 29-19, still 1.5 ahead of the New York Yankees. Tomorrow Ramon Martinez takes on Chris Fussell in the finale.
OUT
IN
Pete Schourek (2-5, 3.84 ERA) didn't have it although he had a good top of the first inning. Johnny Damon led the game off with a groundout to first. Carlos Febles grounded out to third but Mike Sweeney stroked a single. Jermaine Dye popped up to end the inning. Royals starter Mac Suzuki was outstanding in this one. Jeff Frye led off the bottom of the first by lining out to Damon. Trot Nixon singled but Brian Daubach flied out. Nomar Garciaparra singled but Carl Everett flied out to end the inning. More lack of clutch hitting from Everett.
Schourek promptly crapped himself in the top of the second. Carlos Beltran grounded out and Joe Randa flied out but David McCarty homered to put the Royals up 1-0. Gregg Zaun and Rey Sanchez worked back to back walks and Zaun swiped third to add insult to injury. Damon then doubled home both runners and took third on the throw home. Damon then took home when Schourek fired a pitch 700 feet over catcher Scott Hatteberg's head. Febles grounded out to end the inning but it was 4-0 Royals. Could the Sox answer in the bottom of the second? NO! Troy O'Leary grounded out and Mike Stanley flied out but Hatteberg doubled. Wilton Veras flied out to end the inning.
Schourek recovered in the top of the third inning. Sweeney whiffed and Dye grounded out but Beltran singled. Randa flied out to end the inning. The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third. Frye walked and moved to second on the force by Nixon, but both Daubach and Nomar struck out to end the inning.
Once again Schourek kept pace in the top of the fourth inning. McCarty and Zaun flied out then Sanchez grounded out to end the frame. The Sox finally struck back in the bottom of the fourth when Everett crushed his 16th homer of the year. O'Leary singled and Stanley walked but both Hatteberg and Stanley whiffed. Frye came through with a single to score O'Leary to cut the deficit in half. Nixon walked to put the tying run on first but Daubach whiffed to end the inning. At least they showed some life.
Just as soon as the Sox scored to cut the lead in half, Schourek fell apart in the top of the fifth. Damon poked a single to right and stole second as Febles flied out. Sweeney doubled home Damon to make it 5-2 and chase Schourek from the game. Hipolito Pichardo made his season debut by allowing a single to Dye that scored Sweeney. Beltran singled and Randa walked to load the bases and chase the ineffective Pichardo. Tim Wakefield came in and Hatteberg immediately allowed a passed ball to score Dye and advance the runners. A ground out by McCarty scored Beltran and Zaun flied out to end the inning with the score now 8-2. What a disaster. The Sox needed to strike back but they failed in the bottom of the fifth inning. Nomar flied out and Everett struck out but O'Leary walked. Stanley grounded out to end the inning.
The Royals got another one in the top of the sixth inning. Sanchez grounded out but Damon tripled. Damon couldn't advance on the lineout by Febles but Dye singled him home. Beltran struck out to end the inning with the Royals up 9-2. Suzuki remained hot in the bottom of the sixth. Hatteberg grounded out and Veras lined out but Frye doubled. Nixon grounded out to end the inning.
The Sox ran into more trouble in the top of the 7th inning. Randa led off with a single but McCartly lined out. Zaun walked but Sanchez beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Looking for the cycle, Damon whiffed to end the inning. Suzuki finished his night with a flourish in the bottom of the 7th. Daubach and Nomar grounded out and Everett struck out to end the inning.
John Wasdin took the mound in the top of the 8th, Andy Sheets took over for Nomar at short and Donnie Sadler replaced Everett in center. Febles flied out but Sweeney singled and Dye doubled. Somehow Wasdin struck out Beltran and got Randa to ground out to end the inning. Ricky Bottalico took over for the bottom of the 8th and suddenly the Sox sprang to life. O'Leary struck out but Stanley doubled. Hatteberg singled him to third and Veras hit a little roller to Bottalico. He was already going to be safe but Bottalico decided to go for the out only to throw the ball away. Stanley scored and the Fenway crowd finally got into it. Frye walked to load the bases and Nixon got plunked to drive in Hatteberg. That was it for Bottalico as Jose Santiago came in to put out the fire with the Sox now down 9-4. Daubach then crushed a double that scored 2 and advanced Nixon to third. Sox manager Jimy Williams showed some sense by pinch hitting Andy Sheets with Jason Varitek. Varitek grounded out but scored Nixon and advanced Daubach to third. Suddenly Donnie Sadler became the tying run and he did his part by getting plunked. That was it for Santiago as Jerry Spradlin replaced Santiago with the tying runs on and the Sox trailing 9-7. Sadler swiped second to put the tying run in scoring position but O'Leary grounded out to end the inning. Suddenly the Sox were back in the game.
Sadler moved to short and Darren Lewis took over in center to replace Varitek. Derek Lowe came in to pitch and got McCarty to fly out. Zaunn struck out and Sanchez grounded out to end the inning. Could the Sox pull off the rally in the bottom of the ninth? Stanley whiffed but Hatteberg doubled. Representing the tying run, Veras flied out. Frye grounded out to end the game. The Royals had held on to win 9-7.
Jackass of the night is easy, Pete Schourek. Yes Pichardo pissed himself in his season debut but you can attribute that to rust. There was no excuse for Schourek to stink that bad against a lineup he should have handled.
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 4 with 2 walks, a run scored and an rbi.
Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk, was hit with a pitch, scored a run and drove in a run.
Donnie Sadler was hit in his only plate appearance and stole a base.
Scott Hatteberg was 3 for 5 with a run scored.
John Wasdin pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Derek Lowe pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Hipolito Pichardo was a mess in his season debut. He didn't record an out, allowed all his inherited runners to score and allowed a run of his own.
The Ugly:
Brian Daubach was just 1 for 5 but the one hit was a double that drove in two runs.
Nomar Garciaparra was just 1 for 4
Jason Varitek grounded out in his only at bat but it drove in a run.
Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was his 16th home run of the year.
Troy O'Leary was just 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Mike Stanley was also just 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Wilton Vera was just 1 for 5 with a run scored.
Tim Wakfield tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief and allowed the 9th and final run to score.
Honorable Mention:
Andy Sheets played short in the top of the 8th.
Darren Lewis played center in the top of the 9th.
Final Thoughts:
Well that sucked. The Sox showed some life by trying to rally but just couldn't get it done. Hopefully Pichardo is going to work out down the road but tonight he didn't have it. Schourek not having it was disheartening as well. The Sox dropped to 29-19, still 1.5 ahead of the New York Yankees. Tomorrow Ramon Martinez takes on Chris Fussell in the finale.
Tuesday, May 30, 2000
Sox Win Game, Lose Valentin (5/30/00)
The 2000 Boston Red Sox were dealt a huge below during tonight's game where All-Star 3rd baseman John Valentin was lost possibly for the season after blowing out his knee in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals. The initial diagnoses was a torn ACL and Valentin had had knee problems dating back to last year and earlier this year. As for the game, the Sox pounded old friend Jeff Suppan (2-5. 5.25 ERA) as Jeff Fassero (6-1, 3.32 ERA) pitched well enough to earn the win at Fenway Park.
Tubbs approves of victory but Crockett mourns loss of Valentin
Things looked normal in the top of the first with Fassero on the hill. Johnny Damon grounded out but Carlos Febles singled. Fassero picked off Febles but hit Mike Sweeney with a pitch. Jermaine Dye flied out to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the first. Jeff Frye worked a leadoff walk and Sunday night's hero Trot Nixon provided more fireworks as he launched a 2 run opposite field home run to put Boston up 2-0. Brian Daubach flied out but Nomar Garciaparra singled. Carl Everett grounded into a force at second and Mike Stanley struck out to end the inning.
Nixon's blast makes it 2-0 early
Things turned ugly in the top of the second. Carlos Beltran hit what looked to be a routine grounder to third but Valentin crumpled into a heap, allowing Beltran to reach second. Valentin reinjured his knee that's been bothering him all season and the end of last. He had to be carted off the field and hauled off in an ambulance. Not a good night at all regardless of the final score. Wilton Veras replaced him and Joe Randa doubled then David McCarty walked to load the bases. Brian Johnson beat out a double play ball to score Beltran to make it 2-1. Rey Sanchez then hit into a double play to end the inning with the Sox still on top 2-0. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the second inning. Troy O'Leary singled but Veras bounced into a double play. Jason Varitek and Frye hit back to back singles but Nixon grounded out to end the inning.
Fassero cruised in the top of the third. Damon singled but Febles hit into a double play. Sweeney grounded out to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the third inning. Daubach flied out but Nomar walked and stole second. Everett blasted a 2 run home run to increase the lead 4-1. Stanley then jacked one out of here to go back to back. O'Leary walked but Veras popped up. Varitek doubled and a wild pitch scored O'Leary, advancing Jason to third. Frye walked and that was it for old pal Suppan. Jason Rakers relieved Suppan and got Nixon to pop up to end the inning but the Sox now had a 6-1 lead.
Fassero made the lead hold up in the top of the fourth. Dye and Beltran grounded out and Randa struck out to end the inning. Boston got another one in the bottom of the fourth. Daubach doubled and Nomar singled him to third but Everett whiffed. Stanley beat out a double play ball to score Daubach and O'Leary grounded out to end the inning with the Sox up 7-1.
Fassero dominated the top of the fifth. McCarty struck out then both Johnson and Sanchez struck out to end the inning. Rakers matched Jeff in the bottom of the fifth. Veras grounded out, Varitek flied out and Frye struck out to end the inning.
The Royals struck back in the top of the sixth. Damon flied out but Febles singled. Sweeney doubled Carlos to third where he scored on the groundout by Dye. Beltran struck out to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 7-2. The Sox got the run back against Dan Reichert in the bottom of the sixth. Nixon walked and Daubach singled him to third. Nomar singled home Nixon but Everett struck out again. Stanley walked to load the bases but rally killer O'Leary grounded into a double play to end the inning with Boston up 8-2.
Fassero returned for the top of the seventh and got Randa to ground out. McCarty singled but Johnson struck out. Sanchez singled and Sox manager Jimy Williams bounded out of the dugout. Fassero was up to 95 pitches and even though most starters around the league would at least throw 105-110 in a game like this, Joe Kerrigan and his god damned pitch count prevailed. Out went Fassero after tossing a masterful 6 2/3 innings allowing just 2 runs.
If only Fassero was allowed to throw more than 95 pitches
Rich Garces came on to pitch and got Damon to fly out to end the inning. Reichert came back for the bottom of the seventh. Veras and Varitek grounded out but Frye flied out to end the inning.
Garces returned for the top of the eighth and got Febles to fly out, Sweeney to ground out and Dye to strike out to end the inning. The Sox managed nothing against Jerry Spradlin in the bottom of the eighth. Nixon flied out, Daubach struck out and Nomar popped up to end the inning.
Garces came back to finish the job in the top of the ninth with Donnie Sadler playing short to give Nomar a breather. Beltran lined out as both Randa and McCarty struck out to end the game. The Sox had won 8-2.
Hero of the Night is a tough one but I'll go with Jeff Fassero. The offense was supplied by almost everyone but Fassero made it all count as he outwitted the Royals for nearly 7 innings, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits and a walk while striking out 4.
Tonight's Hero is looking the wrong way
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored. Brian Daubach was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Nomar Garciaparra was 3 for 4 with a run scored, walk and run batted in. Mike Stanley was 1 for 3 with a walk, run scored and 2 rbis. Troy O'Leary was 1 for 3 with a walk and run scored. Jason Varitek was 2 for 4. Rich Garces retired all 7 men he faced, 3 by strikeout.
The Bad:
Wilton Veras was 0 for 4 after coming in for John Valentin.
The Ugly:
Trot Nixon was just 1 for 4 with a walk but made the hit count as it was a 2 run home run. He scored two total runs. Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made his one hit count as he also hit a 2 run home run.
Honorable Mention:
John Valentin played third base in the top of the first inning. Donnie Sadler played shortstop in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Great win but that's a huge loss to lose Valentin like that. Wilton Veras is the chosen one to replace him but you don't just lose one of your best players like that and not suffer from backlash. Who knows if Veras will be able to handle the pressure of playing a full season? What if he falters and they have to turn to Manny Alexander or Andy Sheets? I don't even want to think about that. Still, moving past that the Sox smacked around Suppan pretty good and having Nomar back jump started the offense a little bit. Jeff Fassero is now second on the team in wins behind Pedro and even going a mediocre 9-9 the rest of the year would give Jeff 15 wins, which is what the Sox desperately needed with Brett Saberhagen out for the year. Hopefully Jeff can continue to pitch well when not limited by those god forsaken pitch counts. The win pushed the Sox to 29-18, good for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night Pete Schourek (2-4) goes for the Sox opposite Mac Suzuki (1-0) in the second game of this three game set.
Things looked normal in the top of the first with Fassero on the hill. Johnny Damon grounded out but Carlos Febles singled. Fassero picked off Febles but hit Mike Sweeney with a pitch. Jermaine Dye flied out to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the first. Jeff Frye worked a leadoff walk and Sunday night's hero Trot Nixon provided more fireworks as he launched a 2 run opposite field home run to put Boston up 2-0. Brian Daubach flied out but Nomar Garciaparra singled. Carl Everett grounded into a force at second and Mike Stanley struck out to end the inning.
Things turned ugly in the top of the second. Carlos Beltran hit what looked to be a routine grounder to third but Valentin crumpled into a heap, allowing Beltran to reach second. Valentin reinjured his knee that's been bothering him all season and the end of last. He had to be carted off the field and hauled off in an ambulance. Not a good night at all regardless of the final score. Wilton Veras replaced him and Joe Randa doubled then David McCarty walked to load the bases. Brian Johnson beat out a double play ball to score Beltran to make it 2-1. Rey Sanchez then hit into a double play to end the inning with the Sox still on top 2-0. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the second inning. Troy O'Leary singled but Veras bounced into a double play. Jason Varitek and Frye hit back to back singles but Nixon grounded out to end the inning.
Fassero cruised in the top of the third. Damon singled but Febles hit into a double play. Sweeney grounded out to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the third inning. Daubach flied out but Nomar walked and stole second. Everett blasted a 2 run home run to increase the lead 4-1. Stanley then jacked one out of here to go back to back. O'Leary walked but Veras popped up. Varitek doubled and a wild pitch scored O'Leary, advancing Jason to third. Frye walked and that was it for old pal Suppan. Jason Rakers relieved Suppan and got Nixon to pop up to end the inning but the Sox now had a 6-1 lead.
Fassero made the lead hold up in the top of the fourth. Dye and Beltran grounded out and Randa struck out to end the inning. Boston got another one in the bottom of the fourth. Daubach doubled and Nomar singled him to third but Everett whiffed. Stanley beat out a double play ball to score Daubach and O'Leary grounded out to end the inning with the Sox up 7-1.
Fassero dominated the top of the fifth. McCarty struck out then both Johnson and Sanchez struck out to end the inning. Rakers matched Jeff in the bottom of the fifth. Veras grounded out, Varitek flied out and Frye struck out to end the inning.
The Royals struck back in the top of the sixth. Damon flied out but Febles singled. Sweeney doubled Carlos to third where he scored on the groundout by Dye. Beltran struck out to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 7-2. The Sox got the run back against Dan Reichert in the bottom of the sixth. Nixon walked and Daubach singled him to third. Nomar singled home Nixon but Everett struck out again. Stanley walked to load the bases but rally killer O'Leary grounded into a double play to end the inning with Boston up 8-2.
Fassero returned for the top of the seventh and got Randa to ground out. McCarty singled but Johnson struck out. Sanchez singled and Sox manager Jimy Williams bounded out of the dugout. Fassero was up to 95 pitches and even though most starters around the league would at least throw 105-110 in a game like this, Joe Kerrigan and his god damned pitch count prevailed. Out went Fassero after tossing a masterful 6 2/3 innings allowing just 2 runs.
Rich Garces came on to pitch and got Damon to fly out to end the inning. Reichert came back for the bottom of the seventh. Veras and Varitek grounded out but Frye flied out to end the inning.
Garces returned for the top of the eighth and got Febles to fly out, Sweeney to ground out and Dye to strike out to end the inning. The Sox managed nothing against Jerry Spradlin in the bottom of the eighth. Nixon flied out, Daubach struck out and Nomar popped up to end the inning.
Garces came back to finish the job in the top of the ninth with Donnie Sadler playing short to give Nomar a breather. Beltran lined out as both Randa and McCarty struck out to end the game. The Sox had won 8-2.
Hero of the Night is a tough one but I'll go with Jeff Fassero. The offense was supplied by almost everyone but Fassero made it all count as he outwitted the Royals for nearly 7 innings, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits and a walk while striking out 4.
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored. Brian Daubach was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Nomar Garciaparra was 3 for 4 with a run scored, walk and run batted in. Mike Stanley was 1 for 3 with a walk, run scored and 2 rbis. Troy O'Leary was 1 for 3 with a walk and run scored. Jason Varitek was 2 for 4. Rich Garces retired all 7 men he faced, 3 by strikeout.
The Bad:
Wilton Veras was 0 for 4 after coming in for John Valentin.
The Ugly:
Trot Nixon was just 1 for 4 with a walk but made the hit count as it was a 2 run home run. He scored two total runs. Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made his one hit count as he also hit a 2 run home run.
Honorable Mention:
John Valentin played third base in the top of the first inning. Donnie Sadler played shortstop in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Great win but that's a huge loss to lose Valentin like that. Wilton Veras is the chosen one to replace him but you don't just lose one of your best players like that and not suffer from backlash. Who knows if Veras will be able to handle the pressure of playing a full season? What if he falters and they have to turn to Manny Alexander or Andy Sheets? I don't even want to think about that. Still, moving past that the Sox smacked around Suppan pretty good and having Nomar back jump started the offense a little bit. Jeff Fassero is now second on the team in wins behind Pedro and even going a mediocre 9-9 the rest of the year would give Jeff 15 wins, which is what the Sox desperately needed with Brett Saberhagen out for the year. Hopefully Jeff can continue to pitch well when not limited by those god forsaken pitch counts. The win pushed the Sox to 29-18, good for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night Pete Schourek (2-4) goes for the Sox opposite Mac Suzuki (1-0) in the second game of this three game set.
Sunday, May 28, 2000
Pedro Outduels Clemens in Instant Classic (5/28/00)
With 162 games every year, regular season wins are hardly a cause for celebration. Tonight was one of the few exceptions as Pedro Martinez (8-2, 1.05 ERA) and Roger Clemens (4-5, 3.97 ERA) locked in a duel for the ages. With a little help from Trot Nixon, Pedro and the Boston Red Sox once again defeated Clemens and the New York Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium.
Cy Young himself would have loved to have watched this game
Clemens took the mound in the top of the first and got Jeff Frye to ground out. Seeds were planted for the end of the game when Trot Nixon looked at strike three and disagreed with home plate umpire Ed Rapuano. Clemens barked at Nixon to sit down and shut up.Trot didn't appreciate that at all. Brian Daubach popped up to end the inning. Pedro Martinez matched Roger in the bottom of the first. Chuck Knoblauch popped up but Derek Jeter singled. Paul O'Neil grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Clemens turned up the heat to strike out Nomar Garciaparra to begin the top of the second. Carl Everett singled but was picked off. Mike Stanley whiffed to end the inning. Pedro cruised in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams popped up, Jorge Posada struck out and Tino Martinez flied out to end the inning.
Roger stayed strong in the top of the third inning. Troy O'Leary flied out, John Valentin grounded out and Jason Varitek struck out to end the inning. Pedro got mad when he walked Shane Spencer to begin the bottom of the third. Ricky Ledee struck out, Scott Brosius popped up and Knoblauch lined out to end the inning.
Roger struck out both Frye and Nixon to start the top of the fourth then got Daubach to ground out to end the inning. The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the fourth when Jeter stroked a leadoff double. Pedro turned up to heat to strike out O'Neil, get Williams to pop up and strike out Posada to end the inning.
Nobody was touching Clemens in the top of the fifth inning. Nomar and Everett both struck out before Stanley flied out to end the inning. The Yankees threatened again in the bottom of the fifth. Tino Martinez and Spencer both flied out but Ledee singled. Ricky stole second but Brosius popped up to end the inning.
The pitcher's duel continued in the top of the sixth. O'Leary whiffed but Valentin singled....only to be thrown out at second trying to steal. Varitek watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Caught Stealing You Were
Pedro matched Roger in the bottom of the frame. Knoblauch lined out then both Jeter and O'Neil struck out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the seventh. Frye grounded out but a pissed off Nixon tripled into the gap. Unfortunately he was stranded as both Daubach and Nomar struck out to end the inning.
Triple for Nixon
Pedro kept pace in the bottom of the seventh. Williams flied out, Posada grounded out and Tino Martinez flied out to end the inning.
The Sox couldn't do anything against Roger in the top of the eighth. Everett whiffed then both Stanley and O'Leary popped up to end the inning. Clemens had done his part, that's for sure.
Lot of goose-eggs in this one
Pedro kept the Sox in it during the bottom of the inning when Spencer struck out. Ledee flied out and Brosius struck out to end the inning.
The deadlock was finally broken in the top of the ninth. Valentin grounded out and Varitek tried to catch the Yankees asleep with a bunt...it failed. Frye thought he was hit with a pitch but Rapuano said no, it hit the bat. Jimy Williams came out to argue but to no avail. Frye singled off Clemens anyway and that brought up Nixon. On a 2-1 count Nixon blasted a two run home run to right to take the lead 2-0 amidst a chorus of cheers from Red Sox fans. Daubach grounded out to end the inning but the Sox were 3 outs away from victory.
"Hey Jeff, I showed that bastard didn't I" - TN
It was up to Pedro to finish the job in the bottom of the ninth. It didn't look good when Pedro hit Knoblauch on an 0-2 count to begin the inning then Jeter followed with a single to right. Sox manager Jimy Williams bounded out of the dugout to check on Pedro and Martinez told him to beat it. Pedro blew away O'Neil on a 95 mph fastball on an 0-2 count. Williams then nearly ended the game with a shot to right but Nixon caught the fly ball at the wall. Knoblauch moved to third to put runners at the corners. Jeter swiped second as Posada was hit on a 1-2 count to load the bases. Frye nearly screwed up by double clutching on a grounder by Tino Martinez but got him at first just in time to end the game. The Sox had won an instant classic 2-0.
We have Co-Heroes of the night and both are obvious. Hero number 1 is Pedro Martinez. He tossed a complete game 4 hit shut-out, hitting 2 men and walking another while striking out 9.
Hero Number 1: Pedro Martinez (along with Varitek and Williams)
Hero Number 2 is obviously Trot Nixon. His two run home run was the difference in the game.
Hero Number 2: Trot Nixon
The Good:
Carl Everett and John Valentin were both 1 for 3.
The Bad:
Brian Daubach was 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Nomar Garciaparra was 0 for 3 with a hat trick. Mike Stanley and Troy O'Leary were both 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Jason Varitek was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.
The Ugly:
Jeff Frye was just 1 for 4 but scored the go-ahead run in the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Talk about an instant classic. Unlike the 1999 LCS dud, THIS was the pitcher's duel everyone expected last October. This lived up to the hype and then some as both teams had chances to win in the ninth, only one team delivered though. Pedro is the best and tonight cemented it. The Sox need to find a second starter for him in a bad way by hook or crook. His brother Ramon and Pete Schourek are too inconsistent, Brian Rose is awful and Jeff Fassero can only go 6 innings before tiring. If they can somehow get a solid number 2 than this team should be a favorite to make the playoffs because there's no stopping Pedro. Lost in all this was the Sox had taken 2 of 3 in Yankee Stadium to come out 1 game on top in the AL East at 28-18 on the season. The Sox rode the Martinez brothers to their victories but are going to have to step it up with other starters if they hope to topple the repeat champs for supremacy in the AL East. The Sox have an off-day tomorrow and they come back home on Tuesday to face the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Fassero goes for the Sox opposite old friend Jeff Suppan at 7:05 PM.
Clemens took the mound in the top of the first and got Jeff Frye to ground out. Seeds were planted for the end of the game when Trot Nixon looked at strike three and disagreed with home plate umpire Ed Rapuano. Clemens barked at Nixon to sit down and shut up.Trot didn't appreciate that at all. Brian Daubach popped up to end the inning. Pedro Martinez matched Roger in the bottom of the first. Chuck Knoblauch popped up but Derek Jeter singled. Paul O'Neil grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Clemens turned up the heat to strike out Nomar Garciaparra to begin the top of the second. Carl Everett singled but was picked off. Mike Stanley whiffed to end the inning. Pedro cruised in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams popped up, Jorge Posada struck out and Tino Martinez flied out to end the inning.
Roger stayed strong in the top of the third inning. Troy O'Leary flied out, John Valentin grounded out and Jason Varitek struck out to end the inning. Pedro got mad when he walked Shane Spencer to begin the bottom of the third. Ricky Ledee struck out, Scott Brosius popped up and Knoblauch lined out to end the inning.
Roger struck out both Frye and Nixon to start the top of the fourth then got Daubach to ground out to end the inning. The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the fourth when Jeter stroked a leadoff double. Pedro turned up to heat to strike out O'Neil, get Williams to pop up and strike out Posada to end the inning.
Nobody was touching Clemens in the top of the fifth inning. Nomar and Everett both struck out before Stanley flied out to end the inning. The Yankees threatened again in the bottom of the fifth. Tino Martinez and Spencer both flied out but Ledee singled. Ricky stole second but Brosius popped up to end the inning.
The pitcher's duel continued in the top of the sixth. O'Leary whiffed but Valentin singled....only to be thrown out at second trying to steal. Varitek watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Pedro matched Roger in the bottom of the frame. Knoblauch lined out then both Jeter and O'Neil struck out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the seventh. Frye grounded out but a pissed off Nixon tripled into the gap. Unfortunately he was stranded as both Daubach and Nomar struck out to end the inning.
Pedro kept pace in the bottom of the seventh. Williams flied out, Posada grounded out and Tino Martinez flied out to end the inning.
The Sox couldn't do anything against Roger in the top of the eighth. Everett whiffed then both Stanley and O'Leary popped up to end the inning. Clemens had done his part, that's for sure.
Pedro kept the Sox in it during the bottom of the inning when Spencer struck out. Ledee flied out and Brosius struck out to end the inning.
The deadlock was finally broken in the top of the ninth. Valentin grounded out and Varitek tried to catch the Yankees asleep with a bunt...it failed. Frye thought he was hit with a pitch but Rapuano said no, it hit the bat. Jimy Williams came out to argue but to no avail. Frye singled off Clemens anyway and that brought up Nixon. On a 2-1 count Nixon blasted a two run home run to right to take the lead 2-0 amidst a chorus of cheers from Red Sox fans. Daubach grounded out to end the inning but the Sox were 3 outs away from victory.
It was up to Pedro to finish the job in the bottom of the ninth. It didn't look good when Pedro hit Knoblauch on an 0-2 count to begin the inning then Jeter followed with a single to right. Sox manager Jimy Williams bounded out of the dugout to check on Pedro and Martinez told him to beat it. Pedro blew away O'Neil on a 95 mph fastball on an 0-2 count. Williams then nearly ended the game with a shot to right but Nixon caught the fly ball at the wall. Knoblauch moved to third to put runners at the corners. Jeter swiped second as Posada was hit on a 1-2 count to load the bases. Frye nearly screwed up by double clutching on a grounder by Tino Martinez but got him at first just in time to end the game. The Sox had won an instant classic 2-0.
We have Co-Heroes of the night and both are obvious. Hero number 1 is Pedro Martinez. He tossed a complete game 4 hit shut-out, hitting 2 men and walking another while striking out 9.
Hero Number 2 is obviously Trot Nixon. His two run home run was the difference in the game.
The Good:
Carl Everett and John Valentin were both 1 for 3.
The Bad:
Brian Daubach was 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Nomar Garciaparra was 0 for 3 with a hat trick. Mike Stanley and Troy O'Leary were both 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Jason Varitek was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.
The Ugly:
Jeff Frye was just 1 for 4 but scored the go-ahead run in the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Talk about an instant classic. Unlike the 1999 LCS dud, THIS was the pitcher's duel everyone expected last October. This lived up to the hype and then some as both teams had chances to win in the ninth, only one team delivered though. Pedro is the best and tonight cemented it. The Sox need to find a second starter for him in a bad way by hook or crook. His brother Ramon and Pete Schourek are too inconsistent, Brian Rose is awful and Jeff Fassero can only go 6 innings before tiring. If they can somehow get a solid number 2 than this team should be a favorite to make the playoffs because there's no stopping Pedro. Lost in all this was the Sox had taken 2 of 3 in Yankee Stadium to come out 1 game on top in the AL East at 28-18 on the season. The Sox rode the Martinez brothers to their victories but are going to have to step it up with other starters if they hope to topple the repeat champs for supremacy in the AL East. The Sox have an off-day tomorrow and they come back home on Tuesday to face the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Fassero goes for the Sox opposite old friend Jeff Suppan at 7:05 PM.
Saturday, May 27, 2000
Yankees Strike Back, Defeat Sox (5/27/00)
The Boston Red Sox got a good news/bad news situation before tonight's game against the New York Yankees. Jose Offerman was placed on the disabled list with a bad groin. The way he was hitting and running, primarily a lack of both, it was obvious he needed to sit down for a while. The good news? Replacing him is the returning Nomar Garciaparra who's back from his injury. The Sox need him and Carl Everett to carry the load from here on out.
OUT
IN
As for the game, what a disaster. Brian Rose wasn't ready for prime time and the Yankees smacked around John "Way Back" Wasdin to take the middle game of this three game series, 8-3 at Yankee Stadium.
Sad Fans
Jason Grimsley got the spot start tonight and in the top of the first inning, Jeff Frye struck out to begin the game. Trot Nixon struck out and Brian Daubach flied out to end the inning. At first Brian Rose started well in the bottom of the first inning. Ricky Ledee and Derek Jeter flied out before Paul O'Neil grounded out to end the inning.
Grimsley cruised in the top of the second inning. The returning Nomar Garciaparra flied out before both Carl Everett and Troy O'Leary grounded out to end the inning. The Yankees got their first hit in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams singled and stole second but Tino Martinez and Jorge Posada flied out. Shane Spencer struck out to end the inning.
The Sox struck first in the top of the third. John Valentin cracked his first home run of the year to lead off and Jason Varitek followed with a single. Jason was erased on the force by Darren Lewis but Frye doubled Lewis to third. A wild pitch by Grimsley scored Lewis and moved Frye to third. Nixon then suicide squeezed Frye home to make it 3-0. Daubach was hit and Nomar walked to load the bases....but the Sox let Grimsley off the ropes when Everett grounded out to end the inning. The Yankees answered in the bottom of the third. Brosius grounded out and Bellinger flied out, but Ledee was hit with a pitch. Rose fell apart giving up back to back singles to Jeter and O'Neil to cut the lead 3-1. Williams was hit with the pitch to load the bases but Rose recovered to get Martinez to ground out to end the inning.
Grimsley cruised in the top of the fourth. O'Leary popped up, Valentin flied out and Varitek looked at strike three to end the inning. The Yankees struck again in the bottom of the fourth. Posada looked at strike three but Spencer crushed a solo home run to cut the lead 3-2. Brosius flied out and Bellinger grounded out to end the inning.
The Sox once again failed to crack Grimsley in the top of the fifth. Lewis and Frye grounded out and Nixon flied out to end the inning. The Yankees tied the game instantly in the bottom of the fifth when Ledee homered. Jeter singled to chase Rose and Jimy Williams brought in Rheal Cormier. Jeter moved to second on a groundout by O'Neill. Jeter swiped second but Williams looked at strike three. Martinez lined out to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
The vaunted Yankee bullpen took over in the top of the sixth. Old friend Mike Stanton got the ball although Daubach greeted him with a single. Nomar struck out but Everett singled. O'Leary popped up and Valentin flied out to end the inning. John Wasdin poured gas on the fire in the bottom of the inning with Donnie Sadler now in centerfield. Posada blasted a home run to give the Yankees the lead. Spencer and Brosius grounded out but Bellinger singled and stole second. Ledee walked and Jeter singled home Bellinger to chase the incompetent Wasdin. Tim Young replaced him and got tagged for the first time all year when he allowed a 3 run blast to O'Neil to give the Yankees a commanding 8-3 lead. Williams struck out to end the inning, what a disaster.
Lord Vader finds the lack of good pitching disturbing
The Sox failed to answer against Stanton in the top of the seventh. Varitek and Sadler struck out but Frye and Nixon singled. Daubach whiffed to end the inning. Young returned for the bottom of the seventh and got Martinez to hit one up the elevator shaft. Posada singled but was doubled off first on a line drive to Nixon to end the inning.
Stanton returned for the top of the eighth and continued to shut down the Sox. Nomar singled but Everett popped up. O'Leary singled but Valentin flied out. Varitek popped up to end the inning. Tim Wakefield replaced Young in the bottom of the eighth. Brosius grounded out but Bellinger walked. Ledee banged into a double play to end the inning.
Mariano Rivera got the ball for the top of the ninth just to get some work in. Sadler and Frye flied out but Nixon walked. Daubach grounded out to end the game. The Yankees had won 8-3.
Jackass of the night is once again John "Way Back" Wasdin. He gave up 4 runs in just 2/3 of an inning, putting the game out of reach.
"Way back...way back...Jackass"
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi. Nomar Garciaparra was 1 for 3 with a walk in his return. Rheal Cormier pitched a scoreless 5th inning. Tim Wakefield pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 2 coming in for Lewis. Brian Rose stunk again, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, 2 homers in just 4 innings while striking out 2.
The Ugly
Brian Daubach, Carl Everett, Troy O'Leary and Jason Varitek were all just 1 for 4. John Valentin was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was a home run. Darren Lewis was 0 for 2 but scored a run. Tim Young was finally tagged for a run, giving up a 3 run blast to O'Neil. He did pitch a scoreless 7th inning though.
Final Thoughts:
If John Wasdin wasn't on this team, would the Sox have more wins? It sure feels like it. That's not to say Brian Rose was good, he wasn't...but pouring gas on the fire is not what you need against the Yankees. Its good to have Garciaparra back and Jeff Frye is putting his money where his mouth is after bitching about playing time earlier in the week. Tomorrow night is the big monster match between Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens. Clemens stunk the last time they hooked up in Game 3 of the 99 LCS so for a baseball fan's sake, hopefully Clemens is better to give the fans their money's worth. The loss dropped the Sox to 27-18, tied with the Yankees for first place in the AL East.
As for the game, what a disaster. Brian Rose wasn't ready for prime time and the Yankees smacked around John "Way Back" Wasdin to take the middle game of this three game series, 8-3 at Yankee Stadium.
Jason Grimsley got the spot start tonight and in the top of the first inning, Jeff Frye struck out to begin the game. Trot Nixon struck out and Brian Daubach flied out to end the inning. At first Brian Rose started well in the bottom of the first inning. Ricky Ledee and Derek Jeter flied out before Paul O'Neil grounded out to end the inning.
Grimsley cruised in the top of the second inning. The returning Nomar Garciaparra flied out before both Carl Everett and Troy O'Leary grounded out to end the inning. The Yankees got their first hit in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams singled and stole second but Tino Martinez and Jorge Posada flied out. Shane Spencer struck out to end the inning.
The Sox struck first in the top of the third. John Valentin cracked his first home run of the year to lead off and Jason Varitek followed with a single. Jason was erased on the force by Darren Lewis but Frye doubled Lewis to third. A wild pitch by Grimsley scored Lewis and moved Frye to third. Nixon then suicide squeezed Frye home to make it 3-0. Daubach was hit and Nomar walked to load the bases....but the Sox let Grimsley off the ropes when Everett grounded out to end the inning. The Yankees answered in the bottom of the third. Brosius grounded out and Bellinger flied out, but Ledee was hit with a pitch. Rose fell apart giving up back to back singles to Jeter and O'Neil to cut the lead 3-1. Williams was hit with the pitch to load the bases but Rose recovered to get Martinez to ground out to end the inning.
Grimsley cruised in the top of the fourth. O'Leary popped up, Valentin flied out and Varitek looked at strike three to end the inning. The Yankees struck again in the bottom of the fourth. Posada looked at strike three but Spencer crushed a solo home run to cut the lead 3-2. Brosius flied out and Bellinger grounded out to end the inning.
The Sox once again failed to crack Grimsley in the top of the fifth. Lewis and Frye grounded out and Nixon flied out to end the inning. The Yankees tied the game instantly in the bottom of the fifth when Ledee homered. Jeter singled to chase Rose and Jimy Williams brought in Rheal Cormier. Jeter moved to second on a groundout by O'Neill. Jeter swiped second but Williams looked at strike three. Martinez lined out to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
The vaunted Yankee bullpen took over in the top of the sixth. Old friend Mike Stanton got the ball although Daubach greeted him with a single. Nomar struck out but Everett singled. O'Leary popped up and Valentin flied out to end the inning. John Wasdin poured gas on the fire in the bottom of the inning with Donnie Sadler now in centerfield. Posada blasted a home run to give the Yankees the lead. Spencer and Brosius grounded out but Bellinger singled and stole second. Ledee walked and Jeter singled home Bellinger to chase the incompetent Wasdin. Tim Young replaced him and got tagged for the first time all year when he allowed a 3 run blast to O'Neil to give the Yankees a commanding 8-3 lead. Williams struck out to end the inning, what a disaster.
The Sox failed to answer against Stanton in the top of the seventh. Varitek and Sadler struck out but Frye and Nixon singled. Daubach whiffed to end the inning. Young returned for the bottom of the seventh and got Martinez to hit one up the elevator shaft. Posada singled but was doubled off first on a line drive to Nixon to end the inning.
Stanton returned for the top of the eighth and continued to shut down the Sox. Nomar singled but Everett popped up. O'Leary singled but Valentin flied out. Varitek popped up to end the inning. Tim Wakefield replaced Young in the bottom of the eighth. Brosius grounded out but Bellinger walked. Ledee banged into a double play to end the inning.
Mariano Rivera got the ball for the top of the ninth just to get some work in. Sadler and Frye flied out but Nixon walked. Daubach grounded out to end the game. The Yankees had won 8-3.
Jackass of the night is once again John "Way Back" Wasdin. He gave up 4 runs in just 2/3 of an inning, putting the game out of reach.
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi. Nomar Garciaparra was 1 for 3 with a walk in his return. Rheal Cormier pitched a scoreless 5th inning. Tim Wakefield pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 2 coming in for Lewis. Brian Rose stunk again, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, 2 homers in just 4 innings while striking out 2.
The Ugly
Brian Daubach, Carl Everett, Troy O'Leary and Jason Varitek were all just 1 for 4. John Valentin was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count as it was a home run. Darren Lewis was 0 for 2 but scored a run. Tim Young was finally tagged for a run, giving up a 3 run blast to O'Neil. He did pitch a scoreless 7th inning though.
Final Thoughts:
If John Wasdin wasn't on this team, would the Sox have more wins? It sure feels like it. That's not to say Brian Rose was good, he wasn't...but pouring gas on the fire is not what you need against the Yankees. Its good to have Garciaparra back and Jeff Frye is putting his money where his mouth is after bitching about playing time earlier in the week. Tomorrow night is the big monster match between Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens. Clemens stunk the last time they hooked up in Game 3 of the 99 LCS so for a baseball fan's sake, hopefully Clemens is better to give the fans their money's worth. The loss dropped the Sox to 27-18, tied with the Yankees for first place in the AL East.
Friday, May 26, 2000
Ramon Pitches In, Sox Defeat Yankees (5/26/00)
The much maligned Ramon Martinez (4-3, 5.88 ERA) has had a down year, but he pitched like the ace of old in this one. One day after allowing 17 hits and 11 runs to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Boston Red Sox shutdown the repeat world champion New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium, riding timely offense to win 4-1.
Placido Flamingo approves of the win
David Cone got the ball to start the top of the first inning and the Sox immediately pounced on him. Jeff Frye led off with a double and John Valentin singled him to third. Trot Nixon whiffed and then Cone made a colossal mental error. Daubach hit a chopper back to Cone that should have been a double play, but instead David raced after Jeff Frye going home. Frye was out but Valentin and Daubach moved into scoring position.What was Cone thinking? Carl Everett made him pay when he singled home both runners. Everett swiped second and Troy O'Leary walked. Mike Stanley whiffed to end the inning but the Sox had a 2-0 lead.
Everett singles to make it 2-0
Ramon Martinez took the hill in the bottom of the first. Ricky Ledee struck out, Wilson Delgado grounded out and Paul O'Neil flied out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the second as well. Jason Varitek walked and Donnie Sadler bunted him to second. Frye walked but Valentin and Nixon struck out to end the inning. Ramon ran into trouble in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams singled but Tino Martinez flied out. Jorge Posada singled but Scott Brosius flied out. Chris Turner struck out to end the inning.
The Sox struck again in the top of the third. Daubach lined out and Everett grounded out, but O'Leary singled. Stanley stepped up and clobbered a two run home run to put the Sox up 4-0. Varitek walked but Sadler hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Yankees struck back in the bottom of the third. Clay Bellinger homered to cut the lead 4-1. Ledee grounded out, Delgado flied out and O'Neill grounded out to end the inning.
Cone settled down in the top of the fourth inning. Frye grounded out, Valentin flied out and Nixon grounded out as well to end the inning. Ramon continued to pitch well in the bottom of the fourth. Williams popped up and Tino Martinez flied out, but Posada was hit with a pitch. Brosius flied out to end the inning.
Cone cruised in the top of the fifth inning. Daubach, Everett and O'Leary all flied out in short order. The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the fifth but blundered again. Turner and Bellinger singled then Ledee singled to score....wait, what? Turner stopped at third and Bellinger hustled around second thinking Turner went home...only to skid in his tracks when he saw Turner standing on third. Clay was tagged out and instead of the bases loaded or a run it, it was first and third with one out. Delgado compounded the error by popping up and O'Neil grounded out to end the inning. A huge break for the Sox kept it a 4-1 game.
Once again Cone responded with a shutdown inning in the top of the sixth. Stanley struck out as both Varitek and Sadler grounded out to end the inning. Ramon matched Cone in the bottom of the inning. Williams flied out, Tino Martinez popped up and Posada struck out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the seventh as well. Frye singled but Valentin struck out. Nixon singled but Daubach flied out. Everett grounded out to end the inning. Ramon came back for the bottom of the seventh and got Brosius to ground out. Turner struck out and Bellinger flied out to end the inning.
Allen Watson replaced Cone for the top of the eighth but O'Leary chased him with a single. Jeff Nelson was brought in to slam the door. Stanley flied out and Varitek bounced into a double play to end the inning. Ramon came back briefly for the bottom of the eighth to get Ledee to pop up. Lance Johnson pinch hit for Delgado and struck out. O'Neil then doubled to chase Martinez. With a 4 run lead and 109 pitches on his arm, Sox manager Jimy Williams felt Ramon had done enough. Rich Garces came in and struck out Williams to end the inning.
Alfonso Soriano replaced Johnson at short in the top of the ninth as Nelson struck out Sadler to begin the inning. Frye flied out and Valentin grounded out to end the inning. Sox closer Derek Lowe got the call to finish off the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth. Martinez flied out and Posada struck out, but Brosius doubled. Jim Leyritz pinch hit for Turner and grounded out to end the game. The Sox had taken Game 1 of the series 4-1.
Hero of the night is Ramon Martinez. He put together his best start for the Red Sox by allowing just 1 run in 7 2/3 innings, scattering 7 hits while striking out 5.
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 4. Troy O'Leary was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Jason Varitek walked twice in four plate appearances. Rich Garces struck out the only man he faced. Derek Lowe notched his 10th save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Nomar Garciaparra can't come back fast enough.
The Ugly:
John Valentin was just 1 for 5 but scored a run. Trot Nixon was just 1 for 4. Brian Daubach was 0 for 4 but scored a run. Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made the one hit count, driving 2 runs with a single. Mike Stanley was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count, driving in 2 runs by launching his 9th homer of the year.
Final Thoughts:
A win is a win despite the fact the Yankees were resting Derek Jeter and Chuck Knoblauch. Then again the Sox were resting Jose Offerman, not to mention Nomar Garciaparra is out. The good news is Nomar comes back tomorrow night. Its about damn time. The win improved the Sox to 27-17, one game ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night Brian Rose takes the hill opposite Jason Grimsley.
David Cone got the ball to start the top of the first inning and the Sox immediately pounced on him. Jeff Frye led off with a double and John Valentin singled him to third. Trot Nixon whiffed and then Cone made a colossal mental error. Daubach hit a chopper back to Cone that should have been a double play, but instead David raced after Jeff Frye going home. Frye was out but Valentin and Daubach moved into scoring position.What was Cone thinking? Carl Everett made him pay when he singled home both runners. Everett swiped second and Troy O'Leary walked. Mike Stanley whiffed to end the inning but the Sox had a 2-0 lead.
Ramon Martinez took the hill in the bottom of the first. Ricky Ledee struck out, Wilson Delgado grounded out and Paul O'Neil flied out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the second as well. Jason Varitek walked and Donnie Sadler bunted him to second. Frye walked but Valentin and Nixon struck out to end the inning. Ramon ran into trouble in the bottom of the second. Bernie Williams singled but Tino Martinez flied out. Jorge Posada singled but Scott Brosius flied out. Chris Turner struck out to end the inning.
The Sox struck again in the top of the third. Daubach lined out and Everett grounded out, but O'Leary singled. Stanley stepped up and clobbered a two run home run to put the Sox up 4-0. Varitek walked but Sadler hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Yankees struck back in the bottom of the third. Clay Bellinger homered to cut the lead 4-1. Ledee grounded out, Delgado flied out and O'Neill grounded out to end the inning.
Cone settled down in the top of the fourth inning. Frye grounded out, Valentin flied out and Nixon grounded out as well to end the inning. Ramon continued to pitch well in the bottom of the fourth. Williams popped up and Tino Martinez flied out, but Posada was hit with a pitch. Brosius flied out to end the inning.
Cone cruised in the top of the fifth inning. Daubach, Everett and O'Leary all flied out in short order. The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the fifth but blundered again. Turner and Bellinger singled then Ledee singled to score....wait, what? Turner stopped at third and Bellinger hustled around second thinking Turner went home...only to skid in his tracks when he saw Turner standing on third. Clay was tagged out and instead of the bases loaded or a run it, it was first and third with one out. Delgado compounded the error by popping up and O'Neil grounded out to end the inning. A huge break for the Sox kept it a 4-1 game.
Once again Cone responded with a shutdown inning in the top of the sixth. Stanley struck out as both Varitek and Sadler grounded out to end the inning. Ramon matched Cone in the bottom of the inning. Williams flied out, Tino Martinez popped up and Posada struck out to end the inning.
The Sox threatened in the top of the seventh as well. Frye singled but Valentin struck out. Nixon singled but Daubach flied out. Everett grounded out to end the inning. Ramon came back for the bottom of the seventh and got Brosius to ground out. Turner struck out and Bellinger flied out to end the inning.
Allen Watson replaced Cone for the top of the eighth but O'Leary chased him with a single. Jeff Nelson was brought in to slam the door. Stanley flied out and Varitek bounced into a double play to end the inning. Ramon came back briefly for the bottom of the eighth to get Ledee to pop up. Lance Johnson pinch hit for Delgado and struck out. O'Neil then doubled to chase Martinez. With a 4 run lead and 109 pitches on his arm, Sox manager Jimy Williams felt Ramon had done enough. Rich Garces came in and struck out Williams to end the inning.
Alfonso Soriano replaced Johnson at short in the top of the ninth as Nelson struck out Sadler to begin the inning. Frye flied out and Valentin grounded out to end the inning. Sox closer Derek Lowe got the call to finish off the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth. Martinez flied out and Posada struck out, but Brosius doubled. Jim Leyritz pinch hit for Turner and grounded out to end the game. The Sox had taken Game 1 of the series 4-1.
Hero of the night is Ramon Martinez. He put together his best start for the Red Sox by allowing just 1 run in 7 2/3 innings, scattering 7 hits while striking out 5.
The Good:
Jeff Frye was 2 for 4. Troy O'Leary was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Jason Varitek walked twice in four plate appearances. Rich Garces struck out the only man he faced. Derek Lowe notched his 10th save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Nomar Garciaparra can't come back fast enough.
The Ugly:
John Valentin was just 1 for 5 but scored a run. Trot Nixon was just 1 for 4. Brian Daubach was 0 for 4 but scored a run. Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but made the one hit count, driving 2 runs with a single. Mike Stanley was just 1 for 4 but made the hit count, driving in 2 runs by launching his 9th homer of the year.
Final Thoughts:
A win is a win despite the fact the Yankees were resting Derek Jeter and Chuck Knoblauch. Then again the Sox were resting Jose Offerman, not to mention Nomar Garciaparra is out. The good news is Nomar comes back tomorrow night. Its about damn time. The win improved the Sox to 27-17, one game ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night Brian Rose takes the hill opposite Jason Grimsley.
Thursday, May 25, 2000
Jays Win Slugfest at Fenway (5/25/00)
After holding the Toronto Blue Jays offense in check for two games, the powerful offense exploded on Pete Schourek (2-4, 3.15 ERA) and the Red Sox pitching staff, pounding them for 11 runs and 17 hits. The Jays took the game 11-6 at Fenway Park.
Dux can't stand bad pitching
Schourek took the mound in the top of the first and got Shannon Stewart to fly out. Craig Grebeck popped up and Raul Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. Blue Jays ace David Wells (8-2) got the ball in the bottom of the first. Darren Lewis and Donnie Sadler grounded out and Jeff Frye flied out to end the inning.
Schourek cruised in the top of the second. Carlos Delgado grounded out and Tony Batista flied out before Todd Greene grounded out to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second inning. Raul Mondesi went OLE! on a liner by Mike Stanley, allowing Stanley to reach second. Carl Everett flied out to move Stanley to third. Jason Varitek singled home Stanley to give the Sox a 1-0 lead. Wilton Veras singled but Varitek was erased at third on the force by Scott Hatteberg. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position...but Manny Alexander whiffed to end the inning.
The Jays roared back in the top of the third. Darrin Fletcher singled and Veras went OLE on a pop up from Jose Cruz, scoring Fletcher all the way from first and allowing Cruz to reach third. Alex S Gonzalez grounded out but Stewart blasted a 2 run bomb to give the Jays a 3-1 lead. Grebeck flied out and Mondesi struck out to end the inning. Could the Sox answer in the botom of the frame? NO! Lewis flied out and Sadler grounded out but Frye walked. Stanley flied out to end the inning.
The Jays struck back in the top of the fourth. Delgado and Batista stuck out but Greene blasted a solo home run to increase the Jays lead 4-1. Fletcher and Cruz singled but Gonzalez grounded out to end the inning. Everett singled to lead off the bottom of the fourth. Varitek struck out and Veras popped up but Everett swiped second. Hatteberg grounded out to end the inning.
Sox manager Jimy Williams pulled the plug on Schourek and brought in Tim Wakefield to take a beating in the top of the fifth. Stewart walked and stole second before Grebeck singled him to third. Mondesi banged into a double play but Stewart scored to make it 5-1. Delgado then swatted a home run to make it 6-1. Batista singled but Greene popped up to end the inning. The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the fifth. Alexander grounded out but Lewis doubled. Sadler whiffed but Frye singled. Stanley singled home Lewis to cut the lead 6-2. Everett walked to load the bases....but Varitek whiffed to end the inning.
Two Wise Men say it all
Wakefield recovered in the top of the sixth. Fletcher grounded out, Cruz struck out and Gonzalez flied out to end the inning. Wells matched him in the bottom of the sixth. Veras flied out, Hatteberg grounded out and Alexander struck out to end the inning.
The Jays pounced on Wakefield in the top of the seventh. Stewart doubled and Grebeck singled him to third. Mondesi singled to score Stewart and chase Wakefield. John "Way Back" Wasdin was brought in to take a beating. Delgado singled to score Grebeck and Batista cleared the bases with a double. Greene struck out and Fletcher grounded out. Cruz walked but Gonzalez flied out to end the inning. The score was now 10-2 and all seemed lost. The Sox did try to rally in the bottom of the seventh as DeWayne Wise took over for Mondesi in right. Lewis singled but Sadler struck out. Frye and Stanley hit back to back sigles to score Lewis. Everett and Varitek flied out but the score was now 10-3.
The relentless Jays scored again in the top of the eighth. Stewart led off with a triple but Grebeck struck out. Wise hit one up the elevator shaft but Delgado singled home Stewart to make it 11-3. Batista grounded out to end the inning. The Sox shockingly rallied in the bottom of the eighth. Veras doubled to chase Wells. Paul Quantril replaced him and Hatteberg doubled home Veras. Trot Nixon pinch hit for Alexander and popped up. Lewis lined out and Sadler grounded out to end the inning with the Sox down 11-4.
Nixon took over in right as Sadler moved to short to begin the top of the ninth with Tim Young on the mound. Greene flied out but Fletcher tripled. Cruz flied out to right and Fletcher tried to test Nixon's arm....bad idea. Nixon gunned Fletcher down at home to end the inning. The Sox didn't go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. Frye singled to open the inning but Stanley flied out. Everett stepped up to crack a 2 run home run to make it 11-6. Varitek looked at strike three and Veras grounded out to end the inning. The Jays had won the slugfest 11-6.
Jackass of the Night is Tim Wakefield. Schourek was pulled with a 4-1 deficit and Wake poured gas on the fire by allowing 5 runs in 2 innings on 6 hits and a walk.
Tim Wakefield: Jackass
The Good:
Darren Lewis was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Jeff Frye was 3 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Mike Stanley was 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 rbis. Carl Everett was 2 for 4 with a walk, run scored and knocked in 2 on his 14th home run of the year. Wilton Veras was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Tim Young pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts. Manny Alexander was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. Trot Nixon was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter. Pete Schourek took the loss by lasting just 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits. John Wasdin allowed 2 inherited runners to score and allowed 2 of his own.
The Ugly:
Jason Varitek was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run. Scott Hatteberg was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Final Thoughts:
The Blue Jays have a powerful offense and they showed you why tonight. All of those guys can mash and they will make you pay for every mistake. The Sox allowed SEVENTEEN hits in this one and couldn't get anyone out. You can't win too many games giving up 11 runs and 17 hits. The loss dropped the Sox to 26-17, still good for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night the Sox find out what they're made of with a 3 game set in New York with the Yankees. Ramon Martinez takes the ball for the Red Sox opposite David Cone at 7:05 PM.
Schourek took the mound in the top of the first and got Shannon Stewart to fly out. Craig Grebeck popped up and Raul Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. Blue Jays ace David Wells (8-2) got the ball in the bottom of the first. Darren Lewis and Donnie Sadler grounded out and Jeff Frye flied out to end the inning.
Schourek cruised in the top of the second. Carlos Delgado grounded out and Tony Batista flied out before Todd Greene grounded out to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second inning. Raul Mondesi went OLE! on a liner by Mike Stanley, allowing Stanley to reach second. Carl Everett flied out to move Stanley to third. Jason Varitek singled home Stanley to give the Sox a 1-0 lead. Wilton Veras singled but Varitek was erased at third on the force by Scott Hatteberg. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position...but Manny Alexander whiffed to end the inning.
The Jays roared back in the top of the third. Darrin Fletcher singled and Veras went OLE on a pop up from Jose Cruz, scoring Fletcher all the way from first and allowing Cruz to reach third. Alex S Gonzalez grounded out but Stewart blasted a 2 run bomb to give the Jays a 3-1 lead. Grebeck flied out and Mondesi struck out to end the inning. Could the Sox answer in the botom of the frame? NO! Lewis flied out and Sadler grounded out but Frye walked. Stanley flied out to end the inning.
The Jays struck back in the top of the fourth. Delgado and Batista stuck out but Greene blasted a solo home run to increase the Jays lead 4-1. Fletcher and Cruz singled but Gonzalez grounded out to end the inning. Everett singled to lead off the bottom of the fourth. Varitek struck out and Veras popped up but Everett swiped second. Hatteberg grounded out to end the inning.
Sox manager Jimy Williams pulled the plug on Schourek and brought in Tim Wakefield to take a beating in the top of the fifth. Stewart walked and stole second before Grebeck singled him to third. Mondesi banged into a double play but Stewart scored to make it 5-1. Delgado then swatted a home run to make it 6-1. Batista singled but Greene popped up to end the inning. The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the fifth. Alexander grounded out but Lewis doubled. Sadler whiffed but Frye singled. Stanley singled home Lewis to cut the lead 6-2. Everett walked to load the bases....but Varitek whiffed to end the inning.
Wakefield recovered in the top of the sixth. Fletcher grounded out, Cruz struck out and Gonzalez flied out to end the inning. Wells matched him in the bottom of the sixth. Veras flied out, Hatteberg grounded out and Alexander struck out to end the inning.
The Jays pounced on Wakefield in the top of the seventh. Stewart doubled and Grebeck singled him to third. Mondesi singled to score Stewart and chase Wakefield. John "Way Back" Wasdin was brought in to take a beating. Delgado singled to score Grebeck and Batista cleared the bases with a double. Greene struck out and Fletcher grounded out. Cruz walked but Gonzalez flied out to end the inning. The score was now 10-2 and all seemed lost. The Sox did try to rally in the bottom of the seventh as DeWayne Wise took over for Mondesi in right. Lewis singled but Sadler struck out. Frye and Stanley hit back to back sigles to score Lewis. Everett and Varitek flied out but the score was now 10-3.
The relentless Jays scored again in the top of the eighth. Stewart led off with a triple but Grebeck struck out. Wise hit one up the elevator shaft but Delgado singled home Stewart to make it 11-3. Batista grounded out to end the inning. The Sox shockingly rallied in the bottom of the eighth. Veras doubled to chase Wells. Paul Quantril replaced him and Hatteberg doubled home Veras. Trot Nixon pinch hit for Alexander and popped up. Lewis lined out and Sadler grounded out to end the inning with the Sox down 11-4.
Nixon took over in right as Sadler moved to short to begin the top of the ninth with Tim Young on the mound. Greene flied out but Fletcher tripled. Cruz flied out to right and Fletcher tried to test Nixon's arm....bad idea. Nixon gunned Fletcher down at home to end the inning. The Sox didn't go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. Frye singled to open the inning but Stanley flied out. Everett stepped up to crack a 2 run home run to make it 11-6. Varitek looked at strike three and Veras grounded out to end the inning. The Jays had won the slugfest 11-6.
Jackass of the Night is Tim Wakefield. Schourek was pulled with a 4-1 deficit and Wake poured gas on the fire by allowing 5 runs in 2 innings on 6 hits and a walk.
The Good:
Darren Lewis was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Jeff Frye was 3 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Mike Stanley was 2 for 5 with a run scored and 2 rbis. Carl Everett was 2 for 4 with a walk, run scored and knocked in 2 on his 14th home run of the year. Wilton Veras was 2 for 5 with a run scored. Tim Young pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Donnie Sadler was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts. Manny Alexander was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. Trot Nixon was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter. Pete Schourek took the loss by lasting just 4 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits. John Wasdin allowed 2 inherited runners to score and allowed 2 of his own.
The Ugly:
Jason Varitek was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run. Scott Hatteberg was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Final Thoughts:
The Blue Jays have a powerful offense and they showed you why tonight. All of those guys can mash and they will make you pay for every mistake. The Sox allowed SEVENTEEN hits in this one and couldn't get anyone out. You can't win too many games giving up 11 runs and 17 hits. The loss dropped the Sox to 26-17, still good for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow night the Sox find out what they're made of with a 3 game set in New York with the Yankees. Ramon Martinez takes the ball for the Red Sox opposite David Cone at 7:05 PM.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000
Daubach, Sox Walkoff on Jays (5/24/00)
It appeared that the Boston Red Sox were going to blow their second consecutive game because of a lack of clutch hitting. They left 10 men on base the previous game and 11 total tonight before Brian Daubach said to hell with this and ended the game with a walkoff blast. The three run homer defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 at Fenway Park in 11 innings.
PH Balance approves of the victory
"Junkball" Jeff Fassero took the mound in the top of the first inning. Shannon Stewart led off with a groundout while both Craig Grebeck and Raul Mondesi struck out to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time scoring against Jays starter Kelvim Escobar. Jose Offerman struck out to begin the bottom of the first but John Valentin, Trot Nixon and Brian Daubach all walked to load the bases. Carl Everett damn near hit into a double play, but he beat it out to score Valentin with the game's first run. Troy O'Leary flied out to end the inning but it was 1-0 Sox.
Fassero was perfect in the top of the second inning. Carlos Delgado and Tony Batista both grounded out and Marty Cordova flied out to end the inning. The Sox had a chance to do some damage in the bottom of the second but failed again. Jeff Frye grounded out but Jason Varitek and Donnie Sadler hit back to back singles. Offerman almost hit into a double play but a hard slide by Sadler broke it up. With runners on the corners...Valentin popped up to end the inning.
Jose Cruz singled to lead off the top of the third inning but Alex Gonzalez banged into a double play. Alberto Castillo flied out to end the inning. The Sox finally got a clutch hit in the bottom of the third inning. Nixon and Daubach both whiffed but Everett and O'Leary walked. Frye singled home Everett as O'Leary moved to third. The Sox were 0 for 19 with runners in scoring position to that point.Varitek singled home O'Leary to make it 3-0. Sadler hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning but the Sox had a three run lead.
Fassero kept the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Batista singled but was picked off. The Sox caught a scare when Cordova nearly hit one off the Pesky Pole and Nixon almost hurt himself diving into the stands to catch the ball. Luckily Nixon was okay and the ball was foul. Cordova, then Cruz, grounded out to end the inning. Somehow Escobar settled down in the bottom of the fifth. Everett lined out, O'Leary grounded out and Frye looked at strike three to end the inning.
Fassero had an easy top of the sixth by getting Gonzalez, Castillo and Stewart all to ground out in short order. This was arguably Jeff's best start since the Baltimore matchup with Jason Johnson. The Sox had a chance to ice the game in the bottom of the sixth. Varitek singled and Sadler sacrifice bunted him to second. Offerman walked but Valentin bounced into a double play to end the inning.
Suddenly everything fell apart in the top of the seventh. Grebeck and Mondesi led off with back to back singles and Delgado doubled home Grebeck to chase Fassero. Rich Garces came in and Batista hit a sac fly to score Mondesi to cut the lead 3-2. Brad Fullmer pinch hit for Cordova and flied out. Needing just one more out to escape with the lead....Cruz singled home Delgado to tie the game, wasting yet another solid Fassero start. Gonzalez watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Mr. Horse doesn't like bad 7th innings
Could the Sox respond in the bottom of the seventh inning against Pedro Borbon Jr? NO! Nixon grounded out and Daubach looked at strike three, but Everett was hit with a pitch. Carl swiped second but O'Leary whiffed to end the inning.
Derek Lowe replaced Garces in the top of the eighth. Darrin Fletcher pinch hit for Castillo and grounded out. Stewart doubled but was erased at third on a ground ball by Grebeck. Mondesi struck out to end the inning. Old friend Paul Quantrill was brought in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Frye lined out, Varitek flied out and Sadler grounded out to end the inning.
Rheal Cormier (2-0, 4.22 ERA) came on to pitch the top of the ninth. Delgado grounded out and Batista popped up, but Fullmer walked. Cruz singled but Gonzalez popped up to end the inning. Quantrill remained on the mound for the bottom of the ninth. Offerman struck out looking and Valentin grounded out, but Nixon singled. With the winning run on first....Daubach flied out to end the inning.
Cormier returned for the top of the tenth inning. Fletcher and Stewart grounded out but Grebeck singled. Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. John Frascatore took the ball in the bottom of the tenth inning and got Everett to pop up. O'Leary singled to put the winning run on but Frye popped up. Varitek flied out to end the inning.
Cormier shockingly returned for one more inning. Delgado led off the top of the eleventh inning with a ground out. Sadler then booted a ball hit by Batista, allowing him to reach. Fullmer popped up and Cruz grounded out to end the inning. That was Cormier's best performance yet. Things finally ended in the bottom of the eleventh. Sadler struck out but Offerman walked. Valentin popped up and THEN Sox manager Jimy Williams pinch ran Manny Alexander for Offerman. Nixon singled and Daubach ended the game with a 3 run blast over the Green Monster to win it 6-3.
"We did it, guys!" - Brian Daubach
We have Co-Heroes of the night for this one. Hero of the night is the obvious choice. Brian Daubach's 3 run blast won the game for the Red Sox.
Hero Number 1: Brian Daubach
Hero number 2 is Rheal Cormier. His 3 innings of relief kept the Sox in the game long enough for Daubach to end it with the home run.
Hero Number 2: Rheal Cormier
The Good:
Manny Alexander pinch ran for Offerman and scored a run. Trot Nixon was 2 for 5 with a walk and a run scored. Jason Varitek was 3 for 5 with an rbi. Derek Lowe pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
None...shocking.
The Ugly:
Jose Offerman was 0 for 4 but walked twice. John Valentin was 0 for 4 but walked twice and scored a run. Carl Everett was 0 for 3 but walked, scored a run and drove in one. Troy O'Leary was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run. Jeff Frye was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run. Donnie Sadler was just 1 for 4 with an error. Jeff Fassero was solid through 6 innings but fell apart in the seventh, getting charged for 3 runs off 6 hits while striking out three. Rich Garcess got through the 7th inning but allowed both inherited runners to score.
Final Thoughts:
Walkoff wins are always fun if you're the home team and they were on the right side of it tonight. Their offense has a lot of holes in it that may or may not be correctable but for one night, things worked out in their favor. Once again Fassero fell apart in the 7th inning, he may have to be designated 6 innings per start or something. Forget pitching coach Joe Kerrigan's pitch counts, this guy may need an inning limit. Great work by Lowe and Cormier to keep the Sox in the game until Daubach could end it. Tomorrow night the Sox look to keep the momentum going by starting Pete Schourek (2-3, 2.68 ERA) against Blue Jays ace David Wells (7-2, 3.60 ERA) at 7:05 PM.
"Junkball" Jeff Fassero took the mound in the top of the first inning. Shannon Stewart led off with a groundout while both Craig Grebeck and Raul Mondesi struck out to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time scoring against Jays starter Kelvim Escobar. Jose Offerman struck out to begin the bottom of the first but John Valentin, Trot Nixon and Brian Daubach all walked to load the bases. Carl Everett damn near hit into a double play, but he beat it out to score Valentin with the game's first run. Troy O'Leary flied out to end the inning but it was 1-0 Sox.
Fassero was perfect in the top of the second inning. Carlos Delgado and Tony Batista both grounded out and Marty Cordova flied out to end the inning. The Sox had a chance to do some damage in the bottom of the second but failed again. Jeff Frye grounded out but Jason Varitek and Donnie Sadler hit back to back singles. Offerman almost hit into a double play but a hard slide by Sadler broke it up. With runners on the corners...Valentin popped up to end the inning.
Jose Cruz singled to lead off the top of the third inning but Alex Gonzalez banged into a double play. Alberto Castillo flied out to end the inning. The Sox finally got a clutch hit in the bottom of the third inning. Nixon and Daubach both whiffed but Everett and O'Leary walked. Frye singled home Everett as O'Leary moved to third. The Sox were 0 for 19 with runners in scoring position to that point.Varitek singled home O'Leary to make it 3-0. Sadler hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning but the Sox had a three run lead.
Fassero kept the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Batista singled but was picked off. The Sox caught a scare when Cordova nearly hit one off the Pesky Pole and Nixon almost hurt himself diving into the stands to catch the ball. Luckily Nixon was okay and the ball was foul. Cordova, then Cruz, grounded out to end the inning. Somehow Escobar settled down in the bottom of the fifth. Everett lined out, O'Leary grounded out and Frye looked at strike three to end the inning.
Fassero had an easy top of the sixth by getting Gonzalez, Castillo and Stewart all to ground out in short order. This was arguably Jeff's best start since the Baltimore matchup with Jason Johnson. The Sox had a chance to ice the game in the bottom of the sixth. Varitek singled and Sadler sacrifice bunted him to second. Offerman walked but Valentin bounced into a double play to end the inning.
Suddenly everything fell apart in the top of the seventh. Grebeck and Mondesi led off with back to back singles and Delgado doubled home Grebeck to chase Fassero. Rich Garces came in and Batista hit a sac fly to score Mondesi to cut the lead 3-2. Brad Fullmer pinch hit for Cordova and flied out. Needing just one more out to escape with the lead....Cruz singled home Delgado to tie the game, wasting yet another solid Fassero start. Gonzalez watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Could the Sox respond in the bottom of the seventh inning against Pedro Borbon Jr? NO! Nixon grounded out and Daubach looked at strike three, but Everett was hit with a pitch. Carl swiped second but O'Leary whiffed to end the inning.
Derek Lowe replaced Garces in the top of the eighth. Darrin Fletcher pinch hit for Castillo and grounded out. Stewart doubled but was erased at third on a ground ball by Grebeck. Mondesi struck out to end the inning. Old friend Paul Quantrill was brought in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Frye lined out, Varitek flied out and Sadler grounded out to end the inning.
Rheal Cormier (2-0, 4.22 ERA) came on to pitch the top of the ninth. Delgado grounded out and Batista popped up, but Fullmer walked. Cruz singled but Gonzalez popped up to end the inning. Quantrill remained on the mound for the bottom of the ninth. Offerman struck out looking and Valentin grounded out, but Nixon singled. With the winning run on first....Daubach flied out to end the inning.
Cormier returned for the top of the tenth inning. Fletcher and Stewart grounded out but Grebeck singled. Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. John Frascatore took the ball in the bottom of the tenth inning and got Everett to pop up. O'Leary singled to put the winning run on but Frye popped up. Varitek flied out to end the inning.
Cormier shockingly returned for one more inning. Delgado led off the top of the eleventh inning with a ground out. Sadler then booted a ball hit by Batista, allowing him to reach. Fullmer popped up and Cruz grounded out to end the inning. That was Cormier's best performance yet. Things finally ended in the bottom of the eleventh. Sadler struck out but Offerman walked. Valentin popped up and THEN Sox manager Jimy Williams pinch ran Manny Alexander for Offerman. Nixon singled and Daubach ended the game with a 3 run blast over the Green Monster to win it 6-3.
We have Co-Heroes of the night for this one. Hero of the night is the obvious choice. Brian Daubach's 3 run blast won the game for the Red Sox.
Hero number 2 is Rheal Cormier. His 3 innings of relief kept the Sox in the game long enough for Daubach to end it with the home run.
The Good:
Manny Alexander pinch ran for Offerman and scored a run. Trot Nixon was 2 for 5 with a walk and a run scored. Jason Varitek was 3 for 5 with an rbi. Derek Lowe pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
None...shocking.
The Ugly:
Jose Offerman was 0 for 4 but walked twice. John Valentin was 0 for 4 but walked twice and scored a run. Carl Everett was 0 for 3 but walked, scored a run and drove in one. Troy O'Leary was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run. Jeff Frye was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run. Donnie Sadler was just 1 for 4 with an error. Jeff Fassero was solid through 6 innings but fell apart in the seventh, getting charged for 3 runs off 6 hits while striking out three. Rich Garcess got through the 7th inning but allowed both inherited runners to score.
Final Thoughts:
Walkoff wins are always fun if you're the home team and they were on the right side of it tonight. Their offense has a lot of holes in it that may or may not be correctable but for one night, things worked out in their favor. Once again Fassero fell apart in the 7th inning, he may have to be designated 6 innings per start or something. Forget pitching coach Joe Kerrigan's pitch counts, this guy may need an inning limit. Great work by Lowe and Cormier to keep the Sox in the game until Daubach could end it. Tomorrow night the Sox look to keep the momentum going by starting Pete Schourek (2-3, 2.68 ERA) against Blue Jays ace David Wells (7-2, 3.60 ERA) at 7:05 PM.
Tuesday, May 23, 2000
Carpenter Outduels Pedro, Jays Defeat Sox (5/23/00)
The Boston Red Sox have lost three in a row for the first time since the opening weekend but they only have themselves to blame after not hitting for their ace, Pedro Martinez (7-2, 1.19 ERA). Toronto Blue Jays starter Chris Carpenter and a host of Toronto relievers kept the Sox off the board just enough for the Jays to walk away with a 3-2 victory at Fenway Park.
Pedro was not sharp to begin the game in the top of the first inning. Shannon Stewart and Craig Grebeck stroked back to back singles to open the game. Both runners moved over on a ground out by Raul Mondesi and Stewart scored on a wild pitch. Carlos Delgado flied out and Brad Fullmer struck out to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0. The Sox answered in the bottom of the first. Jose Offerman walked and John Valentin singled him to third. Trot Nixon banged into a double play but Offerman scored to tie the game 1-1. Brian Daubach grounded out to end the inning.
Pedro settled down in the top of the second inning. Tony Batista and Darrin Fletcher flied out and Jose Cruz popped up to end the inning. The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the second. Carl Everett was hit with a pitch but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Mike Stanley and Troy O'Leary grounded out to end the inning.
The Jays struck back in the top of the third inning. Alex S Gonzalez and Stewart hit back to back singles and Grebeck walked to load the bases. Mondesi popped up but Delgado hit a sacrifice fly to give the Jays a 2-1 lead. Fullmer struck out again to end the inning. The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third inning. Jason Varitek singled and moved to second on the ground out by Donnie Sadler. Jose Offerman grounded out but moved Varitek to third. With the tying run 90 feet away, Valentin popped up to end the inning.
To drive home the fact Pedro was mortal in this one, Batista led off the top of the fourth with a solo blast to give Toronto a 3-1 lead. Fletcher struck out but Cruz walked. Gonzalez whiffed but Cruz stole second. Stewart grounded out to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning. Nixon flied out but Daubach singled and Everett walked. Stanley struck out but O'Leary walked to load the bases. With the tying run at second....Varitek flied out to end the inning.
Pedro cruised in the top of the fifth inning. Grebeck struck out, Mondesi flied out and Delgado grounded out to end the inning. The Sox looked to fight back in the bottom of the fifth when Sadler led off with a double, but he was stranded. Offerman grounded out, Valentin flied out and Nixon flied out as well to end the inning.
Things didn't start out well in the top of the sixth when Sadler damn near took out the hot dog vendor with a bad throw, allowing Fullmer to reach. Batista singled but Fletcher banged into a double play. Cruz whiffed to end the inning. The Sox knocked Carpenter out in the bottom of the sixth. Daubach and Everett singled to open the frame but Stanley struck out. O'Leary moved both runners over with a ground out and Varitek walked to load the bases. Sadler atoned for his error by drawing a walk to cut the lead 3-2 and chase Carpenter. Old friend Paul Quantril got Offerman to ground out to end the inning but the Sox were back in it.
Pedro responded in the top of the seventh inning. Gonzalez flied out and Stewart grounded out, but Grebeck singled. Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. Valentin flied out to begin the bottom of the seventh and that was it for Quantril. Pedro Borbon Jr was brought in and got Nixon to ground out. Daubach flied out to end the inning.
Pedro had enough left in the tank to come out for the top of the eighth inning. Delgado walked but Fullmer flied out. Batista struck out and Fletcher flied out to end the inning. Pedro was shaky early but he recovered to toss 8 innings of 3 run ball. Usually that would be enough to win. Today it wasn't. John Frascatore got the call in the bottom of the eighth. Everett singled but Stanley struck out again and O'Leary banged into a double play to end the inning.
Rich Garces was first out of the pen in the top of the ninth. He struck out both Cruz and Gonzalez before Stewart popped up to end the inning. Toronto closer Billy Koch took the mound in the bottom of the ninth looking to close it out. Varitek struck out but both Sadler and Offerman singled. With a chance to tie the game...Valentin popped up and Nixon grounded out to end the game. The Jays had won it 3-2.
Jackass of the Night is John Valentin. He left too many men on base when a single would have tied the game or put the Sox ahead.
John the Jackass
The Good:
Brian Daubach was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Carl Everett was 2 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch. Jason Varitek was 1 for 3 with a walk. Donnie Sadler was 2 for 3 with a walk and an rbi. Pedro Martinez was mortal but mortal for him is pretty damn good. He tossed 8 innings of 3 run ball against a loaded Toronto lineup. He gave up 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7. Rich Garces pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Trot Nixon was 0 for 5. Mike Stanley was 0 for 4 with a hat trick, he's really been struggling lately.
The Ugly:
Jose Offerman was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run. Troy O'Leary was 0 for 3 but walked.
Final Thoughts:
Talk about a lack of clutch hitting. The Sox had their chances to pick up Pedro in this one but pissed them all away. This is where they miss Nomar Garciaparra big time. His all-star bat was sorely missed in a game like this when one hit could have turned the tide of the game. That's twice now Pedro was failed by the offense but pitched well enough to win. What a difference a year makes. Valentin looks slowed due to his bad knee, Offerman is having a down year, O'Leary and Stanley look lost at the plate and Nomar is out hurt. When 5 of the 9 guys that produced last year are banged up or slumping, that's not a recipe for success. The Sox look to come back tomorrow with Jeff Fassero taking on Kelvim Escobar. The loss dropped the Sox to 25-16 but still good for first place in the AL East.
Pedro was not sharp to begin the game in the top of the first inning. Shannon Stewart and Craig Grebeck stroked back to back singles to open the game. Both runners moved over on a ground out by Raul Mondesi and Stewart scored on a wild pitch. Carlos Delgado flied out and Brad Fullmer struck out to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0. The Sox answered in the bottom of the first. Jose Offerman walked and John Valentin singled him to third. Trot Nixon banged into a double play but Offerman scored to tie the game 1-1. Brian Daubach grounded out to end the inning.
Pedro settled down in the top of the second inning. Tony Batista and Darrin Fletcher flied out and Jose Cruz popped up to end the inning. The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the second. Carl Everett was hit with a pitch but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Mike Stanley and Troy O'Leary grounded out to end the inning.
The Jays struck back in the top of the third inning. Alex S Gonzalez and Stewart hit back to back singles and Grebeck walked to load the bases. Mondesi popped up but Delgado hit a sacrifice fly to give the Jays a 2-1 lead. Fullmer struck out again to end the inning. The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third inning. Jason Varitek singled and moved to second on the ground out by Donnie Sadler. Jose Offerman grounded out but moved Varitek to third. With the tying run 90 feet away, Valentin popped up to end the inning.
To drive home the fact Pedro was mortal in this one, Batista led off the top of the fourth with a solo blast to give Toronto a 3-1 lead. Fletcher struck out but Cruz walked. Gonzalez whiffed but Cruz stole second. Stewart grounded out to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning. Nixon flied out but Daubach singled and Everett walked. Stanley struck out but O'Leary walked to load the bases. With the tying run at second....Varitek flied out to end the inning.
Pedro cruised in the top of the fifth inning. Grebeck struck out, Mondesi flied out and Delgado grounded out to end the inning. The Sox looked to fight back in the bottom of the fifth when Sadler led off with a double, but he was stranded. Offerman grounded out, Valentin flied out and Nixon flied out as well to end the inning.
Things didn't start out well in the top of the sixth when Sadler damn near took out the hot dog vendor with a bad throw, allowing Fullmer to reach. Batista singled but Fletcher banged into a double play. Cruz whiffed to end the inning. The Sox knocked Carpenter out in the bottom of the sixth. Daubach and Everett singled to open the frame but Stanley struck out. O'Leary moved both runners over with a ground out and Varitek walked to load the bases. Sadler atoned for his error by drawing a walk to cut the lead 3-2 and chase Carpenter. Old friend Paul Quantril got Offerman to ground out to end the inning but the Sox were back in it.
Pedro responded in the top of the seventh inning. Gonzalez flied out and Stewart grounded out, but Grebeck singled. Mondesi grounded out to end the inning. Valentin flied out to begin the bottom of the seventh and that was it for Quantril. Pedro Borbon Jr was brought in and got Nixon to ground out. Daubach flied out to end the inning.
Pedro had enough left in the tank to come out for the top of the eighth inning. Delgado walked but Fullmer flied out. Batista struck out and Fletcher flied out to end the inning. Pedro was shaky early but he recovered to toss 8 innings of 3 run ball. Usually that would be enough to win. Today it wasn't. John Frascatore got the call in the bottom of the eighth. Everett singled but Stanley struck out again and O'Leary banged into a double play to end the inning.
Rich Garces was first out of the pen in the top of the ninth. He struck out both Cruz and Gonzalez before Stewart popped up to end the inning. Toronto closer Billy Koch took the mound in the bottom of the ninth looking to close it out. Varitek struck out but both Sadler and Offerman singled. With a chance to tie the game...Valentin popped up and Nixon grounded out to end the game. The Jays had won it 3-2.
Jackass of the Night is John Valentin. He left too many men on base when a single would have tied the game or put the Sox ahead.
The Good:
Brian Daubach was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Carl Everett was 2 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch. Jason Varitek was 1 for 3 with a walk. Donnie Sadler was 2 for 3 with a walk and an rbi. Pedro Martinez was mortal but mortal for him is pretty damn good. He tossed 8 innings of 3 run ball against a loaded Toronto lineup. He gave up 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7. Rich Garces pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Trot Nixon was 0 for 5. Mike Stanley was 0 for 4 with a hat trick, he's really been struggling lately.
The Ugly:
Jose Offerman was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run. Troy O'Leary was 0 for 3 but walked.
Final Thoughts:
Talk about a lack of clutch hitting. The Sox had their chances to pick up Pedro in this one but pissed them all away. This is where they miss Nomar Garciaparra big time. His all-star bat was sorely missed in a game like this when one hit could have turned the tide of the game. That's twice now Pedro was failed by the offense but pitched well enough to win. What a difference a year makes. Valentin looks slowed due to his bad knee, Offerman is having a down year, O'Leary and Stanley look lost at the plate and Nomar is out hurt. When 5 of the 9 guys that produced last year are banged up or slumping, that's not a recipe for success. The Sox look to come back tomorrow with Jeff Fassero taking on Kelvim Escobar. The loss dropped the Sox to 25-16 but still good for first place in the AL East.
Sunday, May 21, 2000
Ramon Pounded, Tigers Take Two of Three (5/21/00)
The Boston Sox can rely on Pedro Martinez to carry them to victory almost every time he starts, but they can no longer rely on his older brother Ramon (3-3, 6.95 ERA). Ramon simply doesn't have it anymore. He got rocked, rolled and knocked out of the game so fast the Sox couldn't recover. The Detroit Tigers knocked Ramon out in the third inning after he allowed 6 hits and 3 walks. John "Way Back" Wasdin allowed 3 inherited runners to score to put the Sox in a huge hole. The Sox did rally for 5 runs and the Sox bullpen didn't allow a run after the third inning, but it wasn't enough. Tigers closer Doug Jones slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth and the Tigers beat the Red Sox 7-5 at Fenway Park.
Four pitches into the top of the first, the Tigers had the lead as Greg Jefferies hit a piece of crap home un just inside the Pesky Pole to lead off the game. Brad Ausmus grounded out to short but Rich Becker walked. Juan Gonzalez struck out swinging and Bobby Higginson popped up to right to end the inning with the Tigers up 1-0.
Tigers take the lead
Macias drives in a run
Thanks a lot Ramon
It didn't look good
Sox were on the board
Cormier returned for the top of the seventh and Higginson flied out to right to start. Palmer struck out swinging and Fick was robbed of a home run by Nixon to end the inning.
Great catch by Nixon
Frye singles and scores
Frye remained in right as Rich Garces came in to pitch the top of the eighth. Macias took strike three, Cruz struck out swinging and Jefferies flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox rallied again in the bottom of the eighth. Danny Patterson came in to pitch and was quickly chased when Valentin dropped a single in front of Becker to start. Sadler singled up the middle and bye by Patterson. Doug Brocail came in to pitch got a big out when Offerman struck out swinging. Frye then doubled home Valentin to put the tying run at second base. Daubach and Stanley both whiffed on full counts to end the inning. If nothing else the Sox were showing balls on both sides of the plate by rallying down 7-0 to make it 7-5.
Frye doubles in a run
Sox closer Derek Lowe took the mound in the top of the ninth and Ausmus popped up to second to start. Becker popped up to short but Gonzalez doubled in the gap in left. Higginson struck out looking to end the inning. The Sox bullpen had done their jobs, not allowing any runs since the third inning. Tigers closer Todd Jones came in to close out the game. Everett whiffed, O'Leary grounded out to short and Varitek struck out swinging to end the game. The Tigers held on to win the game 7-5.
Tigers win
Jackass of the Night is Ramon Martinez. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings and was charged with 7 earned runs, forcing the offense to be in rally mode and the bullpen to toss the remaining 6 2/3 innings. Thanks for nothing.
Ramon Martinez: Jackass
The Good:
Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a great catch before being replaced.
Well it was nice to see the Sox have balls to come back to make a game of it, both on pitching and offense. Its too bad the Sox couldn't complete the comeback because it would have been the win of the year. Something needs to be done about Ramon because he's been worse than Brian Rose this year so far. Jeff Fassero and Pete Schourek have done well with Pedro but Ramon, not so much. The worst part about this way was how the Tigers got their seven runs, just spraying the ball all over the field. They may have to make a trade or bring someone up. Its too bad Bret Saberhagen is out for the year. The loss dropped the Sox to 25-15, still in first place in the AL East. Tomorrow the Sox start a 3 game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Pedro Martinez matches up with Chris Carpenter at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Four pitches into the top of the first, the Tigers had the lead as Greg Jefferies hit a piece of crap home un just inside the Pesky Pole to lead off the game. Brad Ausmus grounded out to short but Rich Becker walked. Juan Gonzalez struck out swinging and Bobby Higginson popped up to right to end the inning with the Tigers up 1-0.
The Sox could do nothing in the bottom of the first off Detroit starter Hideo Nomo. Jose Offerman was robbed of a hit on a great diving stab by Jose Macias to start. Trot Nixon grounded out to first and Brian Daubach flied out to right to end the inning.
The Tigers struck again in the top of the second as Dean Palmer hit a cue shot down the first base line for a double to start. Palmer moved to third on the grounder to second by Robert Fick and Jose Macias singled him home to increase the lead. Deivi Cruz flied out to right and Jefferies grounded out to second to end the inning with the Tigers up 2-0.
The Tigers struck again in the top of the second as Dean Palmer hit a cue shot down the first base line for a double to start. Palmer moved to third on the grounder to second by Robert Fick and Jose Macias singled him home to increase the lead. Deivi Cruz flied out to right and Jefferies grounded out to second to end the inning with the Tigers up 2-0.
Mike Stanley walked to begin the bottom of the second, but Carl Everett whiffed. Troy O'Leary flied out to the right field warning track and Jason Varitek struck out swinging to end the inning.
Ramon puked on himself in the top of the third and it started when Donnie Sadler airmailed Stanley on a ground ball by Ausmus to start. Becker hit a broken bat looper into right and Gonzalez doubled into the gap in right to score Ausmus with another run. Higginson was intentionally walked to load the bases and John Valentin made a great play on a Palmer grounder. Valentin tossed to second to get Higginson but Bobby took out Offerman to score Becker, Fick walked to re-load the bases and that was it for Ramon. Sox manager Jimy Williams removed Ramon after just 2 1/3 innings and 4 runs allowed so far.
Ramon puked on himself in the top of the third and it started when Donnie Sadler airmailed Stanley on a ground ball by Ausmus to start. Becker hit a broken bat looper into right and Gonzalez doubled into the gap in right to score Ausmus with another run. Higginson was intentionally walked to load the bases and John Valentin made a great play on a Palmer grounder. Valentin tossed to second to get Higginson but Bobby took out Offerman to score Becker, Fick walked to re-load the bases and that was it for Ramon. Sox manager Jimy Williams removed Ramon after just 2 1/3 innings and 4 runs allowed so far.
John Wasdin came in to pour gas on the fire as Macias hit a broken bat looper just over the reach of Offerman to score Gonzalez and move Palmer to third. Cruz hit a sac fly to left to score Palmer and Jefferies dumped an opposite field base hit to left to score Macias with another run to close the book on Ramon. Ausmus popped up to end the inning with the Tigers in front 7-0.
The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the third although Valentin singled in the hole at short to start. Sadler struck out swinging and Offerman flied out weakly to left, but Nixon singled up the middle. Daubach took a full count strike three on the inside corner to end the inning.
Wasdin returned for the top of the fourth and gave up a lead off double to Becker off the bottom of the Monster. Wasdin turned up the heat by striking out Gonzalez swinging, Higginson looking and Palmer swinging to end the inning. The Sox couldn't touch Nomo in the bottom of the fourth as Stanley flied out to the left field warning track to start. Gonzalez ran down an Everett fly ball and O'Leary flied out to left to end the inning.
Wasdin came back for the top of the fifth and Fick popped up to second to start. Macias popped up to Wasdin who almost took a glove to the head from Stanley and Cruz lined out to a jumping Offerman to end the inning. The Sox threatened to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Varitek walked but Valentin struck out looking. Sadler got a bloop hit to right but Offerman was rung up for strike three on a check swing in the dirt. Nixon popped up to shallow left to end the inning.
Rheal Cormier came in for the top of the sixth and Jefferies flied out to right to start. Ausmus singled to center but Becker flied out to left. Gonzalez grounded into a force at second to end the inning. The Sox finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. Daubach flied out to right but Stanley smashed a solo home run into the screen in left. Gonzalez let a line drive by Everett drop in front of him and that was it for Nomo. Willie Blair came in to pitch but O'Leary greeted him with a little roller up the middle for a base hit. Varitek popped up to first and Valentin grounded into a force to end the inning with the Sox down 7-1.
Wasdin returned for the top of the fourth and gave up a lead off double to Becker off the bottom of the Monster. Wasdin turned up the heat by striking out Gonzalez swinging, Higginson looking and Palmer swinging to end the inning. The Sox couldn't touch Nomo in the bottom of the fourth as Stanley flied out to the left field warning track to start. Gonzalez ran down an Everett fly ball and O'Leary flied out to left to end the inning.
Wasdin came back for the top of the fifth and Fick popped up to second to start. Macias popped up to Wasdin who almost took a glove to the head from Stanley and Cruz lined out to a jumping Offerman to end the inning. The Sox threatened to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Varitek walked but Valentin struck out looking. Sadler got a bloop hit to right but Offerman was rung up for strike three on a check swing in the dirt. Nixon popped up to shallow left to end the inning.
Rheal Cormier came in for the top of the sixth and Jefferies flied out to right to start. Ausmus singled to center but Becker flied out to left. Gonzalez grounded into a force at second to end the inning. The Sox finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. Daubach flied out to right but Stanley smashed a solo home run into the screen in left. Gonzalez let a line drive by Everett drop in front of him and that was it for Nomo. Willie Blair came in to pitch but O'Leary greeted him with a little roller up the middle for a base hit. Varitek popped up to first and Valentin grounded into a force to end the inning with the Sox down 7-1.
Cormier returned for the top of the seventh and Higginson flied out to right to start. Palmer struck out swinging and Fick was robbed of a home run by Nixon to end the inning.
The Sox rallied in the bottom of the seventh as Sadler dumped a base hit to right to start. Offerman cause the Tigers asleep with a bunt single to third Lefty Allen McDill was brought in but Sox manager Jimy Williams countered by pinch hitting lefty Nixon with righty Jeff Frye. Sox analyst Jerry Remy questioned the move by saying they'll need Nixon's power in the ninth but Frye delivered with a base hit to left to load the bases. Daubach popped up to third and Matt Anderson replaced McDill. Stanley and Everett both walked to cut the lead. O'Leary then scored Frye with a sac fly to center. Suddenly representing the tying run, Varitek struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox had rallied to make a game of it, 7-4.
Frye remained in right as Rich Garces came in to pitch the top of the eighth. Macias took strike three, Cruz struck out swinging and Jefferies flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox rallied again in the bottom of the eighth. Danny Patterson came in to pitch and was quickly chased when Valentin dropped a single in front of Becker to start. Sadler singled up the middle and bye by Patterson. Doug Brocail came in to pitch got a big out when Offerman struck out swinging. Frye then doubled home Valentin to put the tying run at second base. Daubach and Stanley both whiffed on full counts to end the inning. If nothing else the Sox were showing balls on both sides of the plate by rallying down 7-0 to make it 7-5.
Sox closer Derek Lowe took the mound in the top of the ninth and Ausmus popped up to second to start. Becker popped up to short but Gonzalez doubled in the gap in left. Higginson struck out looking to end the inning. The Sox bullpen had done their jobs, not allowing any runs since the third inning. Tigers closer Todd Jones came in to close out the game. Everett whiffed, O'Leary grounded out to short and Varitek struck out swinging to end the game. The Tigers held on to win the game 7-5.
The Good:
Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a great catch before being replaced.
Jeff Frye was 2 for 2 with a run and an rbi.
Mike Stanley was 1 for 3 with 2 walks, a run scored and 2 rbi's.
John Valentin was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Donnie Sadler was 3 for 4 with a run scored.
Rheal Cormier tossed two innings of scoreless relief.
Rich Garces tossed a perfect eighth inning.
Derek Lowe pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Brian Daubach was a strong candidate for Jackass by going 0 for 5 and repeatedly failing with men on base.
Brian Daubach was a strong candidate for Jackass by going 0 for 5 and repeatedly failing with men on base.
The Ugly:
Jose Offerman was just 1 for 5 with a run scored.
Jose Offerman was just 1 for 5 with a run scored.
Carl Everett was just 1 for 4 but walked and drove in a run.
Troy O'Leary was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.
Jason Varitek was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked.
John Wasdin pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief but allowed 3 inherited runners to score.
Final Thoughts.
Well it was nice to see the Sox have balls to come back to make a game of it, both on pitching and offense. Its too bad the Sox couldn't complete the comeback because it would have been the win of the year. Something needs to be done about Ramon because he's been worse than Brian Rose this year so far. Jeff Fassero and Pete Schourek have done well with Pedro but Ramon, not so much. The worst part about this way was how the Tigers got their seven runs, just spraying the ball all over the field. They may have to make a trade or bring someone up. Its too bad Bret Saberhagen is out for the year. The loss dropped the Sox to 25-15, still in first place in the AL East. Tomorrow the Sox start a 3 game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Pedro Martinez matches up with Chris Carpenter at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.
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