Fernando Abad had 6 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Matt Barnes had 7 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Andrew Benintendi had 8 Good, 3 Bad, 12 Ugly, 2 Hero and 1 Jackass.
Mookie Betts had 9 Good, 3 Bad, 11 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Xander Bogaerts had 8 Good, 4 Bad, 9 Ugly, 2 Hero, 1 Jackass and 1 Honorable Mention.
Blaine Boyer had 6 Good and 1 Hero.
Jackie Bradley Jr had 7 Good, 6 Bad and 12 Ugly.
Rajai Davis had 4 Good, 4 Bad and 2 Honorable Mention.
Rafael Devers had 7 Good, 4 Bad, 11 Ugly, 2 Hero and 1 Jackass.
Roenis Elias had 1 Good.
Doug Fister had 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 2 Hero and 1 Jackass.
Heath Hembree had 3 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Brock Holt had 5 Good, 8 Bad, 6 Ugly and 3 Honorable Mention.
Joe Kelly had 5 Good, 4 Bad and 1 Hero.
Craig Kimbrel had 10 Good, 1 Bad and 1 Hero.
Sandy Leon had 4 Good, 4 Bad and 4 Ugly.
Tzu-Wei Lin had 2 Good, 3 Bad and 1 Honorable Mention.
Austin Maddox had 8 Good, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Deven Marrero had 3 Good, 3 Bad, 1 Ugly and 5 Honorable Mention.
Mitch Moreland had 10 Good, 8 Bad and 7 Ugly.
Eduardo Nunez had 3 Good, 4 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Dustin Pedroia had 7 Good, 3 Bad and 8 Ugly.
Drew Pomeranz had 2 Good, 2 Hero and 2 Jackass.
Rick Porcello had 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Hero and 1 Jackass.
David Price had 5 Good.
Hanley Ramirez had 5 Good, 7 Bad and 7 Ugly.
Addison Reed had 13 Good, 2 Bad and 1 Hero.
Eduardo Rodriguez had 2 Good, 1 Ugly, 1 Hero and 1 Jackass.
Chris Sale had 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Hero and 2 Jackass.
Robby Scott had 3 Good, 1 Bad and 1 Hero.
Carson Smith had 5 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Blake Swihart had 3 Good, 1 Ugly and 1 Honorable Mention.
Sam Travis had 5 Good, 6 Bad, 2 Ugly and 1 Honorable Mention.
Christian Vazquez had 10 Good, 5 Bad and 4 Ugly.
Hector Velazquez had 2 Good and 1 Hero.
Brandon Workman had 2 Good, 3 Bad, 3 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Chris Young had 3 Good, 3 Bad, 2 Ugly and 1 Honorable Mention.
The Tri-Heroes of The Month are Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers with 3 apiece.
The Co-Jackasses of the Month are Drew Pomeranz and Chris Sale each with 2.
The Most Valuable Player of the Month is Addison Reed with 13 Good.
The Least Valuable Player of the Month due to a tiebreaker is Brock Holt with 8 Bad
The Ugliest Player of the Month is Jackie Bradley Jr with 12 Ugly
The Most Honorable Player of the Month is Deven Marrero with 5.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Sox Win Division, Defeats Houston (9/30/17)
After one of the most frustrating seasons in history that began with a flu epidemic and had fans ready to riot in July, the Boston Red Sox are AL East Division champions in consecutive years for the first time in team history. Drew Pomeranz (17-6, 3.26 ERA) delivered in one of the biggest starts of his life, shutting down the Houston Astros as the offense finally came alive to defeat their playoff opponents 6-3 at Fenway Park. Congratulations to the Red Sox.
Craig Kimbrel starts the celebration
Pomeranz took the mound in the top of the first inning and got George Springer to ground out to third to begin. Alec Bregman whiffed and Jose Altuve lined out to center to end the inning. Lance McCullers Jr blinded the Sox in the bottom of the first inning. Xander Bogaerts whiffed, Andrew Benintendi lined out to left and Mookie Betts popped up to left to end the inning.
Carlos Correa singled to left to open the top of the second inning but Evan Gattis banged into a double play. Yuli Guriel grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox mustered nothing in the bottom of the second inning as Mitch Moreland grounded out to short, Hanley Ramirez popped up to second and Rafael Devers whiffed to end the inning.
The Astros nearly struck first in the top of the third inning although Brian McCann looked at strike three to start. Cameron Maybin grounded out to second but Pomeranz misplayed a grounder hit by Derek Fisher for a single. Springer walked but Bregman popped up to short to end the inning.
Close call
McCullers was hit hard by everyone in the AL but not the Sox as Christian Vazquez struck out to open the bottom of the third. Brock Holt singled to right but was erased on the force by Jackie Bradley Jr. Bogaerts watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Pomeranz stayed tough in the top of the fourth inning as he froze Altuve to start. Correa grounded out to second and Gattis popped up to short to end the inning. The Sox somehow exploded in the bottom of the fourth inning although Benintendi struck out to begin the inning. Betts and Moreland worked back to back walks before Ramirez hit a seeing eye single up the middle to load the bases. Devers smashed a double off the Monster to score Betts and Moreland to break the tie. Vazquez grounded out to short and Holt looked at strike three to end the inning but it was 2-0 Sox.
Sox go up 2-0 early
Guriel walked to open the top of the fifth inning but McCann popped up to second and Yuri was erased on the force by Maybin. Cameron took off for second but was gunned down by Vazquez to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the fifth although JBJ hit a comebacker to start. Bogaerts doubled and scored on the Benintendi single. Betts singled to chase McCullers and Tony Sipp entered the game. Immediately Betts and Benintendi pulled off a double steal before both scored on the double by Moreland to ice the game. Ramirez was intentionally walked but Devers whiffed. That was it for Sipp as James Hoyt came in to get Vazquez to ground out to end the inning but it was now 5-0 Sox.
"Yippy Skippy!" - Betts
Could Pomeranz pitch with the lead in the top of the sixth? You bet your bippy big guy! Fisher grounded out to first, Springer grounded out to second and Bregman also grounded out to second to end the inning. 6 shutout innings by Pomeranz with the season on the line, maybe he is ready for October? Holt grounded out to begin the bottom of the sixth but JBJ singled. Bogaerts walked but Benintendi banged into a double play to end the inning.
Pomeranz returned for the top of the seventh inning but Altuve singled to left. Sox manager John Farrell bolted out of the dugout and tackled Pomeranz to the ground before signalling for Carson Smith to come in. Farrell dragged Pomeranz away kicking and screaming but Drew tossed six shut-solid innings before being replaced.
Big Smooth earns his win
Then the wheels fell off in the seventh as Correa hit a swinging bunt down the 3rd base side for a single. Gattis singled home Altuve to put the Astros on the board. Guriel then singled off the Monster to score Correa and chase the incompetent Smith from the game. Suddenly David Price was summoned to stop the bleeding after the incompetent Farrell all but guaranteed he was unavailable going into the game. McCann was robbed of an infield single by Holt but both runners moved into scoring position. Maybin looked at strike three before Tyler White pinch hit for Fisher, walking to load the bases. John Farrell walked to the mound to ask David Price if he saw IT in theaters but Addison Reed started chugging in from the bullpen, assuming he was being brought in. The entire dugout and everyone on the field screamed at Reed to beat it and he beat a hasty retreat.
"Get the hell out of here! I'm busy" - Farrell
When play resumed, Price froze Springer on a nasty slider to end the inning. The Astros began their comeback and was now down 5-2.
Price gets the job done
Luke Gregerson took the mound in the bottom of the seventh with Tony Kemp in left and Betts greeted him with a solo blast off the top of the Monster to increase the lead. Gregerson whiffed Moreland, Ramirez and Devers to end the inning but it was 6-2 Sox.
Betts hits the kill shot in the seventh
Addison Reed finally made his appearance in the top of the eighth with Deven Marrero now at third and got Bregman to ground out to short to begin. Marrero earned his money by making a great running stab of a liner by Altuve. Correa walked but Gattis popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox 3 outs away from winning back to back Division titles for the first time ever. Michael Feliz came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Vazquez whiffed to start. Holt managed to line a base hit off the glove of Bregman but JBJ popped up to Altuve. Bogaerts struck out to end the inning.
3 outs away from the Division, Sox manager John Farrell took no chances and brought in Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel to close out the top of the ninth. Craig blew away Guriel on a 98 mph fastball up in his eyes but McCann blasted a solo home run to get one last laugh at his old teammate. Maybin doubled off the centerfield wall. Kimbrel blew away Kemp and Springer to end the game. It took 161 games but for the first time in franchise history, the Sox had won back to back AL East Division titles.
Hero of the Night is Drew Pomeranz. The season seemed to be slipping away and the anemic offense only shows up when it wants to, but he stepped up big time to toss 6 innings of 1 run ball to help win the division.
Pomeranz is the big Hero tonight
The Good:
Mookie Betts was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored, a walk, a stolen base and a solo home run.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.
Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.
Brock Holt was 2 for 4.
David Price got out of the jam in the 7th inning.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Christian Vazquez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Carson Smith gave up 3 hits and a run without retiring anyone.
Craig Kimbrel gave up a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked and scored.
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run, stole a base and scored.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but drove in a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4.
Honorable Mention:
Deven Marrero played third in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Sox held off the New York Yankees after all even though it took 161 games to do it. The Red Sox will meet these same Astros in the ALDS in Houston beginning on Thursday. Who pitches and what time is still to be determined. It was a long, frustrating season and thankfully it is coming to an end. Throughout their history the Red Sox have been a bashing bunch of boppers with little pitching but this year was the complete opposite. They had one of the best team ERA's in the league but were in the bottom in all hitting categories. How they can beat the 100 win Astros with a pathetic offense is anyone's guess, but they're going to have to figure it out. The Yankees will now play the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday which will be an easy win for New York since the Twins roll over and die in Yankee Stadium. This means the Yankees will run smack into the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS who are playing more inspired baseball than the Astros really. There is an outside shot it could be Sox/Yankees to decide the pennant but that would require two monumental upsets. As for now the win propelled the Sox to 93-68 and AL East Division champions. Tomorrow afternoon's season finale is now meaningless so Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez gets the start against Collin McHugh at 3:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Pomeranz took the mound in the top of the first inning and got George Springer to ground out to third to begin. Alec Bregman whiffed and Jose Altuve lined out to center to end the inning. Lance McCullers Jr blinded the Sox in the bottom of the first inning. Xander Bogaerts whiffed, Andrew Benintendi lined out to left and Mookie Betts popped up to left to end the inning.
Carlos Correa singled to left to open the top of the second inning but Evan Gattis banged into a double play. Yuli Guriel grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox mustered nothing in the bottom of the second inning as Mitch Moreland grounded out to short, Hanley Ramirez popped up to second and Rafael Devers whiffed to end the inning.
The Astros nearly struck first in the top of the third inning although Brian McCann looked at strike three to start. Cameron Maybin grounded out to second but Pomeranz misplayed a grounder hit by Derek Fisher for a single. Springer walked but Bregman popped up to short to end the inning.
McCullers was hit hard by everyone in the AL but not the Sox as Christian Vazquez struck out to open the bottom of the third. Brock Holt singled to right but was erased on the force by Jackie Bradley Jr. Bogaerts watched strike three go by to end the inning.
Pomeranz stayed tough in the top of the fourth inning as he froze Altuve to start. Correa grounded out to second and Gattis popped up to short to end the inning. The Sox somehow exploded in the bottom of the fourth inning although Benintendi struck out to begin the inning. Betts and Moreland worked back to back walks before Ramirez hit a seeing eye single up the middle to load the bases. Devers smashed a double off the Monster to score Betts and Moreland to break the tie. Vazquez grounded out to short and Holt looked at strike three to end the inning but it was 2-0 Sox.
Guriel walked to open the top of the fifth inning but McCann popped up to second and Yuri was erased on the force by Maybin. Cameron took off for second but was gunned down by Vazquez to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the fifth although JBJ hit a comebacker to start. Bogaerts doubled and scored on the Benintendi single. Betts singled to chase McCullers and Tony Sipp entered the game. Immediately Betts and Benintendi pulled off a double steal before both scored on the double by Moreland to ice the game. Ramirez was intentionally walked but Devers whiffed. That was it for Sipp as James Hoyt came in to get Vazquez to ground out to end the inning but it was now 5-0 Sox.
Could Pomeranz pitch with the lead in the top of the sixth? You bet your bippy big guy! Fisher grounded out to first, Springer grounded out to second and Bregman also grounded out to second to end the inning. 6 shutout innings by Pomeranz with the season on the line, maybe he is ready for October? Holt grounded out to begin the bottom of the sixth but JBJ singled. Bogaerts walked but Benintendi banged into a double play to end the inning.
Pomeranz returned for the top of the seventh inning but Altuve singled to left. Sox manager John Farrell bolted out of the dugout and tackled Pomeranz to the ground before signalling for Carson Smith to come in. Farrell dragged Pomeranz away kicking and screaming but Drew tossed six shut-solid innings before being replaced.
Then the wheels fell off in the seventh as Correa hit a swinging bunt down the 3rd base side for a single. Gattis singled home Altuve to put the Astros on the board. Guriel then singled off the Monster to score Correa and chase the incompetent Smith from the game. Suddenly David Price was summoned to stop the bleeding after the incompetent Farrell all but guaranteed he was unavailable going into the game. McCann was robbed of an infield single by Holt but both runners moved into scoring position. Maybin looked at strike three before Tyler White pinch hit for Fisher, walking to load the bases. John Farrell walked to the mound to ask David Price if he saw IT in theaters but Addison Reed started chugging in from the bullpen, assuming he was being brought in. The entire dugout and everyone on the field screamed at Reed to beat it and he beat a hasty retreat.
When play resumed, Price froze Springer on a nasty slider to end the inning. The Astros began their comeback and was now down 5-2.
Luke Gregerson took the mound in the bottom of the seventh with Tony Kemp in left and Betts greeted him with a solo blast off the top of the Monster to increase the lead. Gregerson whiffed Moreland, Ramirez and Devers to end the inning but it was 6-2 Sox.
Addison Reed finally made his appearance in the top of the eighth with Deven Marrero now at third and got Bregman to ground out to short to begin. Marrero earned his money by making a great running stab of a liner by Altuve. Correa walked but Gattis popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox 3 outs away from winning back to back Division titles for the first time ever. Michael Feliz came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Vazquez whiffed to start. Holt managed to line a base hit off the glove of Bregman but JBJ popped up to Altuve. Bogaerts struck out to end the inning.
3 outs away from the Division, Sox manager John Farrell took no chances and brought in Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel to close out the top of the ninth. Craig blew away Guriel on a 98 mph fastball up in his eyes but McCann blasted a solo home run to get one last laugh at his old teammate. Maybin doubled off the centerfield wall. Kimbrel blew away Kemp and Springer to end the game. It took 161 games but for the first time in franchise history, the Sox had won back to back AL East Division titles.
Hero of the Night is Drew Pomeranz. The season seemed to be slipping away and the anemic offense only shows up when it wants to, but he stepped up big time to toss 6 innings of 1 run ball to help win the division.
The Good:
Mookie Betts was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored, a walk, a stolen base and a solo home run.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.
Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.
Brock Holt was 2 for 4.
David Price got out of the jam in the 7th inning.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Christian Vazquez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Carson Smith gave up 3 hits and a run without retiring anyone.
Craig Kimbrel gave up a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked and scored.
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run, stole a base and scored.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but drove in a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4.
Honorable Mention:
Deven Marrero played third in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Sox held off the New York Yankees after all even though it took 161 games to do it. The Red Sox will meet these same Astros in the ALDS in Houston beginning on Thursday. Who pitches and what time is still to be determined. It was a long, frustrating season and thankfully it is coming to an end. Throughout their history the Red Sox have been a bashing bunch of boppers with little pitching but this year was the complete opposite. They had one of the best team ERA's in the league but were in the bottom in all hitting categories. How they can beat the 100 win Astros with a pathetic offense is anyone's guess, but they're going to have to figure it out. The Yankees will now play the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday which will be an easy win for New York since the Twins roll over and die in Yankee Stadium. This means the Yankees will run smack into the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS who are playing more inspired baseball than the Astros really. There is an outside shot it could be Sox/Yankees to decide the pennant but that would require two monumental upsets. As for now the win propelled the Sox to 93-68 and AL East Division champions. Tomorrow afternoon's season finale is now meaningless so Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez gets the start against Collin McHugh at 3:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Awful Offense Dooms Sox (9/29/17)
One day after the Boston Red Sox allowed the Houston Astros to bang out 12 runs on 17 hits, the Sox held them to 3 runs on 6 hits in tonight's game. The only problem is the miserable Sox offense only managed 5 hits and dropped the game 3-2 at Fenway Park to delay their AL East celebrations. Also, the Astros have won both games with offense and defense making it look like the Sox have no chance in hell next week.
Doug Fister (5-9, 4.88 ERA) deserved better although the game started out like last night when George Springer led off with a walk and Alex Bregman doubled him to third. Fister recovered to get Altuve to hit a comebacker before striking out Carlos Correa. Marwin Gonzalez grounded out to second to end the inning, great effort by Fister. Charlie Morton began his dominance in the bottom of the first as Xander Bogaerts flied out to right, Dustin Pedroia grounded out to short and Andrew Benintendi struck out to end the inning.
Fister got Evan Gattis to ground out to short to start the top of the second before Carlos Beltran flied out to right. Yuri Guriel looked at strike three to end the inning. Morton cruised in the bottom of the second inning as Mookie Betts grounded out to third, Mitch Moreland grounded out to short and Hanley Ramirez whiffed to end the inning.
"I'm a DH that can't make contact!" - Ramirez
The Astros struck first in the top of the third inning when Derek Fisher singled and moved to second on the Springer ground out. Bregman singled and Fisher came all the way around to score the first run. Altuve grounded out to first and Correa looked at strike three to end the inning but the Astros were up 1-0.
Fisher scores to make it 1-0
The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third as Rafael Devers flied out to center, Sandy Leon watched strike three go by and Rajai Davis grounded out to second to end the inning.
Fister recovered to have a strong top of the fourth as Gonzalez hit a comebacker to the mound, Gattis lined out to third and Beltran flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox once again looked pitiful in the bottom of the fourth as Bogaerts popped up to second, Pedroia grounded out to third and Benintendi grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Astros iced the game in the top of the fifth inning as Guriel singled to start but Fisher whiffed. Springer grounded out but Bregman blasted a 753 foot bomb over the Mass Pike to give the Astros a commanding lead. Altuve grounded out to third to end the inning but it was now 3-0 Astros.
Game, Set, Match
Somehow the Sox managed to fight back in the bottom of the fifth inning even though Betts grounded out to start. Moreland doubled and moved to third on the Ramirez ground out before Devers doubled him home. Representing the tying run, Leon looked at strike three to end the inning with the Sox down 3-1.
"Yeah I'm okay...no need for the ambulance" - Devers
Fister returned for the top of the sixth inning and struck out Correa to begin. All of a sudden John Farrell sprinted out of the dugout, ran up to Fister, stole his glove and took off for the bullpen. Fister ran off in hot pursuit as David Price emerged from the Astros dugout and came in to pitch much to the confusion of the Astros. Gonzalez lined out to left and Gattis whiffed to end the inning. Fister pitched decently but got no run support in this one.
Hard luck loser in this one
The Sox struck again in the bottom of the sixth as Davis singled and Bogaerts doubled him to third. Representing the go-ahead run...Pedroia grounded out to second although Davis scored and Bogaerts moved to third. That was it for Morton as Fransisco Liriano came in to pitch to the lefty Benintendi with the tying run on third. Naturally Benintendi whiffed so Liriano intentionally walked Betts to put runners at the corners. Betts swiped second and Moreland walked to load the bases. Chris Devenski came in to pitch and Ramirez grounded out to end the inning. The Sox pissed a huge chance to tie the game and trailed 3-2.
Still in the game after all
Things didn't start well in the top of the seventh inning when Beltran hit a routine grounder to Devers who threw his glove at the ball and ran away screaming for an error. Price recovered to get Guriel to pop up to first before striking out Fisher. Springer flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox mustered nothing in the bottom of the seventh as Devers popped up to first, Leon whiffed and Davis struck out to end the inning.
Addison Reed came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning and got Bregman to fly out to left before Altuve grounded out to short. Correa walked and advanced to second on a passed ball, so Reed intentionally walked Gonzalez. Gattis grounded out to end the inning. Juan Ceteno took over behind the plate as Will Harris came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Bogaerts struck out but Pedroia walked to once again put the tying run on. Brock Holt pinch ran for Pedroia but Benintendi whiffed again. All of a sudden Holt bolted for second out of nowhere and he was thrown out by a mile to end the inning. That's the second time this year Holt was brought in to pinch run only to run himself into an out.
Out by a mile
Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel came in to pitch the top of the ninth and allowed a single to Beltran. Cameron Maybin came in to run for Beltran and was thrown out trying to steal shortly after. Guriel grounded out and Fisher struck out to end the inning. Ken Giles came in to close out the game and Betts grounded out to short to start. Moreland lined out to left but Ramirez doubled to put the tying run at second. Chris Young ran for Ramirez but Devers grounded out to end the game. The Sox wasted one chance after another and lost 3-2.
Devers reaction says it all
Jackass of the Night is a tough one considering so many people had difference chances to put the Sox ahead or tie the game. I gotta go with Andrew Benintendi. He was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts with 2 of them coming in crucial at-bats.
Benny The Jackass
The Good:
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rajai Davis was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
David Price threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Brock Holt was thrown out at second as a pinch runner.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4.
Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 3 but walked and drove in a run.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 3 but walked and stole a base.
Hanley Ramirez was just 1 for 4.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with an error but drove in a run.
Doug Fister took the loss but he went 5 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs. More often than not, that's a good start.
Honorable Mention:
Chris Young pinch ran for Ramirez in the bottom of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
If you thought 2011 was a pretty bad collapse, the Sox are just 2 losses away from something far worse. The Sox not only had a 5 game lead with 7 to play, but they played last place teams from September 4 to the 27th....and still couldn't put the New York Yankees away. Their offense is totally inept more often than not and fans are grumbling that they have no chance in hell of winning the division or the play-in game. Some fans are even going so far to predict the Sox will lose 2-1 to the Twins next Tuesday. Obviously that's worse case scenario since the Sox have 2 games left to win the division. Its become fairly obvious whoever pitchers from here on in better throw a damn shutout otherwise they have no chance in hell. The loss dropped the Sox to 92-68, just 2 games ahead of the Yankees with just 2 to play. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox turn to Drew Pomeranz (16-6) to stop the bleeding against Lace McCullers Jr in game 3 of this 4 game set at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Doug Fister (5-9, 4.88 ERA) deserved better although the game started out like last night when George Springer led off with a walk and Alex Bregman doubled him to third. Fister recovered to get Altuve to hit a comebacker before striking out Carlos Correa. Marwin Gonzalez grounded out to second to end the inning, great effort by Fister. Charlie Morton began his dominance in the bottom of the first as Xander Bogaerts flied out to right, Dustin Pedroia grounded out to short and Andrew Benintendi struck out to end the inning.
Fister got Evan Gattis to ground out to short to start the top of the second before Carlos Beltran flied out to right. Yuri Guriel looked at strike three to end the inning. Morton cruised in the bottom of the second inning as Mookie Betts grounded out to third, Mitch Moreland grounded out to short and Hanley Ramirez whiffed to end the inning.
The Astros struck first in the top of the third inning when Derek Fisher singled and moved to second on the Springer ground out. Bregman singled and Fisher came all the way around to score the first run. Altuve grounded out to first and Correa looked at strike three to end the inning but the Astros were up 1-0.
The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the third as Rafael Devers flied out to center, Sandy Leon watched strike three go by and Rajai Davis grounded out to second to end the inning.
Fister recovered to have a strong top of the fourth as Gonzalez hit a comebacker to the mound, Gattis lined out to third and Beltran flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox once again looked pitiful in the bottom of the fourth as Bogaerts popped up to second, Pedroia grounded out to third and Benintendi grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Astros iced the game in the top of the fifth inning as Guriel singled to start but Fisher whiffed. Springer grounded out but Bregman blasted a 753 foot bomb over the Mass Pike to give the Astros a commanding lead. Altuve grounded out to third to end the inning but it was now 3-0 Astros.
Somehow the Sox managed to fight back in the bottom of the fifth inning even though Betts grounded out to start. Moreland doubled and moved to third on the Ramirez ground out before Devers doubled him home. Representing the tying run, Leon looked at strike three to end the inning with the Sox down 3-1.
Fister returned for the top of the sixth inning and struck out Correa to begin. All of a sudden John Farrell sprinted out of the dugout, ran up to Fister, stole his glove and took off for the bullpen. Fister ran off in hot pursuit as David Price emerged from the Astros dugout and came in to pitch much to the confusion of the Astros. Gonzalez lined out to left and Gattis whiffed to end the inning. Fister pitched decently but got no run support in this one.
The Sox struck again in the bottom of the sixth as Davis singled and Bogaerts doubled him to third. Representing the go-ahead run...Pedroia grounded out to second although Davis scored and Bogaerts moved to third. That was it for Morton as Fransisco Liriano came in to pitch to the lefty Benintendi with the tying run on third. Naturally Benintendi whiffed so Liriano intentionally walked Betts to put runners at the corners. Betts swiped second and Moreland walked to load the bases. Chris Devenski came in to pitch and Ramirez grounded out to end the inning. The Sox pissed a huge chance to tie the game and trailed 3-2.
Things didn't start well in the top of the seventh inning when Beltran hit a routine grounder to Devers who threw his glove at the ball and ran away screaming for an error. Price recovered to get Guriel to pop up to first before striking out Fisher. Springer flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox mustered nothing in the bottom of the seventh as Devers popped up to first, Leon whiffed and Davis struck out to end the inning.
Addison Reed came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning and got Bregman to fly out to left before Altuve grounded out to short. Correa walked and advanced to second on a passed ball, so Reed intentionally walked Gonzalez. Gattis grounded out to end the inning. Juan Ceteno took over behind the plate as Will Harris came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Bogaerts struck out but Pedroia walked to once again put the tying run on. Brock Holt pinch ran for Pedroia but Benintendi whiffed again. All of a sudden Holt bolted for second out of nowhere and he was thrown out by a mile to end the inning. That's the second time this year Holt was brought in to pinch run only to run himself into an out.
Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel came in to pitch the top of the ninth and allowed a single to Beltran. Cameron Maybin came in to run for Beltran and was thrown out trying to steal shortly after. Guriel grounded out and Fisher struck out to end the inning. Ken Giles came in to close out the game and Betts grounded out to short to start. Moreland lined out to left but Ramirez doubled to put the tying run at second. Chris Young ran for Ramirez but Devers grounded out to end the game. The Sox wasted one chance after another and lost 3-2.
Jackass of the Night is a tough one considering so many people had difference chances to put the Sox ahead or tie the game. I gotta go with Andrew Benintendi. He was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts with 2 of them coming in crucial at-bats.
The Good:
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rajai Davis was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
David Price threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Brock Holt was thrown out at second as a pinch runner.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.
The Ugly:
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4.
Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 3 but walked and drove in a run.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 3 but walked and stole a base.
Hanley Ramirez was just 1 for 4.
Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with an error but drove in a run.
Doug Fister took the loss but he went 5 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs. More often than not, that's a good start.
Honorable Mention:
Chris Young pinch ran for Ramirez in the bottom of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
If you thought 2011 was a pretty bad collapse, the Sox are just 2 losses away from something far worse. The Sox not only had a 5 game lead with 7 to play, but they played last place teams from September 4 to the 27th....and still couldn't put the New York Yankees away. Their offense is totally inept more often than not and fans are grumbling that they have no chance in hell of winning the division or the play-in game. Some fans are even going so far to predict the Sox will lose 2-1 to the Twins next Tuesday. Obviously that's worse case scenario since the Sox have 2 games left to win the division. Its become fairly obvious whoever pitchers from here on in better throw a damn shutout otherwise they have no chance in hell. The loss dropped the Sox to 92-68, just 2 games ahead of the Yankees with just 2 to play. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox turn to Drew Pomeranz (16-6) to stop the bleeding against Lace McCullers Jr in game 3 of this 4 game set at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Astros Rout Sox, Gain Ground Anyway (9/28/17)
The feel good win of last night evaporated very quickly in just 24 hours as the Boston Red Sox looked incompetent and lifeless against their possible ALDS opponent Houston Astros. The Sox managed just 6 hits as a team as the Astros knocked out the ineffective Eduardo Rodriguez (6-7, 4.19 ERA) and a host of relievers to send a message that they are the favorites in a potential matchup. The Sox had no answer offensively and defensively as the Astros walloped the Sox 12-2 at Fenway Park.
The carnage began in the top of the first inning when George Springer led off with a walk. Alex Bregman struck out but Jose Altuve singled. Carlos Correa singled to load the bases but Rodriguez struck out Evan Gattis.....only for Marwin Gonzalez to clear the bases with a double to ice the game 6 batters into the game. Yuri Guriel hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning but it was 3-0 Astros already.
Gonzalez ends it early
Brad Peacock took the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Xander Bogaerts flied out to right to start. Dustin Pedroia hit a routine ground ball to Bregman but he booted it and allowed Dustin to reach first. Andrew Benintendi flied out to left and Mookie Betts popped up to second to end the inning.
Rodriguez crapped himself in the top of the second inning although he got Cameron Maybin to ground out to third to start. Brian McCann lined out to short and then the wheels fell off as Springer singled to left. Bregman blasted a 2 run home run to increase the lead and Altuve launched a ground rule double. Correa walked on 5 pitches not even close and Red Sox manager John Farrell stormed out of the dugout, ripped open his shirt and threw his hat at Rodriguez. After Farrell bellowed to get off the mound, Rodriguez sulked away after allowing 5 runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Not a great tuneup before the playoffs.
Rodriguez sucked again
Blaine Boyer took the mound and got Evan Gattis to fly out to right to end the inning. The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the second when Mitch Moreland launched a solo home run to right to put the Sox on the board. Hanley Ramirez flied out to right and Rafael Devers was snuffed out on a bunt attempt, but Christian Vazquez singled up the middle. Correa dropped a routine pop up from Jackie Bradley Jr and Bogaerts made him pay with a single to score Vazquez. Representing the tying run....Pedroia grounded out to end the inning but the Sox were now down 5-2.
Moreland puts the Sox on the board
Gonzalez singled to open the top of the third inning but Guriel lined out to center to start. Maybin caught the Sox defense napping with a bunt single, but McCann flied out to right. Springer whiffed to end the inning. The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the third inning as Benintendi grounded out to third, Betts struck out and Moreland popped up to third to end the inning.
The Astros exploded in the top of the fourth inning as Bregman walked and Altuve singled. Correa hit a ground rule double to score Bregman but Gattis lined out to second. Gonzalez was intentionally walked to load the bases and Guriel beat out an infield single to score Altuve. Maybin hit a seeing eye single to score Correa as Sox manager John Farrell ran out of the dugout screaming like a madman, chasing Boyer away. Fernando Abad shot himself out of a cannon from the Monster Seats and landed on the mound to replace Boyer. Unfortunately the first pitch Abad threw Vazquez muffed, allowing Gonzalez to score. McCann whiffed but Springer walked to reload the bases. Sox manager John Farrell had no idea Abad was on the mound after chasing Boyer halfway down Yawkey Way so he stumbled out to the mound to bring in Austin Maddox before anymore damage happened. Bregman struck out to end the inning but the Astros were up 9-2. What a complete disaster.
The Astros hit...and hit....and hit some more
Meanwhile the Sox offense mailed it in for the night as Ramirez lined out to third, Devers flied out to left and Vazquez grounded out to second in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Maddox returned for the top of the fifth inning and got Altuve to line out to center, but Correa singled. Gattis popped up to first and Gonzalez flied out to center to end the inning. The sad sacks on offense did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as JBJ watched strike three go by and Bogaerts popped up to first. Somehow Pedroia worked a walk and Sox manager John Farrell was so enraged someone actually did something, he sent Brock Holt to pinch run for Dustin. Benintendi grounded out to short to end the inning.
Maddox was finally tagged for the first time all year in the top of the sixth inning although he got Guriel to ground out to short to start. Maybin struck out but McCann blasted a solo home run to right. Springer popped up to short to end the inning but Maddox was human after all, 10-2 Astros.
Maddox watches it go
Francis Martes came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and the Sox beat the ball in the dirt. Betts and Moreland both grounded out to second but Ramirez hit a roller in the hole at short for a base hit. Devers grounded out to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in to pitch the top of the seventh and he vomited up his intestines as well. Bregman struck out as Derek Fisher pinch hit for Altuve and singled. Correa blasted a two run home run to add to the misery. Gattis grounded out but Gonzalez doubled into the gap. Tyler White pinch hit for Guriel and struck out to end the inning but it was now 12-2.
Down by 10 runs
The Astros emptied the bench in the bottom of the seventh inning as Juan Centeno took over behind the plate, JD Davis took over at short and Joe Musgrove took over on the mound. Vazquez flied out to right and JBJ grounded out, but somehow Bogaerts got a base hit. Sox manager John Farrell got so mad he threw a tub of Gatorade up against the wall, screamed at Bogaerts and sent in Deven Marrero to pinch run for him. Holt lined out to third to end the inning.
Sam Travis took over at first, Blake Swihart took over behind the plate and Heath Hembree took over on the mound to start the top of the eighth inning. Maybin grounded out to third, Ceteno struck out and Springer flied out to right to end the inning. Tony Kemp took over in center, Colin Moran took over at second and Tyler Clippard took over on the mound to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Benintendi grounded out to short but Betts walked. Travis struck out and Tzu-Wei Lin pinch hit for Ramirez only to strike out to end the inning.
Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez took over on the mound in the top of the ninth inning and got Bregman to ground out to short to begin. Fisher walked but Davis looked at strike three. Max Strassi pinch hit for Gattis and popped up to first to end the inning.
The scoreboard says it all
Ken Giles took over on the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning to end this disaster. Devers hit a comebacker to the mound but Swihart worked a walk. Swihart was erased on the force by JBJ and Marrero struck out to end the game. The Sox were annihilated 12-2.
Jackass of the Night is Eduardo Rodriguez. Pitching for a spot on the playoff roster, Eduardo crapped his pants big time by lasting just 1 2/3 innings and giving up 5 runs. Not that the pathetic offense was going to help, but he sure didn't.
Rodriguez is Jackass one last time
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a solo home run.
Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 3.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Blake Swihart walked in his only plate appearance.
Fernando Abad got the second out of the fourth inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Hector Velazquez pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Deven Marrero struck out in his only plate appearance.
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 4.
Sam Travis was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
Tzu-Wei Lin was 0 for 1 at the plate.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4.
Blaine Boyer gave up 4 runs in just 1 2/3 innings.
Matt Barnes gave up 2 runs in an inning of work.
The Ugly:
Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 2 but drew a walk.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 3 but worked a walk.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4.
Austin Maddox gave up a run in 2 1/3 innings.
Final Thoughts:
Good god almighty talk about limping toward the finish line. The Houston Astros most likely will be the Sox playoff opponent and to get smacked around by them isn't exactly going to help the team psyche moving forward. Rodriguez got smoked and the offense did nothing again. The only bright side is the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees to effectively end the AL East race. The Sox need to win just 1 of the final 3 games or the Yankees need to lose just 1 of the final 3 games and Boston wins it. It would be nice to go into October with some momentum unlike last year, but oh well. The loss dropped the Red Sox to 92-67, 3 games in front of the Yankees for first place in the AL East with just 3 games left. Tomorrow night Doug Fister (5-8) makes his final start of the season against Charlie Morton at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Magic Number: 1
The carnage began in the top of the first inning when George Springer led off with a walk. Alex Bregman struck out but Jose Altuve singled. Carlos Correa singled to load the bases but Rodriguez struck out Evan Gattis.....only for Marwin Gonzalez to clear the bases with a double to ice the game 6 batters into the game. Yuri Guriel hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning but it was 3-0 Astros already.
Brad Peacock took the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Xander Bogaerts flied out to right to start. Dustin Pedroia hit a routine ground ball to Bregman but he booted it and allowed Dustin to reach first. Andrew Benintendi flied out to left and Mookie Betts popped up to second to end the inning.
Rodriguez crapped himself in the top of the second inning although he got Cameron Maybin to ground out to third to start. Brian McCann lined out to short and then the wheels fell off as Springer singled to left. Bregman blasted a 2 run home run to increase the lead and Altuve launched a ground rule double. Correa walked on 5 pitches not even close and Red Sox manager John Farrell stormed out of the dugout, ripped open his shirt and threw his hat at Rodriguez. After Farrell bellowed to get off the mound, Rodriguez sulked away after allowing 5 runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Not a great tuneup before the playoffs.
Blaine Boyer took the mound and got Evan Gattis to fly out to right to end the inning. The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the second when Mitch Moreland launched a solo home run to right to put the Sox on the board. Hanley Ramirez flied out to right and Rafael Devers was snuffed out on a bunt attempt, but Christian Vazquez singled up the middle. Correa dropped a routine pop up from Jackie Bradley Jr and Bogaerts made him pay with a single to score Vazquez. Representing the tying run....Pedroia grounded out to end the inning but the Sox were now down 5-2.
Gonzalez singled to open the top of the third inning but Guriel lined out to center to start. Maybin caught the Sox defense napping with a bunt single, but McCann flied out to right. Springer whiffed to end the inning. The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the third inning as Benintendi grounded out to third, Betts struck out and Moreland popped up to third to end the inning.
The Astros exploded in the top of the fourth inning as Bregman walked and Altuve singled. Correa hit a ground rule double to score Bregman but Gattis lined out to second. Gonzalez was intentionally walked to load the bases and Guriel beat out an infield single to score Altuve. Maybin hit a seeing eye single to score Correa as Sox manager John Farrell ran out of the dugout screaming like a madman, chasing Boyer away. Fernando Abad shot himself out of a cannon from the Monster Seats and landed on the mound to replace Boyer. Unfortunately the first pitch Abad threw Vazquez muffed, allowing Gonzalez to score. McCann whiffed but Springer walked to reload the bases. Sox manager John Farrell had no idea Abad was on the mound after chasing Boyer halfway down Yawkey Way so he stumbled out to the mound to bring in Austin Maddox before anymore damage happened. Bregman struck out to end the inning but the Astros were up 9-2. What a complete disaster.
Meanwhile the Sox offense mailed it in for the night as Ramirez lined out to third, Devers flied out to left and Vazquez grounded out to second in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Maddox returned for the top of the fifth inning and got Altuve to line out to center, but Correa singled. Gattis popped up to first and Gonzalez flied out to center to end the inning. The sad sacks on offense did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as JBJ watched strike three go by and Bogaerts popped up to first. Somehow Pedroia worked a walk and Sox manager John Farrell was so enraged someone actually did something, he sent Brock Holt to pinch run for Dustin. Benintendi grounded out to short to end the inning.
Maddox was finally tagged for the first time all year in the top of the sixth inning although he got Guriel to ground out to short to start. Maybin struck out but McCann blasted a solo home run to right. Springer popped up to short to end the inning but Maddox was human after all, 10-2 Astros.
Francis Martes came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and the Sox beat the ball in the dirt. Betts and Moreland both grounded out to second but Ramirez hit a roller in the hole at short for a base hit. Devers grounded out to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in to pitch the top of the seventh and he vomited up his intestines as well. Bregman struck out as Derek Fisher pinch hit for Altuve and singled. Correa blasted a two run home run to add to the misery. Gattis grounded out but Gonzalez doubled into the gap. Tyler White pinch hit for Guriel and struck out to end the inning but it was now 12-2.
The Astros emptied the bench in the bottom of the seventh inning as Juan Centeno took over behind the plate, JD Davis took over at short and Joe Musgrove took over on the mound. Vazquez flied out to right and JBJ grounded out, but somehow Bogaerts got a base hit. Sox manager John Farrell got so mad he threw a tub of Gatorade up against the wall, screamed at Bogaerts and sent in Deven Marrero to pinch run for him. Holt lined out to third to end the inning.
Sam Travis took over at first, Blake Swihart took over behind the plate and Heath Hembree took over on the mound to start the top of the eighth inning. Maybin grounded out to third, Ceteno struck out and Springer flied out to right to end the inning. Tony Kemp took over in center, Colin Moran took over at second and Tyler Clippard took over on the mound to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Benintendi grounded out to short but Betts walked. Travis struck out and Tzu-Wei Lin pinch hit for Ramirez only to strike out to end the inning.
Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez took over on the mound in the top of the ninth inning and got Bregman to ground out to short to begin. Fisher walked but Davis looked at strike three. Max Strassi pinch hit for Gattis and popped up to first to end the inning.
Ken Giles took over on the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning to end this disaster. Devers hit a comebacker to the mound but Swihart worked a walk. Swihart was erased on the force by JBJ and Marrero struck out to end the game. The Sox were annihilated 12-2.
Jackass of the Night is Eduardo Rodriguez. Pitching for a spot on the playoff roster, Eduardo crapped his pants big time by lasting just 1 2/3 innings and giving up 5 runs. Not that the pathetic offense was going to help, but he sure didn't.
The Good:
Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Mitch Moreland was 1 for 3 with a solo home run.
Hanley Ramirez was 1 for 3.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Blake Swihart walked in his only plate appearance.
Fernando Abad got the second out of the fourth inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Hector Velazquez pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bad:
Deven Marrero struck out in his only plate appearance.
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 4.
Sam Travis was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
Tzu-Wei Lin was 0 for 1 at the plate.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4.
Blaine Boyer gave up 4 runs in just 1 2/3 innings.
Matt Barnes gave up 2 runs in an inning of work.
The Ugly:
Dustin Pedroia was 0 for 2 but drew a walk.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 3 but worked a walk.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4.
Austin Maddox gave up a run in 2 1/3 innings.
Final Thoughts:
Good god almighty talk about limping toward the finish line. The Houston Astros most likely will be the Sox playoff opponent and to get smacked around by them isn't exactly going to help the team psyche moving forward. Rodriguez got smoked and the offense did nothing again. The only bright side is the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees to effectively end the AL East race. The Sox need to win just 1 of the final 3 games or the Yankees need to lose just 1 of the final 3 games and Boston wins it. It would be nice to go into October with some momentum unlike last year, but oh well. The loss dropped the Red Sox to 92-67, 3 games in front of the Yankees for first place in the AL East with just 3 games left. Tomorrow night Doug Fister (5-8) makes his final start of the season against Charlie Morton at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Magic Number: 1
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Offense Comes Alive, Defeats Jays (9/27/17)
The Boston Red Sox took a huge step in the right direction on their march for consecutive AL East Division titles against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. The Jays knocked Rick Porcello (11-17, 4.65 ERA) around but the Sox offense uncharacteristically showed up to beat the living daylights out of Marco Estrada. One the back of THREE...count em...THREE home runs, the Sox reduced their magic number to 2 with a 10-7 victory over the Jays at Fenway Park.
Bogaerts gives the Sox the lead after the replay
The lead lasted approximately three minutes in the top of the third although Hernandez flied out to right to begin. Donaldson singled and Smoak walked, although Bautista froze on a strike three call. Morales singled and Donaldson broke for home. JBJ fired the ball 400 feet over the head of Vazquez completely out of Fenway, but Vazquez pretended to make the tag to try to fool the umpire. It didn't work, Donaldson scored and it was a time game. Pillar whiffed but it was 4-4.
Donaldson is safe to tie the game
The Sox exploded in the bottom of the third inning and it began with a 451 foot bomb launched by Ramirez to give the Sox the lead. Moreland and Vazquez singled before Devers beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Davis singled to score Moreland and chase Estrada from the game as Jays manager John Gibbons waddled to the mound to bring in Luis Santos. Davis swiped second but JBJ whiffed. Bogaerts iced the game by blasting a 3 run home run into the Monster Seats, his 10th of the season. Pedroia singled but Benintendi struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-4.
Who knew the Sox could actually hit?
Porcello failed to pitch a clean inning in the top of the fifth although he struck out Martin to start. Goins whiffed as well but Barney swatted a 834 foot home run halfway to Northeastern University to make fans boo Porcello. Hernandez singled but Porcello struck out Donaldson to end the inning with the score now 9-5.
Barney the blue dinosaur hits one out
Aaron "Fruit" Loup got the ball in the bottom of the fourth inning and got Ramirez and Moreland both to ground out to start. Vazquez whiffed to end the inning.
Porcello returned for the top of the fifth inning and fans groaned when he walked Smoak. Fans cheered when he got Bautista to hit one up the elevator shaft and Morales to bang into a double play to end the inning. Tim Mayza replaced Loup in the bottom of the fifth inning and got Devers to pop up to third to start. Davis looked at strike three and JBJ grounded out to third to end the inning.
Porcello returned briefly for the top of the sixth inning and Pillar grounded out to third to start. Martin grounded out to second and napping manager John Farrell woke up to see the Jays had 5 runs and sprinted out of the dugout to chase Porcello away. In an sight to see unheard of 2 months ago, David Price came out of the bullpen and was NOT booed. He got Goins to ground out to end the inning. Porcello gave up 5 runs but ate up 5 2/3 innings and probably could have finished the sixth.
Porcello sucked but at least went far
Carlos Ramirez was brought in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Bogaerts grounded out to second to start. Pedroia also grounded out to second and Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning.
Price returned for the top of the seventh inning and all he did was strike out the damn side. Barney froze, Hernandez whiffed and Donaldson froze to end the inning. From Public Enemy Number 1 to the lefty bullpen horse in just 2 months.
What an effort by Price
The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the seventh as Ramirez whiffed but Moreland belted a solo home run to right to give the Sox their five run lead back, Vazquez lined out and Devers flied out to center to end the inning but it was 10-5 Sox.
Moreland goes yard as well
Addison Reed got the ball in the top of the eighth inning and got Smoak to ground out to third to begin. Bautista grounded out but Morales singled. Pillar flied out to right to end the inning. Chris Rowley came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning and got Davis to pop up to first to start. JBJ grounded out to second but Bogaerts singled. Pedroia grounded out to end the inning.
Brock Holt took over at second with Brandon Workman now on the mound in the top of the ninth. Martin was rung up for strike three but Goins doubled. Michael Saunders pinch hit for Barney and grounded out, but Hernandez gave one final kick in the pants to Boston with a 2 run home run. Donaldson lined out to first to end the game. The Sox had held on to win the slugfest 10-7.
Win, Dance, Repeat
Our Hero kicks into high gear
The Good:
Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 5 with an rbi.
Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 4 with a solo home run.
Mitch Moreland was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored including a home run.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rajai Davis was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, an rbi and a stolen base.
David Price retired all four men he faced.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
The Bad:
Brandon Workman gave up a 2 run bomb in the ninth inning.
The Ugly:
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 0 for 4 but drove in a run.
Rick Porcello sucked, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 home runs in 5 2/3 innings....but he struck out 8 to earn the win
Honorable Mention:
Brock Holt played second in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Blue Jays have been pretty dormant offensively against the Red Sox all year but all of a sudden they turned back the clock to 2016 for this series? They averaged 7 runs a game in all 3 games and they beat up the Sox' 3 best pitchers in the process. Still, the Sox needed to win a game and this was it. The offense played to their potential for the first time in weeks and they just may hold off the New York Yankees once and for all. Bogaerts looks healthy for the first time in months and Ramirez HAS to stay hot if they have any chance of October baseball. The win propelled the Sox to 92-66, 3 games ahead of the Yankees with just 4 to play. The Sox now play a four game set at home against their possible ALDS opponents the Houston Astros. Eduardo Rodriguez (6-6) goes for the Sox against Brad Peacock at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Hugh Hefner (RIP) approves of the win
Porcello wasted no time taking a dump on the mound in the top of the first inning. Teoscar Hernandez struck out but Josh Donaldson doubled. Justin Smoak doubled and Jose Bautista launched a 600 foot home run onto the Mass Pike to give the Jays a commanding lead just 4 batters into the game. Kendrys Morales lined out to short and Kevin Pillar grounded out to short, but it was 3-0 Jays at the end of the inning.
Porcello blows kibbles n bits already
Somehow the Sox fought back in the bottom of the first against Estrada although Xander Bogaerts struck out to begin. Dustin Pedroia grounded out to short but Andrew Benintendi singled in the hole at short. Hanley Ramirez hit a ball off the Monster....that Hernandez misplayed, allowing Benintendi to score from first and advancing Ramirez to second. Mitch Moreland grounded out to short to end the inning but it was 3-1.
Ramirez delivers for once
Somehow the Sox fought back in the bottom of the first against Estrada although Xander Bogaerts struck out to begin. Dustin Pedroia grounded out to short but Andrew Benintendi singled in the hole at short. Hanley Ramirez hit a ball off the Monster....that Hernandez misplayed, allowing Benintendi to score from first and advancing Ramirez to second. Mitch Moreland grounded out to short to end the inning but it was 3-1.
Shockingly Porcello pitched a clean top of the second inning as Russell Martin lined out to center, Ryan Goins whiffed and Darwin Barney struck out as well to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the second inning as Christian Vazquez walked to start, but Rafael Devers struck out. Rajai Davis doubled Vaz over to third and he scored on the Jackie Bradley Jr ground out that advanced Davis to third. Bogaerts slammed a single to score Davis to tie the game and Pedroia singled as well. Bogaerts broke from home all the way from first and the throw came in....OUT! But wait! Sox manager John Farrell challenged the call and he was ruled safe on the replay to give the Sox the lead. Benintendi hit a comebacker to end the inning but it was 4-3 Sox.
The lead lasted approximately three minutes in the top of the third although Hernandez flied out to right to begin. Donaldson singled and Smoak walked, although Bautista froze on a strike three call. Morales singled and Donaldson broke for home. JBJ fired the ball 400 feet over the head of Vazquez completely out of Fenway, but Vazquez pretended to make the tag to try to fool the umpire. It didn't work, Donaldson scored and it was a time game. Pillar whiffed but it was 4-4.
The Sox exploded in the bottom of the third inning and it began with a 451 foot bomb launched by Ramirez to give the Sox the lead. Moreland and Vazquez singled before Devers beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Davis singled to score Moreland and chase Estrada from the game as Jays manager John Gibbons waddled to the mound to bring in Luis Santos. Davis swiped second but JBJ whiffed. Bogaerts iced the game by blasting a 3 run home run into the Monster Seats, his 10th of the season. Pedroia singled but Benintendi struck out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-4.
Porcello failed to pitch a clean inning in the top of the fifth although he struck out Martin to start. Goins whiffed as well but Barney swatted a 834 foot home run halfway to Northeastern University to make fans boo Porcello. Hernandez singled but Porcello struck out Donaldson to end the inning with the score now 9-5.
Aaron "Fruit" Loup got the ball in the bottom of the fourth inning and got Ramirez and Moreland both to ground out to start. Vazquez whiffed to end the inning.
Porcello returned for the top of the fifth inning and fans groaned when he walked Smoak. Fans cheered when he got Bautista to hit one up the elevator shaft and Morales to bang into a double play to end the inning. Tim Mayza replaced Loup in the bottom of the fifth inning and got Devers to pop up to third to start. Davis looked at strike three and JBJ grounded out to third to end the inning.
Porcello returned briefly for the top of the sixth inning and Pillar grounded out to third to start. Martin grounded out to second and napping manager John Farrell woke up to see the Jays had 5 runs and sprinted out of the dugout to chase Porcello away. In an sight to see unheard of 2 months ago, David Price came out of the bullpen and was NOT booed. He got Goins to ground out to end the inning. Porcello gave up 5 runs but ate up 5 2/3 innings and probably could have finished the sixth.
Carlos Ramirez was brought in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Bogaerts grounded out to second to start. Pedroia also grounded out to second and Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning.
Price returned for the top of the seventh inning and all he did was strike out the damn side. Barney froze, Hernandez whiffed and Donaldson froze to end the inning. From Public Enemy Number 1 to the lefty bullpen horse in just 2 months.
The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the seventh as Ramirez whiffed but Moreland belted a solo home run to right to give the Sox their five run lead back, Vazquez lined out and Devers flied out to center to end the inning but it was 10-5 Sox.
Addison Reed got the ball in the top of the eighth inning and got Smoak to ground out to third to begin. Bautista grounded out but Morales singled. Pillar flied out to right to end the inning. Chris Rowley came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning and got Davis to pop up to first to start. JBJ grounded out to second but Bogaerts singled. Pedroia grounded out to end the inning.
Brock Holt took over at second with Brandon Workman now on the mound in the top of the ninth. Martin was rung up for strike three but Goins doubled. Michael Saunders pinch hit for Barney and grounded out, but Hernandez gave one final kick in the pants to Boston with a 2 run home run. Donaldson lined out to first to end the game. The Sox had held on to win the slugfest 10-7.
Hero of the Night is Xander Bogaerts. He finally broke out of his season long slump to go 3 for 5 with 2 total runs, 5 total rbis and a 3 run blast.
The Good:
Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 5 with an rbi.
Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 4 with a solo home run.
Mitch Moreland was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored including a home run.
Christian Vazquez was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Rajai Davis was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, an rbi and a stolen base.
David Price retired all four men he faced.
Addison Reed pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
The Bad:
Brandon Workman gave up a 2 run bomb in the ninth inning.
The Ugly:
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 0 for 4 but drove in a run.
Rick Porcello sucked, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 home runs in 5 2/3 innings....but he struck out 8 to earn the win
Honorable Mention:
Brock Holt played second in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
The Blue Jays have been pretty dormant offensively against the Red Sox all year but all of a sudden they turned back the clock to 2016 for this series? They averaged 7 runs a game in all 3 games and they beat up the Sox' 3 best pitchers in the process. Still, the Sox needed to win a game and this was it. The offense played to their potential for the first time in weeks and they just may hold off the New York Yankees once and for all. Bogaerts looks healthy for the first time in months and Ramirez HAS to stay hot if they have any chance of October baseball. The win propelled the Sox to 92-66, 3 games ahead of the Yankees with just 4 to play. The Sox now play a four game set at home against their possible ALDS opponents the Houston Astros. Eduardo Rodriguez (6-6) goes for the Sox against Brad Peacock at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Magic Number: 2