Blake Swihart had 10 Good, 2 Ugly and 1 Hero
Jalen Beeks had 1 Bad
Matt Barnes had 9 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly and 1 Jackass
Andrew Benintendi had 11 Good, 4 Bad, 6 Ugly and 1 Hero
Mookie Betts had 9 Good, 2 Bad, 11 Ugly and 3 Hero
Xander Bogaerts had 6 Good, 6 Bad, 8 Ugly and 3 Hero
Jackie Bradley Jr had 11 Good, 2 Bad and 9 Ugly
Ryan Brasier had 8 Good and 1 Bad
William Cuevas had 1 Ugly
Rafael Devers had 4 Good, 2 Bad, 8 Ugly and 1 Hero.
Nathan Eovaldi had 1 Hero
Justin Haley had 1 Ugly
Heath Hembree had 8 Good, 2 Bad and 1 Ugly
Brock Holt had 4 Good, 7 Bad, 6 Ugly, 1 Hero and 1 Honorable Mention
Brian Johnson had 2 Good and 2 Ugly
Joe Kelly had 8 Good, 3 Bad and 1 Jackass
Craig Kimbrel had 9 Good, 1 Bad and 1 Ugly
Ian Kinsler had 1 Ugly
Sandy Leon had 5 Good, 5 Bad, 9 Ugly and 1 Hero
Tzu-Wei Lin had 2 Good, 1 Bad and 1 Honorable Mention
JD Martinez had 9 Good, 11 Ugly and 1 Hero
Mitch Moreland had 5 Good, 3 Bad, 8 Ugly and 1 Jackass
Eduardo Nunez had 8 Good, 5 Bad and 6 Ugly
Steve Pearce had 8 Good, 4 Bad and 3 Ugly
Drew Pomeranz had 1 Bad and 1 Ugly
Rick Porcello had 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly and 2 Hero
David Price had 2 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Hero and 1 Jackass
Eduardo Rodriuez had 2 Good and 1 Hero
Chris Sale had 1 Good and 3 Hero
Robby Scott had 1 Jackass
Blake Swihart had 10 Good, 1 Ugly and 1 Hero
Tyler Thornburg had 7 Good, 2 Bad and 1 Jackass
Sam Travis had 1 Ugly
Christian Vazquez had 3 Bad and 1 Ugly
Hector Velazquez had 6 Good and 3 Bad
Brandon Workman had 7 Good, 3 Bad and 1 Ugly
The Co-MVP's with 11 Good apiece are Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr
The Least Valuable Player is Brock Holt with 7 Bad
The Co-Ugliest Players of the Month are Mookie Betts and JD Martinez with 11 Ugly apiece
The Co-Heroes of the Month are Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts with 3 Hero apiece
The 6 Jackasses of the month are Matt Barnes, David Price, Joe Kelly, Tyler Thornburg, Robby Scott and Mitch Moreland
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Sox Trade For Kinsler, Fall To Phillies (7/31/18)
What a whirlwind day this was. It began with the shocking news that Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale was placed on the disabled list completely out of nowhere with a shoulder issue. Nobody knows where it started but their best pitcher is now out for a bit. The Red Sox also sent down Tzu-Wei Lin to Pawtucket while calling up Brandon Workman to replace Sale. Then the Sox pulled off a trade, sending flamethrowing pitching prospect Ty Buttrey along with minor league pitcher Williams Jerez to the Los Angeles Angels for aging second basemen Ian Kinsler. Kinsler in his prime was just as good if not better than Dustin Pedroia and now he's their insurance policy in case Pedroia can't make it back due to his bad knee. Kinsler's bat has slowed considerably but he still plays gold glove defense and can still run so we'll see how this plays out during the stretch run.
OUT
IN
As for the game, the Red Sox offense fell asleep again. Former Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta blinded the Red Sox as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Drew Pomeranz (1-5, 6.56 ERA) pitched better than he usually has but the dormant offense finally doomed them after playing with fire for most of the past week. The Phillies scratched out a few runs and ended their own four game losing streak with a 3-1 victory at Fenway Park.
The Sox got some defensive help in the top of the first inning although Cesar Hernandez grounded out to short to begin. Pomeranz walked Rhys Hoskins but Carlos Santana was thrown out at second by Andrew Benintendi trying to stretch a double. Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox ran themselves out of the bottom of the first inning against Arrieta as Benintendi singled to start. Blake Swihart flied out to left but Benintendi swiped second base. Mitch Moreland whiffed but a wild pitch moved Benintendi to third. JD Martinez was plunked and the Sox botched a double steal. Martinez took off for second and when the throw went to second, Benintendi took off for home. The Phillies were ready and gunned home to get Benintendi for the out to end the inning. That was one of their only chances of the game.
"Oh they got me!" - AB
Right on cue the Phillies took the lead in the top of the second inning although Nick Williams flied out to center to start. Maikel Franco walked but Roman Quinn popped up to first. Jorge Alfaro doubled into the centerfield gap to score Franco to give the Phillies the lead. Scott Kingery whiffed to end the inning but it was 1-0 Phillies
Close but no cigar
Xander Bogaerts tried to start a rally in the bottom of the second with a double to center but Ian Kinsler struck out swinging in his first at-bat with the Red Sox. Eduardo Nunez looked at strike three before Brock "The Hitman" Holt flied out to center to end the inning.
Pomeranz settled down in the top of the third as Hernandez grounded out to short to start. Hoskins walked but Santana whiffed. Cabrera popped up to first to end the inning. Jackie Bradley Jr tried to rally with a ground rule double to start the bottom of the third but Benintendi lined out to short. JBJ went to third on a grounder by Swihart but Moreland grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Phillies added a run in the top of the fourth as Williams grounded out to first to begin. Franco walked and Quinn doubled him to third before Alfaro was plunked to load the bases. Kingery flied out to center but Franco beat the throw home for a sac fly run scored. Hernandez flied out to center to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 2-0.
The sox failed to respond in the bottom of the fourth as Martinez looked at strike three to start. Bogaerts popped up to second but Kinsler singled. Arrieta threw a pickoff throw away and Kinsler scooted all the way to third but Nunez grounded out to third to end the inning.
Pomeranz came back for one more inning in the top of the fifth and got Hoskins to ground out to third to begin. Santana flied out to center but Cabrera singled to center. Williams was plunked but Franco whiffed on a full count to end the inning. It wasn't his best start but it wasn't a disaster either as Pomeranz went 5 innings and allowed just 2 runs. About as average a start as you can get.
Pomeranz is average
The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the fifth as Holt popped up to third to begin. JBJ and Benintendi both whiffed to end the inning.
Joe Kelly was brought in to pitch the top of the sixth and Quinn immediately singled. Quinn was thrown out trying to steal by the alert Swihart and Alfaro flied out to center. Kingery flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth as Swihart singled to start. Moreland lined out to right but Martinez doubled Blake to third. Bogaerts grounded out to third but Swihart scored to cut into the lead. Kinsler lined out to right to end the inning but it was 2-1 Phillies.
"Benintendi scored?" - Kinsler
Heath Hembree walked Hernandez to start the top of the seventh but Hoskins whiffed. Santana lined out to center and Cabrera whiffed to end the inning. Arrieta had one last inning and it was the bottom of the seventh. Nunez flied out to center, Holt grounded out to short and JBJ whiffed to end the inning. Arrieta was too much for the Sox tonight.
Matt Barnes had the top of the eighth for the Sox and Williams looked at strike three to start. Franco and Quinn singled but Alfaro whiffed. Kingery walked on a borderline full count pitch to piss Barnes off. Matt responded by blowing away Hernandez to end the inning.
"THAT WAS A STRIKE!!!!!" - Barnes
Tommy Hunter came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Benintendi grounded out to short to begin. Swihart lined out to center and Moreland grounded out to first to end the inning.
The Phillies iced the game against Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez in the top of the ninth. Hoskins doubled and Santana singled him home. Cabrera lined out to second and Williams erased Santana at second on a force. Franco singled but Quinn grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 3-1.
Game over
Seranthony Dominguez nearly gave the game away in the bottom of the ninth when Martinez walked and Bogaerts was plunked to start. With the tying run on first, Kinsler whiffed. Mr. Mookie Betts pinch hit for Nunez but popped up to third. Holt looked at strike three to end the game. The Phillies had won it 3-1.
Sox lose the game and Bogaerts
Jackass of the Night is Mitch Moreland. He was 0 for 4 with a strikeout and left runners in scoring position back when it was a one run game.
Mitch the Jackass
The Good:
JD Martinez was 1 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch.
Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 6th inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless 7th inning.
Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Eduardo Nunez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
Brock Holt was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Hector Velazquez allowed a run in the 9th inning.
The Ugly:
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but stole a base and got an outfield assist.
Blake Swihart was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Ian Kinsler was just 1 for 4.
Drew Pomeranz was as average at could be. He took the loss but allowed just 2 runs in 5 innings of work.
Final Thoughts:
What a day this was. The bad news was the Sox lost the game, Chris Sale went on the disabled list and Xander Bogaerts took a high hard one to the wrist. A similar situation last year made Bogaerts all but useless the final two months of the season because John Farrell refused to sit him. Who knows what's wrong with Sale but Bogaerts needs wrist above anything else. The good news is Ian Kinsler may be on the downside but will play a good second base and give the team more speed. The Sox did NOT add a reliever at the deadline so what they have is what they're going to be from here on. Its up to Hembree, Kelly, Barnes, Craig Kimbrel and Tyler Thornburg to be effective in the second half. As for today's loss, they ran into a good pitcher and didn't hit well, it happens. The focus now changes to the New York Yankees for the big four game series coming up. This is the Sox chance to send a message that they are the real deal by winning at least 3 out of 4. It may be a tall task with Sale now on the disabled list and Bogaerts ailing but its possible. The loss dropped the Sox to 75-34, 5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox start the big weekend series with the Yankees on Thursday night. With Chris Sale on the disabled list, Brian Johnson will get the start for the Sox against CC Sabathia. The two burly lefties will meet Thursday night at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
OUT
As for the game, the Red Sox offense fell asleep again. Former Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta blinded the Red Sox as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Drew Pomeranz (1-5, 6.56 ERA) pitched better than he usually has but the dormant offense finally doomed them after playing with fire for most of the past week. The Phillies scratched out a few runs and ended their own four game losing streak with a 3-1 victory at Fenway Park.
The Sox got some defensive help in the top of the first inning although Cesar Hernandez grounded out to short to begin. Pomeranz walked Rhys Hoskins but Carlos Santana was thrown out at second by Andrew Benintendi trying to stretch a double. Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox ran themselves out of the bottom of the first inning against Arrieta as Benintendi singled to start. Blake Swihart flied out to left but Benintendi swiped second base. Mitch Moreland whiffed but a wild pitch moved Benintendi to third. JD Martinez was plunked and the Sox botched a double steal. Martinez took off for second and when the throw went to second, Benintendi took off for home. The Phillies were ready and gunned home to get Benintendi for the out to end the inning. That was one of their only chances of the game.
Right on cue the Phillies took the lead in the top of the second inning although Nick Williams flied out to center to start. Maikel Franco walked but Roman Quinn popped up to first. Jorge Alfaro doubled into the centerfield gap to score Franco to give the Phillies the lead. Scott Kingery whiffed to end the inning but it was 1-0 Phillies
Xander Bogaerts tried to start a rally in the bottom of the second with a double to center but Ian Kinsler struck out swinging in his first at-bat with the Red Sox. Eduardo Nunez looked at strike three before Brock "The Hitman" Holt flied out to center to end the inning.
Pomeranz settled down in the top of the third as Hernandez grounded out to short to start. Hoskins walked but Santana whiffed. Cabrera popped up to first to end the inning. Jackie Bradley Jr tried to rally with a ground rule double to start the bottom of the third but Benintendi lined out to short. JBJ went to third on a grounder by Swihart but Moreland grounded out to second to end the inning.
The Phillies added a run in the top of the fourth as Williams grounded out to first to begin. Franco walked and Quinn doubled him to third before Alfaro was plunked to load the bases. Kingery flied out to center but Franco beat the throw home for a sac fly run scored. Hernandez flied out to center to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 2-0.
The sox failed to respond in the bottom of the fourth as Martinez looked at strike three to start. Bogaerts popped up to second but Kinsler singled. Arrieta threw a pickoff throw away and Kinsler scooted all the way to third but Nunez grounded out to third to end the inning.
Pomeranz came back for one more inning in the top of the fifth and got Hoskins to ground out to third to begin. Santana flied out to center but Cabrera singled to center. Williams was plunked but Franco whiffed on a full count to end the inning. It wasn't his best start but it wasn't a disaster either as Pomeranz went 5 innings and allowed just 2 runs. About as average a start as you can get.
The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the fifth as Holt popped up to third to begin. JBJ and Benintendi both whiffed to end the inning.
Joe Kelly was brought in to pitch the top of the sixth and Quinn immediately singled. Quinn was thrown out trying to steal by the alert Swihart and Alfaro flied out to center. Kingery flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth as Swihart singled to start. Moreland lined out to right but Martinez doubled Blake to third. Bogaerts grounded out to third but Swihart scored to cut into the lead. Kinsler lined out to right to end the inning but it was 2-1 Phillies.
Heath Hembree walked Hernandez to start the top of the seventh but Hoskins whiffed. Santana lined out to center and Cabrera whiffed to end the inning. Arrieta had one last inning and it was the bottom of the seventh. Nunez flied out to center, Holt grounded out to short and JBJ whiffed to end the inning. Arrieta was too much for the Sox tonight.
Matt Barnes had the top of the eighth for the Sox and Williams looked at strike three to start. Franco and Quinn singled but Alfaro whiffed. Kingery walked on a borderline full count pitch to piss Barnes off. Matt responded by blowing away Hernandez to end the inning.
Tommy Hunter came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Benintendi grounded out to short to begin. Swihart lined out to center and Moreland grounded out to first to end the inning.
The Phillies iced the game against Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez in the top of the ninth. Hoskins doubled and Santana singled him home. Cabrera lined out to second and Williams erased Santana at second on a force. Franco singled but Quinn grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 3-1.
Seranthony Dominguez nearly gave the game away in the bottom of the ninth when Martinez walked and Bogaerts was plunked to start. With the tying run on first, Kinsler whiffed. Mr. Mookie Betts pinch hit for Nunez but popped up to third. Holt looked at strike three to end the game. The Phillies had won it 3-1.
Jackass of the Night is Mitch Moreland. He was 0 for 4 with a strikeout and left runners in scoring position back when it was a one run game.
The Good:
JD Martinez was 1 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch.
Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 3 with an rbi.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 3.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 6th inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless 7th inning.
Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
The Bad:
Eduardo Nunez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Mookie Betts was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.
Brock Holt was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Hector Velazquez allowed a run in the 9th inning.
The Ugly:
Andrew Benintendi was just 1 for 4 but stole a base and got an outfield assist.
Blake Swihart was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.
Ian Kinsler was just 1 for 4.
Drew Pomeranz was as average at could be. He took the loss but allowed just 2 runs in 5 innings of work.
Final Thoughts:
What a day this was. The bad news was the Sox lost the game, Chris Sale went on the disabled list and Xander Bogaerts took a high hard one to the wrist. A similar situation last year made Bogaerts all but useless the final two months of the season because John Farrell refused to sit him. Who knows what's wrong with Sale but Bogaerts needs wrist above anything else. The good news is Ian Kinsler may be on the downside but will play a good second base and give the team more speed. The Sox did NOT add a reliever at the deadline so what they have is what they're going to be from here on. Its up to Hembree, Kelly, Barnes, Craig Kimbrel and Tyler Thornburg to be effective in the second half. As for today's loss, they ran into a good pitcher and didn't hit well, it happens. The focus now changes to the New York Yankees for the big four game series coming up. This is the Sox chance to send a message that they are the real deal by winning at least 3 out of 4. It may be a tall task with Sale now on the disabled list and Bogaerts ailing but its possible. The loss dropped the Sox to 75-34, 5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox start the big weekend series with the Yankees on Thursday night. With Chris Sale on the disabled list, Brian Johnson will get the start for the Sox against CC Sabathia. The two burly lefties will meet Thursday night at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Sox Outlast Phillies in 13 (7/30/18)
If the Boston Red Sox want to go into a showdown with the New York Yankees this Thursday night, they may want to have some momentum going in. The Sox offense except for one game has been virtually silenced since the All-Star break. The Sox took on the Philadelphia Phillies tonight and their ace Aaron Nola but could do nothing against him. Luckily David Price did what he could to keep the Sox in the game. At the end of 8 innings both starters were gone but it was the Sox bullpen who tossed 5 scoreless innings to set the stage for the Sox to walk it off in the bottom of the 13th. Blake Swihart did the honors with a ground rule double to give the Sox a 2-1 victory in 13 innings at Fenway Park.
Handsome Jack approves of the win
Price took the mound in the top of the first inning and Cesar Hernandez grounded out to short to start. Rhys Hoskins doubled to left but Odubel Herrera flied out to center. Carlos Santana popped up to short to end the inning. Nola matched Price in the bottom of the first as Mr. Mookie Betts lined out to right to begin. Andrew Benintendi flied out to left before JD Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
The Phillies struck first in the top of the second as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to start before Maikel Franco singled him home to give Philly the lead. Jorge Alfaro lined out to center before Roman Quinn whiffed. Scott Kingery whiffed to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 1-0.
"I gave up a run already?" - Price
The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the second as Mitch Moreland flied out to center to start. Xander Bogaerts grounded out to second and Jackie Bradley Jr also grounded out to second to end the inning.
Price whiffed Hernandez to start the top of the third before Hoskins doubled. Herrera singled to put runners at the corners before Santana hit a ground ball to Eduardo Nunez. Nunez fired home to get Hoskins but Herrera foolishly tried for third and Sandy Leon threw him out to end the inning.
Nice going Phillies
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the third as Nunez grounded out to second to start. Brock "The Hitman" Holt lined out to center but Leon singled. Mr. Mookie whiffed to end the inning.
Price made the Phillies beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the fourth inning. Cabrera grounded out to short, Franco grounded back to the mound and Alfaro grounded out to third to end the inning. Nola matched Price in the bottom of the fourth as Benintendi grounded back to the mound to begin. Martinez also grounded back to the mound before Moreland whiffed on a full count to end the inning.
Price kept pace in the top of the fifth as Quinn popped up to first to start. Kingery flied out to right and Hernandez grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fifth although Bogaerts whiffed to start. JBJ singled and Nunez tripled him home to tie the game. Holt walked but was doubled off on a scorching liner by Leon to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
Nunez triples in a run
Price got Hoskins to fly out to right to open the top of the sixth before Herrera grounded out to short. Santana and Cabrera stroked back to back singles before Franco looked at strike three to end the inning. Nola recovered in the bottom of the sixth as Mr. Mookie grounded back to the mound to begin. Benintendi grounded out to second before Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Price got Alfaro to fly out to right to begin the top of the seventh before Quinn grounded out to short. Kingery flied out to left to end the inning. Moreland tried to catch the Phills asleep with a bunt but he was snuffed out at first to start the bottom of the seventh. Bogarts grounded back to the mound but Santana botched a JBJ ground ball for an error. Nunez grounded into a force to end the inning.
Price came back for one more inning in the top of the eighth as Hernandez was snuffed out on a bunt attempt by Leon to begin. Hoskins looked at strike three but Herrera doubled. Santana walked but Cabrera lined out to right to end the inning. Price was masterful, tossing 8 innings of 1 run ball that would have gotten the win 9 times out of 10. He deserved better.
Price was outstanding
Nola also had one more inning in him in the bottom of the eighth. Holt doubled to start but Leon popped up to third. Mr. Mookie whiffed and Benintendi lined out to center to end the inning.
Tyler Thornburg bolted out of the bullpen for the top of the ninth and got Franco to pop up to second. Andrew Knapp pinch hit for Alfaro and whiffed before Quinn singled. Quinn was gunned down by the alert Leon trying to steal to end the inning. Thornburg made a mad dash into the dugout and up the runway after.
Yerrrrrr out!
Seranthony Dominguez had the bottom of the ninth and the Sox put the winning run on when Martinez walked to start. The rally ended as Moreland grounded into a double play and Bogaerts grounded out to third to end the inning.
Ryan Brasier came in for the top of the 10th and Kingery grounded out to third to begin. Hernandez lined out to the mound but Hoskins walked. Herrera walked but Santana grounded out to second to end the inning. Pat Neshek came in for the bottom of the 10th and JBJ flied out to left. Nunez flied out to right but Holt doubled. Blake Swihart pinch hit for Leon so Phillies manager Gabe Kapler countered by bringing in Tommy Hunter. Holt swiped third to put the winning run at third but Swihart flied out to left to end the inning.
Heath Hembree came in to pitch the top of the 11th and Cabrera whiffed to start. Franco grounded out to short before Knapp whiffed to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the 11th as Mr. Mookie grounded out to third, Benintendi grounded out to first and Martinez grounded back to the mound.
Joe Kelly came in to pitch the top of the 12th and Quinn's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Nunez. Kingery lined out to center but Hernandez walked. Hoskins grounded into a force to end the inning. Austin Davis came in for Hunter as Steve Pearce pinch hit for Moreland only to strike out swinging to open the bottom of the 12th. Bogaerts grounded out to short before JBJ lined out to first to end the inning.
Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez came in to pitch the top of the 13th and Herrera walked to start. Santana and Cabrera both whiffed but Franco singled. Knapp flied out to left to end the inning. The game finally ended in the bottom of the 13th as Nunez singled to start. Luis Garcia replaced Davis and Nunez swiped second. Holt whiffed but Swihart smacked a ground rule double to win the game. The Sox had won it 2-1 in 13 innings.
Sox win!
Hero of the Night is Blake Swihart. His rbi double in the 13th won the game for the Sox.
Swihart is the Hero
The Good:
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 5 with an rbi, run scored and stolen base.
Brock Holt was 2 for 4 with a stolen base.
Sandy Leon was 1 for 3.
David Price was outstanding, allowing just 1 run in 8 brilliant innings. He allowed 8 hits and struck out 5.
Tyler Thornburg pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless 10th inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless 11th inning.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 12th inning.
Hector Velazquez got the win with a scoreless 13th inning.
The Bad:
Mookie Betts was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 5.
Mitch Moreland was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Steve Pearce struck out as a pinch hitter.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts, but walked.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Final Thoughts:
Normally scoring 2 runs in 13 innings is pathetic but Aaron Nola happens to be Philly's best pitcher. To come out of a game like this with a win is never a bad thing. With the showdown with the New York Yankees only 3 days away, the Sox need to win as many games as possible to that point. The Sox have one game left before the showdown and the trade deadline is tomorrow. The Sox may need another bat in the lineup in case Dustin Pedroia can't come back and the others falter. What Dave Dombrowski decides to do could impact the team not just this year but next year as well. As for this game, good for Swihart to get something done after rotting on the bench for much of the season. Every win counts no matter who its against. The win improved the Sox to 75-33, 6 games ahead of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The 1921 Red Sox who were in the aftermath of the Harry Frazee reign of error finished with 75 wins. The 2018 Red Sox have 75 wins on July 30th. Tomorrow night Drew Pomeranz (1-4) looks to keep the momentum going in the last game of July against the Phillies with Jake Arrieta on the mound for Philly. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Price took the mound in the top of the first inning and Cesar Hernandez grounded out to short to start. Rhys Hoskins doubled to left but Odubel Herrera flied out to center. Carlos Santana popped up to short to end the inning. Nola matched Price in the bottom of the first as Mr. Mookie Betts lined out to right to begin. Andrew Benintendi flied out to left before JD Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
The Phillies struck first in the top of the second as Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to start before Maikel Franco singled him home to give Philly the lead. Jorge Alfaro lined out to center before Roman Quinn whiffed. Scott Kingery whiffed to end the inning with the Phillies ahead 1-0.
The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the second as Mitch Moreland flied out to center to start. Xander Bogaerts grounded out to second and Jackie Bradley Jr also grounded out to second to end the inning.
Price whiffed Hernandez to start the top of the third before Hoskins doubled. Herrera singled to put runners at the corners before Santana hit a ground ball to Eduardo Nunez. Nunez fired home to get Hoskins but Herrera foolishly tried for third and Sandy Leon threw him out to end the inning.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the third as Nunez grounded out to second to start. Brock "The Hitman" Holt lined out to center but Leon singled. Mr. Mookie whiffed to end the inning.
Price made the Phillies beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the fourth inning. Cabrera grounded out to short, Franco grounded back to the mound and Alfaro grounded out to third to end the inning. Nola matched Price in the bottom of the fourth as Benintendi grounded back to the mound to begin. Martinez also grounded back to the mound before Moreland whiffed on a full count to end the inning.
Price kept pace in the top of the fifth as Quinn popped up to first to start. Kingery flied out to right and Hernandez grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fifth although Bogaerts whiffed to start. JBJ singled and Nunez tripled him home to tie the game. Holt walked but was doubled off on a scorching liner by Leon to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.
Price got Hoskins to fly out to right to open the top of the sixth before Herrera grounded out to short. Santana and Cabrera stroked back to back singles before Franco looked at strike three to end the inning. Nola recovered in the bottom of the sixth as Mr. Mookie grounded back to the mound to begin. Benintendi grounded out to second before Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Price got Alfaro to fly out to right to begin the top of the seventh before Quinn grounded out to short. Kingery flied out to left to end the inning. Moreland tried to catch the Phills asleep with a bunt but he was snuffed out at first to start the bottom of the seventh. Bogarts grounded back to the mound but Santana botched a JBJ ground ball for an error. Nunez grounded into a force to end the inning.
Price came back for one more inning in the top of the eighth as Hernandez was snuffed out on a bunt attempt by Leon to begin. Hoskins looked at strike three but Herrera doubled. Santana walked but Cabrera lined out to right to end the inning. Price was masterful, tossing 8 innings of 1 run ball that would have gotten the win 9 times out of 10. He deserved better.
Nola also had one more inning in him in the bottom of the eighth. Holt doubled to start but Leon popped up to third. Mr. Mookie whiffed and Benintendi lined out to center to end the inning.
Tyler Thornburg bolted out of the bullpen for the top of the ninth and got Franco to pop up to second. Andrew Knapp pinch hit for Alfaro and whiffed before Quinn singled. Quinn was gunned down by the alert Leon trying to steal to end the inning. Thornburg made a mad dash into the dugout and up the runway after.
Seranthony Dominguez had the bottom of the ninth and the Sox put the winning run on when Martinez walked to start. The rally ended as Moreland grounded into a double play and Bogaerts grounded out to third to end the inning.
Ryan Brasier came in for the top of the 10th and Kingery grounded out to third to begin. Hernandez lined out to the mound but Hoskins walked. Herrera walked but Santana grounded out to second to end the inning. Pat Neshek came in for the bottom of the 10th and JBJ flied out to left. Nunez flied out to right but Holt doubled. Blake Swihart pinch hit for Leon so Phillies manager Gabe Kapler countered by bringing in Tommy Hunter. Holt swiped third to put the winning run at third but Swihart flied out to left to end the inning.
Heath Hembree came in to pitch the top of the 11th and Cabrera whiffed to start. Franco grounded out to short before Knapp whiffed to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the 11th as Mr. Mookie grounded out to third, Benintendi grounded out to first and Martinez grounded back to the mound.
Joe Kelly came in to pitch the top of the 12th and Quinn's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Nunez. Kingery lined out to center but Hernandez walked. Hoskins grounded into a force to end the inning. Austin Davis came in for Hunter as Steve Pearce pinch hit for Moreland only to strike out swinging to open the bottom of the 12th. Bogaerts grounded out to short before JBJ lined out to first to end the inning.
Hector "The Insurance Policy" Velazquez came in to pitch the top of the 13th and Herrera walked to start. Santana and Cabrera both whiffed but Franco singled. Knapp flied out to left to end the inning. The game finally ended in the bottom of the 13th as Nunez singled to start. Luis Garcia replaced Davis and Nunez swiped second. Holt whiffed but Swihart smacked a ground rule double to win the game. The Sox had won it 2-1 in 13 innings.
Hero of the Night is Blake Swihart. His rbi double in the 13th won the game for the Sox.
The Good:
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 5 with an rbi, run scored and stolen base.
Brock Holt was 2 for 4 with a stolen base.
Sandy Leon was 1 for 3.
David Price was outstanding, allowing just 1 run in 8 brilliant innings. He allowed 8 hits and struck out 5.
Tyler Thornburg pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless 10th inning.
Heath Hembree pitched a scoreless 11th inning.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 12th inning.
Hector Velazquez got the win with a scoreless 13th inning.
The Bad:
Mookie Betts was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 5.
Mitch Moreland was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Steve Pearce struck out as a pinch hitter.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts, but walked.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Final Thoughts:
Normally scoring 2 runs in 13 innings is pathetic but Aaron Nola happens to be Philly's best pitcher. To come out of a game like this with a win is never a bad thing. With the showdown with the New York Yankees only 3 days away, the Sox need to win as many games as possible to that point. The Sox have one game left before the showdown and the trade deadline is tomorrow. The Sox may need another bat in the lineup in case Dustin Pedroia can't come back and the others falter. What Dave Dombrowski decides to do could impact the team not just this year but next year as well. As for this game, good for Swihart to get something done after rotting on the bench for much of the season. Every win counts no matter who its against. The win improved the Sox to 75-33, 6 games ahead of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The 1921 Red Sox who were in the aftermath of the Harry Frazee reign of error finished with 75 wins. The 2018 Red Sox have 75 wins on July 30th. Tomorrow night Drew Pomeranz (1-4) looks to keep the momentum going in the last game of July against the Phillies with Jake Arrieta on the mound for Philly. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Eovaldi Blanks Twins in Debut (7/29/18)
Before the game the Boston Red Sox placed Rafael Devers on the Disabled List with a bad hamstring. He pulled it in last night's game and it didn't look pretty. In his place the Sox have called up Tzu-Wei Lin from Pawtucket before tonight's game.
OUT
IN
As for the game, welcome to Boston Nathan Eovaldi! The flamethrowing right hander held the Minnesota Twins to just 4 hits in 7 innings on just 82 pitches in his Red Sox debut. JD Martinez provided all the offene by himself and Eovaldi was a winner in his first Sox game. The Sox had taken 3 out of 4 from Minnesota with a 3-0 win at Fenway Park.
Gene Tunney approves of the win
Eovaldi took the mound in the top of the first inning and Joe Mauer grounded out to second to start. Eddie Rosario doubled but Jorge Polanco flied out to center. Brian Dozier whiffed on a full count to end the inning. Twins starter Jose Berrios got the start in the bottom of the first and Mr. Mookie Betts popped up to first to start. Andrew Benintendi singled and JD Martinez walked. Polanco botched a force attempt by Steve Pearce to load the bases but Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed on a full count. Eduardo Nunez grounded out to short to end the inning.
Eovaldi struck out Logan Morrison swinging to open the top of the second before Miguel Sano whiffed. Robbie Grossman singled but Jake Cave grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second as Blake Swihart singled to start. Brock "The Hitman" Holt was hit with a pitch but Sandy Leon botched a bunt attempt, getting Swihart thrown out at third. Mr. Mookie beat out a double play ball to keep the inning going and Benintendi walked to load the bases. Martinez cashed in with a double that scored Holt and Betts to put the Sox on top. Pearce lined out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
Martinez with a 2 run double
Bobby Wilson lined out to center to open the top of the third before Mauer grounded out to second. Rosario grounded out to second to end the inning. JBJ whiffed on a fastball right down the middle but Nunez singled and Swihart doubled him to third. Holt looked at strike three and Leon grounded out to first to end the inning.
Polanco singled to start the top of the fourth but Dozier grounded into a double play. Morrison flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fourth although Mr. Mookie lined out to left but Benintendi doubled. Martinez singled home Benintendi to increase the lead. Pearce whiffed but JBJ singled. Nunez walked but Swihart whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.
Another rbi for Martinez
Eovaldi stayed tough in the top of the fifth as Sano flied out to center to start before Grossman grounded out to first. Cave singled up the middle but Wilson flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox chased Berrios in the bottom of the fifth although Holt flied out to center to start. Leon looked at strike three before Mr. Mookie singled. Gabriel Moya came in for Berrios and got Benintendi popped up to second to end the inning.
Eovaldi was unstoppable in the top of the sixth as Mauer lined out to third to begin. Rosario whiffed before Polanco flied out to left to end the inning. Adalberto Mejia came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Martinez lined out to right to begin. Pearce whiffed before JBJ grounded out to short to end the inning.
Eovaldi came back for one more inning in the top of the seventh. Dozier hit one up the elevator shaft before Morrison flied out to right. Sano looked at strike three to end the inning. Sox manager Alex Cora decided that was enough for Eovaldi who was very impressive in his debut. He went 7 innings, threw 82 pitches, struck out 5 and allowed just 4 hits.
Great performance by Eovaldi
Nunez singled to open the bottom of the seventh but Swihart popped up to second. Holt whiffed and Leon grounded out to third to end the inning.
Nunez moved to third, Tzu-Wei Lin came in for Swihart and played short, Holt went to second and Matt Barnes came in to pitch the top of the eighth. Grossman walked but Cave whiffed. Max Kepler pinch hit for Wilson but looked at strike three. Mauer grounded into a force to end the inning. Mitch Garver took over behind the plate in the bottom of the eighth and Mr. Mookie looked at a full count strike three. Benintendi flied out to center and Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel came in to close out the top of the ninth and he blew away Rosario to start. Polanco was plunked and took second on a wild pitch...but was doubled off at second on a Dozier line drive to end the game. The Sox had won Nathan Eovaldi's debut by a score of 3-0.
Another win
Hero of the Night is Nathan Eovaldi. he tossed 7 innings of shutout ball on just 82 pitches, scattering 4 hits while striking out 5.
Eovaldi is the Hero in his debut
The Good:
Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with a walk and all 3 runs batted in.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 3 with a walk.
Blake Swihart was 2 for 4.
Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Craig Kimbrel earned his 33rd save with a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Steve Pearce was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
The Ugly:
Mookie Betts was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Brock Holt was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.
Honorable Mention:
Tzu-Wei Lin played third in the final two innings.
Final Thoughts:
What a debut for Nathan Eovaldi. He was just supposed to be depth with Eduardo Rodriguez on the disabled list and Drew Pomeranz faltering, but he could be the fourth starter they need going forward at this point. If he can pitch like this more often, Eovaldi would be a great compliment to Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and David Price. JD Martinez supplied the offense as the Sox once again struggled to put runs on the board. Still, with pitching as good as this, its hard to squawk too much about the offense. The problem is Eovaldi can't possibly pitch this good all the time so the offense which has been dormant since the All-Star break needs to return fast with the New York Yankees in town in four days. The win improved the Sox to 74-33, 5.5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. It should be noted the 1936 Red Sox with Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove won 74 total games. This year's team has 74 wins on July 29th. Tomorrow night the Sox go up against the Philadelphia Phillies in a brief two game inter-league set. Phillies ace Aaron Nola goes for them opposite David Price in the first game at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
As for the game, welcome to Boston Nathan Eovaldi! The flamethrowing right hander held the Minnesota Twins to just 4 hits in 7 innings on just 82 pitches in his Red Sox debut. JD Martinez provided all the offene by himself and Eovaldi was a winner in his first Sox game. The Sox had taken 3 out of 4 from Minnesota with a 3-0 win at Fenway Park.
Eovaldi took the mound in the top of the first inning and Joe Mauer grounded out to second to start. Eddie Rosario doubled but Jorge Polanco flied out to center. Brian Dozier whiffed on a full count to end the inning. Twins starter Jose Berrios got the start in the bottom of the first and Mr. Mookie Betts popped up to first to start. Andrew Benintendi singled and JD Martinez walked. Polanco botched a force attempt by Steve Pearce to load the bases but Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed on a full count. Eduardo Nunez grounded out to short to end the inning.
Eovaldi struck out Logan Morrison swinging to open the top of the second before Miguel Sano whiffed. Robbie Grossman singled but Jake Cave grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second as Blake Swihart singled to start. Brock "The Hitman" Holt was hit with a pitch but Sandy Leon botched a bunt attempt, getting Swihart thrown out at third. Mr. Mookie beat out a double play ball to keep the inning going and Benintendi walked to load the bases. Martinez cashed in with a double that scored Holt and Betts to put the Sox on top. Pearce lined out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
Bobby Wilson lined out to center to open the top of the third before Mauer grounded out to second. Rosario grounded out to second to end the inning. JBJ whiffed on a fastball right down the middle but Nunez singled and Swihart doubled him to third. Holt looked at strike three and Leon grounded out to first to end the inning.
Polanco singled to start the top of the fourth but Dozier grounded into a double play. Morrison flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fourth although Mr. Mookie lined out to left but Benintendi doubled. Martinez singled home Benintendi to increase the lead. Pearce whiffed but JBJ singled. Nunez walked but Swihart whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.
Eovaldi stayed tough in the top of the fifth as Sano flied out to center to start before Grossman grounded out to first. Cave singled up the middle but Wilson flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox chased Berrios in the bottom of the fifth although Holt flied out to center to start. Leon looked at strike three before Mr. Mookie singled. Gabriel Moya came in for Berrios and got Benintendi popped up to second to end the inning.
Eovaldi was unstoppable in the top of the sixth as Mauer lined out to third to begin. Rosario whiffed before Polanco flied out to left to end the inning. Adalberto Mejia came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Martinez lined out to right to begin. Pearce whiffed before JBJ grounded out to short to end the inning.
Eovaldi came back for one more inning in the top of the seventh. Dozier hit one up the elevator shaft before Morrison flied out to right. Sano looked at strike three to end the inning. Sox manager Alex Cora decided that was enough for Eovaldi who was very impressive in his debut. He went 7 innings, threw 82 pitches, struck out 5 and allowed just 4 hits.
Nunez singled to open the bottom of the seventh but Swihart popped up to second. Holt whiffed and Leon grounded out to third to end the inning.
Nunez moved to third, Tzu-Wei Lin came in for Swihart and played short, Holt went to second and Matt Barnes came in to pitch the top of the eighth. Grossman walked but Cave whiffed. Max Kepler pinch hit for Wilson but looked at strike three. Mauer grounded into a force to end the inning. Mitch Garver took over behind the plate in the bottom of the eighth and Mr. Mookie looked at a full count strike three. Benintendi flied out to center and Martinez whiffed to end the inning.
Craig "The Buzzard" Kimbrel came in to close out the top of the ninth and he blew away Rosario to start. Polanco was plunked and took second on a wild pitch...but was doubled off at second on a Dozier line drive to end the game. The Sox had won Nathan Eovaldi's debut by a score of 3-0.
Hero of the Night is Nathan Eovaldi. he tossed 7 innings of shutout ball on just 82 pitches, scattering 4 hits while striking out 5.
The Good:
Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with a walk and all 3 runs batted in.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 3 with a walk.
Blake Swihart was 2 for 4.
Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Craig Kimbrel earned his 33rd save with a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
Steve Pearce was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
The Ugly:
Mookie Betts was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Jackie Bradley Jr was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Brock Holt was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.
Honorable Mention:
Tzu-Wei Lin played third in the final two innings.
Final Thoughts:
What a debut for Nathan Eovaldi. He was just supposed to be depth with Eduardo Rodriguez on the disabled list and Drew Pomeranz faltering, but he could be the fourth starter they need going forward at this point. If he can pitch like this more often, Eovaldi would be a great compliment to Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and David Price. JD Martinez supplied the offense as the Sox once again struggled to put runs on the board. Still, with pitching as good as this, its hard to squawk too much about the offense. The problem is Eovaldi can't possibly pitch this good all the time so the offense which has been dormant since the All-Star break needs to return fast with the New York Yankees in town in four days. The win improved the Sox to 74-33, 5.5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. It should be noted the 1936 Red Sox with Jimmie Foxx and Lefty Grove won 74 total games. This year's team has 74 wins on July 29th. Tomorrow night the Sox go up against the Philadelphia Phillies in a brief two game inter-league set. Phillies ace Aaron Nola goes for them opposite David Price in the first game at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Sox Pull Away Late, Defeat Twins (7/28/18)
It wasn't pretty but the Boston Red Sox survived a surge from the upstart Minnesota Twins in tonight's game. Trailing 4-1 and in danger of losing their second game in a row to the lowly Twins, the Sox rallied for 5 runs in the next few innings before pulling away in the 8th to claim their victory. "Slick" Rick Porcello (13-4, 4.03 ERA) was lit up early but held on to nearly toss 6 innings while the offense exploded for 14 hits and 10 runs to knock off the Twins 10-4 at Fenway Park.
William Tiberius Rice approves of the win
Porcello took the mound in the top of the first and Joe Mauer grounded out to short to start. Eddie Rosario grounded out to first before Jorge Polanco looked at strike three to end the inning. Jake Odorizzi got the start for the Twins in the bottom of the first and the Sox tagged him. Mr. Mookie Betts lined out to center but Andrew Benintendi and JD Martinez stroked back to back singles. Mitch Moreland singled home Benintendi to give the Sox the lead. Xander Bogaerts flied out to center but Rafael Devers loaded the bases with a bunt single. Eduardo Nunez grounded out to first to end the inning but the Sox were up 1-0.
Moreland singles in a run
The Twins struck back in the top of the second although Brian Dozier grounded out to third to start. Logan Morrison then launched a 40,000 foot home run to tie the game. Miguel Sano grounded out to third and Robbie Grossman looked at strike three to end the inning but it was tied 1-1.
"Dammit! Dammit!" - RP
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the second as Sandy Leon flied out to right to start. Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed on 3 straight fastballs and Mr. Mookie was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning.
The Twins struck again in the top of the third although Mitch Garver grounded out to first to start. Jake Cave and Mauer hit back to back singles but Rosario whiffed. Polanco then tripled into the gap in center to drive in both runners. Dozier singled home Polanco for the extra run but Morrison's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Porcello to end the inning with the Twins up 4-1.
Polanco puts the Twins on top
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the third as Benintendi grounded out to short, Martinez whiffed and Moreland lined out to third to end the inning.
Porcello recovered in the top of the fourth as Sano looked at strike three to start. Grossman hit a routine grounder to Nunez who dove on top of the ball and dryland swam on it for an error. Garver lined out to right and Cave lined out to short to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth although Bogaerts flied out to center to start. Devers smacked a ground rule double and Nunez walked, but Leon flied out to center. JBJ made up for allowing a triple with smacking a triple of his own to score both runners. Mr. Mookie tied the game with a clutch 2 out double but Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.
Betts ties it up
Porcello stayed strong in the top of the fifth as Mauer lined out to left, Rosario lined out to center and Polanco grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox took command in the bottom of the fifth as Martinez led off with his 32nd home run of the year to put Boston on top. Moreland whiffed but Bogaerts singled. Devers and Nunez whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-4.
Martinez gets the lead
Dozier walked to open the top of the sixth and a passed ball moved him to second. Morrison flied out to center and Porcello used what he had left in the tank to strike out Sano on a full count. That was it for Porcello after 5 2/3 gutty innings. He allowed the early 4 runs but came back to pitch a good fifth and most of the sixth. Heath Hembree came in and Grossman grounded out to short to end the inning.
Porcello gets it done
The Sox got some insurance in the bottom of the sixth with Gabriel Moya on the mound. Leon led off with a double and JBJ walked, but Mr. Mookie whiffed. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position and Benintendi singled home Leon. That was it for Moya as Matt Magill came in to strike out Martinez. Benintendi swiped second but Moreland whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-4.
Way to go Benintendi
Hembree returned for the top of the seventh and Garver whiffed to start. Cave flied out to center but Mauer singled. Rosario grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the seventh as Bogaerts whiffed to start. Devers grounded out to short but Nunez legged out a triple. Leon grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Tyler Thornburg sprinted from the bullpen to the mound for the top of the eighth and Polanco grounded out to first to start. Dozier whiffed and Morrison grounded out to second to end the inning. Thornburg ran as fast as he can into the dugout and up the clubhouse runway. The Sox iced the game in the bottom of the eighth as JBJ walked and Mr. Mookie doubled him home to start. Taylor Rogers replaced Magill and struck out Benintendi, but intentionally walked Martinez. Mr. Mookie swiped third but Moreland whiffed. For whatever reason Rogers intentionally walked Bogaerts to load the bases only for Devers to walk in Mr. Mookie. Nunez then doubled home both Martinez and Bogaerts to put the game away. The only sad part was Devers fell down at third holding his hamstring. He had to be hauled off on a gurney, loaded into an ambulance and rushed to Brigham & Women's ICU. Brock "The Hitman" Holt pinch ran for Devers but Leon looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox had taken a commanding lead 10-4.
JBJ scores another run
Holt stayed at second with Nunez going to third with Joe Kelly on the mound for the top of the ninth inning. Sano whiffed and Grossman struck out swinging as well....but Grossman made it to first on a passed ball by Leon. Garver singled but Cave banged into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won it 10-4.
Another win
Hero of the Night is Mookie Betts. He drove in the tying run in the fourth inning and another run in the 8th, he also scored a run and stole a base.
Mr. Mookie is Mr. Hero
The Good:
Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 5 with an rbi, stolen base and run scored.
JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 total runs and a solo home run.
Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 total rbis and a run scored.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.
Heath Hembree tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Tyler Thornburg pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
None.
The Ugly:
Mitch Moreland was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored.
Sandy Leon was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Rick Porcello got the win but allowed 4 runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
Honorable Mention:
Brock Holt pinch ran for Devers and played second in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Now that's the way to cruise at the end of the game. After having to squeak by the Twins in 10 innings yesterday, pulling away in the 8th tonight made things a lot easier. The Sox need to be firing on all cylinders going into the New York Yankees series in less than a week so every win counts to that point. Having Porcello ready for that series is key but he didn't look too intimidating tonight. The bullpen looked outstanding and hopefully Thornburg can turn the corner into the reliever he was supposed to be when they traded for him last year. With Carson Smith gone for the season again, the Sox are going to need Thornburg down the stretch. As for this game, the offense finally woke up for the first time since the All-Star break and it was glorious. The win improved the Sox to 73-33, 5.5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. It should be noted the offensively challenged 1992 Red Sox finished with 73 wins. This year's team has 73 wins on July 28th. The Sox are back in action tomorrow afternoon against the Twins. Nathan Eovaldi makes his Red Sox debut up against Jose Berrios at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Porcello took the mound in the top of the first and Joe Mauer grounded out to short to start. Eddie Rosario grounded out to first before Jorge Polanco looked at strike three to end the inning. Jake Odorizzi got the start for the Twins in the bottom of the first and the Sox tagged him. Mr. Mookie Betts lined out to center but Andrew Benintendi and JD Martinez stroked back to back singles. Mitch Moreland singled home Benintendi to give the Sox the lead. Xander Bogaerts flied out to center but Rafael Devers loaded the bases with a bunt single. Eduardo Nunez grounded out to first to end the inning but the Sox were up 1-0.
The Twins struck back in the top of the second although Brian Dozier grounded out to third to start. Logan Morrison then launched a 40,000 foot home run to tie the game. Miguel Sano grounded out to third and Robbie Grossman looked at strike three to end the inning but it was tied 1-1.
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the second as Sandy Leon flied out to right to start. Jackie Bradley Jr whiffed on 3 straight fastballs and Mr. Mookie was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning.
The Twins struck again in the top of the third although Mitch Garver grounded out to first to start. Jake Cave and Mauer hit back to back singles but Rosario whiffed. Polanco then tripled into the gap in center to drive in both runners. Dozier singled home Polanco for the extra run but Morrison's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Porcello to end the inning with the Twins up 4-1.
The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the third as Benintendi grounded out to short, Martinez whiffed and Moreland lined out to third to end the inning.
Porcello recovered in the top of the fourth as Sano looked at strike three to start. Grossman hit a routine grounder to Nunez who dove on top of the ball and dryland swam on it for an error. Garver lined out to right and Cave lined out to short to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth although Bogaerts flied out to center to start. Devers smacked a ground rule double and Nunez walked, but Leon flied out to center. JBJ made up for allowing a triple with smacking a triple of his own to score both runners. Mr. Mookie tied the game with a clutch 2 out double but Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.
Porcello stayed strong in the top of the fifth as Mauer lined out to left, Rosario lined out to center and Polanco grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox took command in the bottom of the fifth as Martinez led off with his 32nd home run of the year to put Boston on top. Moreland whiffed but Bogaerts singled. Devers and Nunez whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-4.
Dozier walked to open the top of the sixth and a passed ball moved him to second. Morrison flied out to center and Porcello used what he had left in the tank to strike out Sano on a full count. That was it for Porcello after 5 2/3 gutty innings. He allowed the early 4 runs but came back to pitch a good fifth and most of the sixth. Heath Hembree came in and Grossman grounded out to short to end the inning.
The Sox got some insurance in the bottom of the sixth with Gabriel Moya on the mound. Leon led off with a double and JBJ walked, but Mr. Mookie whiffed. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position and Benintendi singled home Leon. That was it for Moya as Matt Magill came in to strike out Martinez. Benintendi swiped second but Moreland whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-4.
Hembree returned for the top of the seventh and Garver whiffed to start. Cave flied out to center but Mauer singled. Rosario grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox failed to score in the bottom of the seventh as Bogaerts whiffed to start. Devers grounded out to short but Nunez legged out a triple. Leon grounded back to the mound to end the inning.
Tyler Thornburg sprinted from the bullpen to the mound for the top of the eighth and Polanco grounded out to first to start. Dozier whiffed and Morrison grounded out to second to end the inning. Thornburg ran as fast as he can into the dugout and up the clubhouse runway. The Sox iced the game in the bottom of the eighth as JBJ walked and Mr. Mookie doubled him home to start. Taylor Rogers replaced Magill and struck out Benintendi, but intentionally walked Martinez. Mr. Mookie swiped third but Moreland whiffed. For whatever reason Rogers intentionally walked Bogaerts to load the bases only for Devers to walk in Mr. Mookie. Nunez then doubled home both Martinez and Bogaerts to put the game away. The only sad part was Devers fell down at third holding his hamstring. He had to be hauled off on a gurney, loaded into an ambulance and rushed to Brigham & Women's ICU. Brock "The Hitman" Holt pinch ran for Devers but Leon looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox had taken a commanding lead 10-4.
Holt stayed at second with Nunez going to third with Joe Kelly on the mound for the top of the ninth inning. Sano whiffed and Grossman struck out swinging as well....but Grossman made it to first on a passed ball by Leon. Garver singled but Cave banged into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won it 10-4.
Hero of the Night is Mookie Betts. He drove in the tying run in the fourth inning and another run in the 8th, he also scored a run and stole a base.
The Good:
Andrew Benintendi was 2 for 5 with an rbi, stolen base and run scored.
JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 total runs and a solo home run.
Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 total rbis and a run scored.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.
Heath Hembree tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Tyler Thornburg pitched a scoreless 8th inning.
Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
The Bad:
None.
The Ugly:
Mitch Moreland was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.
Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored.
Sandy Leon was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.
Rick Porcello got the win but allowed 4 runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
Honorable Mention:
Brock Holt pinch ran for Devers and played second in the top of the ninth.
Final Thoughts:
Now that's the way to cruise at the end of the game. After having to squeak by the Twins in 10 innings yesterday, pulling away in the 8th tonight made things a lot easier. The Sox need to be firing on all cylinders going into the New York Yankees series in less than a week so every win counts to that point. Having Porcello ready for that series is key but he didn't look too intimidating tonight. The bullpen looked outstanding and hopefully Thornburg can turn the corner into the reliever he was supposed to be when they traded for him last year. With Carson Smith gone for the season again, the Sox are going to need Thornburg down the stretch. As for this game, the offense finally woke up for the first time since the All-Star break and it was glorious. The win improved the Sox to 73-33, 5.5 games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. It should be noted the offensively challenged 1992 Red Sox finished with 73 wins. This year's team has 73 wins on July 28th. The Sox are back in action tomorrow afternoon against the Twins. Nathan Eovaldi makes his Red Sox debut up against Jose Berrios at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Sox Walkoff on Twins (7/27/18)
Before the game it was announced that Nathan Eovaldi had been activated before tonight's game against the Minnesota Twins. If his recent starts with Tampa is any indication, he can still dial up the fastball. With his activation means Brandon Workman has been sent back to Pawtucket.
OUT
IN
As for the game, what a game. For 8 innings it looked like Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox would cruise to an easy win over the Minnesota Twins. All of a sudden the Twins rallied against normally reliable closer Craig Kimbrel and took the lead. A clutch home run by Rafael Devers in the bottom of the ninth tied the game and Mookie Betts did the honors with his first walkoff home run in the bottom of the tenth to walk off on the Twins 4-3 at Fenway Park.
Way to go Betts
Sale took the mound in the top of the first inning and struck Jorge Polanco out swinging to begin. Eddie Rosario singled to left but Brian Dozier whiffed. Mitch Garver struck out swinging to end the inning. Twins starter Lance Lynn was equally tough in the bottom of the first as Mr. Mookie flied out to right to begin. Andrew Benintendi grounded out to second but JD Martinez singled to right. Xander Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning.
Logan Morrison singled to open the top of the second but Ehire Adrianza looked at strike three. Max Kepler whiffed before Robbie Grossman grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Steve Pearce grounded out to short to open the bottom of the second but Devers grounded out to second. Nunez lined out to center to end the inning.
Jake Cave grounded out to short to open the top of the third but Polanco singled. Rosario erased Polanco on a force before Dozier popped up to first to end the inning. Sandy Leon grounded out to first to begin the bottom of the third before Jackie Bradley Jr singled to left. JBJ was erased on the force by Betts before Mr. Mookie swiped second. Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning.
Sale got in trouble in the top of the fourth although Garver lined out to left to begin. Morrison grounded out to short but Adrianza walked. Kepler was plunked and Grossman walked to load the bases but Cave whiffed on a full count to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fourth as Martinez flied out to right to start. Bogaerts whiffed but Pearce was hit with a pitch. Devers grounded out to short to end the inning.
Sale had an easier fifth inning as Polanco whiffed to start. Rosario popped up to first and Dozier looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fifth as Nunez doubled to left to begin. Leon lined out to right but JBJ crushed his 8th home run of the year to give the Sox the lead. Mr. Mookie walked and advanced to second on a Benintendi grounder before going to third on a wild pitch. Martinez whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
JBJ puts the Sox on top
Sale cruised in the top of the sixth as Garver grounded out to short to start. Morrison and Adrianza both whiffed to end the inning. Sale was masterful, tossing 6 shutout innings while allowing just 3 hits while striking out ten.
Sale was outstanding
The Sox threatened in the bottom of the sixth as Bogaerts grounded out to third to begin. Pearce singled to right but Devers popped up to short. Nunez singled to left but Leon lined out to left to end the inning.
The Sox bullpen came in to wreck the day at this point and the first one out was Ryan Brasier in the top of the seventh. Kepler began with a double and moved to third on the Grossman grounder to the mound. Cave hit a routine grounder to Nunez who decided to breakdance with the ball instead of field it for an error, scoring Kepler. Polanco singled to put runners at the corners but Rosario banged into a double play to end the inning with the Twins down 2-1.
The Twins strike back
Taylor Rogers shut down the Sox in the bottom of the seventh as JBJ whiffed to start. Mr. Mookie lined out to center and Benintendi whiffed to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in for the top of the eighth inning and got Dozier to ground out to short to start. Garver whiffed and Sox manager Alex Cora made the weird decision to lift Matt for Craig Kimbrel for the 4 out save. Morrison walked and Joe Mauer pinch hit for Adrianza only to fly out to left to end the inning. Rosario went from left to third with Morrison going to left and Mauer going to first with Trevor Hildenberger on the mound for the bottom of the eighth. Martinez whiffed, Bogaerts grounded out to third and Pearce whiffed to end the inning.
Kimbrel began the top of the ninth by getting Kepler to line out to left. Grossman walked but Cave also lined out to left. One strike away from victory Polanco walked on a full count and Rosario doubled home both runners to give the Twins the lead. Dozier grounded out to second to end the inning but the Twins quieted Fenway with taking a 3-2 lead.
The Twins take the lead
Fernando Rodney came in for the save in the bottom of the ninth but Devers had enough of him and launched his 15th home run of the year to tie the game immediately. Nunez whiffed, Leon grounded out to third and JBJ whiffed to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
Devers ties it up
Tyler Thornburg made a mad dash to the mound for the top of the tenth and got Garver to ground out to third to begin. Morrison looked at strike three and Mauer flied out to center to end the inning as Thornburg sprinted into the dugout. Matt Belisle had the bottom of the tenth but two pitches into it, Mr. Mookie crushed a solo bomb to dead center to end the game with his first career walkoff home run. The Sox managed to win it 4-3 in ten innings.
Sox win
We have Co-Heroes of the night. Hero number 1 is Rafael Devers. His home run in the bottom of the ninth saved the game and set the stage for the extra inning heroics.
Devers the Hero
Hero number 2 is Mookie Betts. His home run in the bottom of the tenth won the game for the Sox.
Mr. Mookie is a Hero
The Good:
Steve Pearce was 1 for 3 and was hit with a pitch.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 2 for 4 including a 2 run homer.
Chris Sale was outstanding, tossing 6 innings of shutout ball while striking out 10.
Matt Barnes pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
Tyler Thornburg got the win with a scoreless 10th inning.
The Bad:
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 4.
Ryan Brasier allowed a run in the 7th inning.
Craig Kimbrel allowed 2 runs in 1 1/3 innings.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Final Thoughts:
Now that was one of the better wins of the season. They had the Twins dead to rights but they took the lead. The Sox showed some balls to tie the game and win it which is making this year more special by the day. The New York Yankees stumbled after the big series at the beginning of this month and the Sox could finish them off a week from tonight. The Sox have 2 games left with the Twins and 2 with the Philadelphia Phillies before that series, taking 3 of 4 would be nice. The Sox are rolling and they have somewhat of a cream puff schedule in September, this could mean at least a 100 win season if not more. As for now, good for Betts to hit his first walkoff. The win propelled the Sox to 72-33, 5 games in front of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. The 1966 Red Sox that finished strong in the second half had 72 total wins. This year's Sox team has won 72 games....on July 27th. Tomorrow night "Slick" Rick Porcello (12-4) takes the mound opposite Jake Odorizzi at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
As for the game, what a game. For 8 innings it looked like Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox would cruise to an easy win over the Minnesota Twins. All of a sudden the Twins rallied against normally reliable closer Craig Kimbrel and took the lead. A clutch home run by Rafael Devers in the bottom of the ninth tied the game and Mookie Betts did the honors with his first walkoff home run in the bottom of the tenth to walk off on the Twins 4-3 at Fenway Park.
Sale took the mound in the top of the first inning and struck Jorge Polanco out swinging to begin. Eddie Rosario singled to left but Brian Dozier whiffed. Mitch Garver struck out swinging to end the inning. Twins starter Lance Lynn was equally tough in the bottom of the first as Mr. Mookie flied out to right to begin. Andrew Benintendi grounded out to second but JD Martinez singled to right. Xander Bogaerts whiffed to end the inning.
Logan Morrison singled to open the top of the second but Ehire Adrianza looked at strike three. Max Kepler whiffed before Robbie Grossman grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Steve Pearce grounded out to short to open the bottom of the second but Devers grounded out to second. Nunez lined out to center to end the inning.
Jake Cave grounded out to short to open the top of the third but Polanco singled. Rosario erased Polanco on a force before Dozier popped up to first to end the inning. Sandy Leon grounded out to first to begin the bottom of the third before Jackie Bradley Jr singled to left. JBJ was erased on the force by Betts before Mr. Mookie swiped second. Benintendi flied out to left to end the inning.
Sale got in trouble in the top of the fourth although Garver lined out to left to begin. Morrison grounded out to short but Adrianza walked. Kepler was plunked and Grossman walked to load the bases but Cave whiffed on a full count to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fourth as Martinez flied out to right to start. Bogaerts whiffed but Pearce was hit with a pitch. Devers grounded out to short to end the inning.
Sale had an easier fifth inning as Polanco whiffed to start. Rosario popped up to first and Dozier looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fifth as Nunez doubled to left to begin. Leon lined out to right but JBJ crushed his 8th home run of the year to give the Sox the lead. Mr. Mookie walked and advanced to second on a Benintendi grounder before going to third on a wild pitch. Martinez whiffed to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.
Sale cruised in the top of the sixth as Garver grounded out to short to start. Morrison and Adrianza both whiffed to end the inning. Sale was masterful, tossing 6 shutout innings while allowing just 3 hits while striking out ten.
The Sox threatened in the bottom of the sixth as Bogaerts grounded out to third to begin. Pearce singled to right but Devers popped up to short. Nunez singled to left but Leon lined out to left to end the inning.
The Sox bullpen came in to wreck the day at this point and the first one out was Ryan Brasier in the top of the seventh. Kepler began with a double and moved to third on the Grossman grounder to the mound. Cave hit a routine grounder to Nunez who decided to breakdance with the ball instead of field it for an error, scoring Kepler. Polanco singled to put runners at the corners but Rosario banged into a double play to end the inning with the Twins down 2-1.
Taylor Rogers shut down the Sox in the bottom of the seventh as JBJ whiffed to start. Mr. Mookie lined out to center and Benintendi whiffed to end the inning.
Matt Barnes came in for the top of the eighth inning and got Dozier to ground out to short to start. Garver whiffed and Sox manager Alex Cora made the weird decision to lift Matt for Craig Kimbrel for the 4 out save. Morrison walked and Joe Mauer pinch hit for Adrianza only to fly out to left to end the inning. Rosario went from left to third with Morrison going to left and Mauer going to first with Trevor Hildenberger on the mound for the bottom of the eighth. Martinez whiffed, Bogaerts grounded out to third and Pearce whiffed to end the inning.
Kimbrel began the top of the ninth by getting Kepler to line out to left. Grossman walked but Cave also lined out to left. One strike away from victory Polanco walked on a full count and Rosario doubled home both runners to give the Twins the lead. Dozier grounded out to second to end the inning but the Twins quieted Fenway with taking a 3-2 lead.
Fernando Rodney came in for the save in the bottom of the ninth but Devers had enough of him and launched his 15th home run of the year to tie the game immediately. Nunez whiffed, Leon grounded out to third and JBJ whiffed to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.
Tyler Thornburg made a mad dash to the mound for the top of the tenth and got Garver to ground out to third to begin. Morrison looked at strike three and Mauer flied out to center to end the inning as Thornburg sprinted into the dugout. Matt Belisle had the bottom of the tenth but two pitches into it, Mr. Mookie crushed a solo bomb to dead center to end the game with his first career walkoff home run. The Sox managed to win it 4-3 in ten innings.
We have Co-Heroes of the night. Hero number 1 is Rafael Devers. His home run in the bottom of the ninth saved the game and set the stage for the extra inning heroics.
Hero number 2 is Mookie Betts. His home run in the bottom of the tenth won the game for the Sox.
The Good:
Steve Pearce was 1 for 3 and was hit with a pitch.
Eduardo Nunez was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Jackie Bradley Jr was 2 for 4 including a 2 run homer.
Chris Sale was outstanding, tossing 6 innings of shutout ball while striking out 10.
Matt Barnes pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning.
Tyler Thornburg got the win with a scoreless 10th inning.
The Bad:
Andrew Benintendi was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.
Xander Bogaerts was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Sandy Leon was 0 for 4.
Ryan Brasier allowed a run in the 7th inning.
Craig Kimbrel allowed 2 runs in 1 1/3 innings.
The Ugly:
JD Martinez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Final Thoughts:
Now that was one of the better wins of the season. They had the Twins dead to rights but they took the lead. The Sox showed some balls to tie the game and win it which is making this year more special by the day. The New York Yankees stumbled after the big series at the beginning of this month and the Sox could finish them off a week from tonight. The Sox have 2 games left with the Twins and 2 with the Philadelphia Phillies before that series, taking 3 of 4 would be nice. The Sox are rolling and they have somewhat of a cream puff schedule in September, this could mean at least a 100 win season if not more. As for now, good for Betts to hit his first walkoff. The win propelled the Sox to 72-33, 5 games in front of the Yankees for first place in the AL East. The 1966 Red Sox that finished strong in the second half had 72 total wins. This year's Sox team has won 72 games....on July 27th. Tomorrow night "Slick" Rick Porcello (12-4) takes the mound opposite Jake Odorizzi at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.
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