Sox Walkoff in 11th, Take 2 of 3 from Yankees (7/21/13)

I did not see this game as I was on vacation.


News:

Finally there were no transactions although it was confirmed that Andrew Bailey would get surgery on his shoulder, officially ending his season. Clay Buchholz does NOT need surgery in the opinion of Dr. James Andrews and the fragile starter may resume activities anytime now, about damn time.


THE GOOD:

Hero of the Night is a no-brainer. Mike Napoli blasted a 3 run home run in the third inning and launched the walkoff solo shot in the 11th. He was headed toward ugly status with a Hat Trick before the solo shot

                                           Hero of the Night

Other babyfaces include Jacoby Ellsbury who was 2 for 4 with a HBP, a steal, a walk and a run scored. Shane Victorino was 2 for 5 with 2 steals and 2 rbi's. David Ortiz was 1 for 4 but with 2 walks, a run scored and his career best 4th steal of the season. Jonny Gomes was just 1 for 4 but walked and his one hit was his 8th home run of the season. Matt Thornton, Koji Uehara and Drake Britton combined for 3 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. Pedro Beato got his first win of the season with a scoreless top of the 11th.


THE BAD:

Only two names on this list. Ryan Dempster was smacked around by the Yankees, going only 5 1/3 while being touched for 5 runs (3 earned) on four walks, a throwing error and 6 hits. Sad part is he would have gotten the win if it wasn't for Craig Breslow as he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) of his own in 1 inning of work.


THE UGLY:

Dustin Pedroia was just 1 for 6 but made it count by knocking in a run and scoring a run. Jarrod Saltamacchia was just 1 for 5 with a Hat Trick. PU Drew was 0 for 3 with a Hat Trick but walked, was hit by a pitch and scored a run. Jose Iglesias was just 1 for 5 with a run scored while committing a huge error in the 7th that allowed the tying runs to score. Junichi Tazawa allowed both inherited runners to score but did not allow a run of his own.


Final Thoughts:

Yet another walkoff win just goes to show that this team refuses to roll over and die in extra innings. 10 years ago this would be front page news but amazingly taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees is just a tuneup for the Tampa Bay Rays, my how times have changed. The Rays swept the Blue Jays, winning 17 of their last 19 as they roll into Boston for a 4 game set that could go either way. The Sox improved to 60-40, 1.5 games in front. Last year the Sox were 49-51 after 100 games, much better this time don't you think? As for this game, as bad as Dempster was his ERA is still lower than Sabbathia and it was nice to see the new look bullpen shut the Yankees down after the 7th inning. Tomorrow the Rays cy young threat Matt Moore (13-3) goes up against the rookie Brandon Workman, not good.