Ortiz Walks Off Against Detroit (7/31/10)

After a huge loss the night before, it looked to be yet another loss until Big Papi returned.

The Sox started the day buy dumping the struggling Jeremy Hermida for the rising prospect Ryan Kalish and sending struggling reliever Ramon Ramirez to the San Fransisco Giants.

Daisuke Matsuzaka started the day and pitched below average for the first time in 2 weeks. He gave up a 1st inning 2 run homer to AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera and allowed 2 more runs in 6 innings of work. Meanwhile the Sox offense just couldn't get a clutch hit when it counted. Detroit starter Max Scherzer allowed a whopping 9 hits in 6 1/3 innings but got some timely double plays to keep the damage to a minimum.

Down 4-0 in the 7th the Sox rallied. Adrian Beltre and Bill Hall hit back to back singles to chase Sherzer from the game, however Bill Hall was gunned down at second base. Lefty Brian Thomas was brought in to face the lefty rookie Ryan Kalish who managed to single home Beltre, chasing Thomas from the game. Ryan Perry came in and Darnell McDonald then doubled home Hall to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Sox loaded the bases on a JD Drew walk and a Kevin Youkilis hit by pitch, but once again the Sox didn't get a clutch hit as David Ortiz struck out.

Lost in all this was the relief pitching of rookie Dustin Richardson (brought up to replace Ramirez), Scott Atchinson and Hideki Okajima who pitched 3 combined scoreless innings to give the Sox a chance to win the game.

In the bottom of the 9th, it looked like a second straight loss was at hand. Darnell McDonald would have none of that as he singled to start the inning, chasing Perry from the game and bringing in Phil Coke. Coke got Marco Sctutaro to fly out but pinch hitter Jed Lowrie continued his resurgance by belting a double to center. Then the Tigers made a bad decision, they intentionally walked Youk to get to Ortiz. Ortiz is the Sox all-time leader in walkoff hits and he delivered yet another by crushing a shot off the monster. All 3 runners scored and the Sox won a game they seemed destined to lose.

With the trade deadline come and gone and the only 2 moves being in house, it looks like the Sox are going to live or die with what they have. While the Yankees picked up Lance Berkman and Austin Kearns, the Sox brought up Kalish and Richardson. Now for the final 2 months there are 3 teams in the AL East fighting for 2 playoff spots....who will survive?