Sox Blitz Devil Rays, Win Game 2 (4/29/04)

That's how you win a doubleheader! After the Boston Red Sox blanked the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the first game, it was unlikely the Sox would shut them out again. The Rays did get two first inning runs against Derek Lowe (3-1, 4.98 ERA) to lead for the only time in the series.....but the Sox exploded against Tampa starter Damian Moss. The Sox got 5 runs off Moss highlighted by the Bill Mueller three run home run to chase him early. Pokey Reese added a two run single of John Halama and the Sox cruised from there. Lowe did allow a run in the fifth but Scott Williamson and Keith Foulke slammed the door in the final innings. The Sox swept the doubleheader and won this game 7-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                     Tsianina Joelson approves of the win

The Devil Rays attacked Lowe in the top of the first inning as Carl Crawford doubled off the Monster to start. Julio Lugo dropped down a bunt but Lowe misplayed it for an error to move Crawford to third. Aubrey Huff grounded back to the mound to move Lugo to second and Baldelli grounded out to second to score Crawford. Robert Fick doubled to right to score Lugo with another run before Jose Cruz Jr grounded out to second to end the inning with the Devil Rays up 2-0. 

                                                                 Fick with an rbi double

The Sox exploded on Moss in the bottom of the first as Johnny Damon walked to start. Mueller singled to left and David Ortiz got a base hit to right to score Damon. A wild pitch moved the runners over and Manny Ramirez stroked a base hit to right to score Mueller. Jason Varitek crushed his fourth home run of the season to put the Sox on top and David McCarty singled to left. Mark Bellhorn took strike three but Gabe Kapler doubled to center to chase Moss. John Halama came in to pitch and Pokey Reese got a base hit to left to score Kapler and McCarty but Damon popped up to short. Mueller forced Reese at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 7-2.

                                                        Reese with the exclamation point

Lowe settled down in the top of the second inning as Geoff Blum flied out to left to start. Toby Hall grounded out to second but Rey Sanchez singled to center. Crawford struck out swinging to end the inning. Ortiz flied out to right to begin the bottom of the seventh and Ramirez grounded out to third. Varitek grounded out to short to end the inning.

Lugo blooped a single to left to start the top of the third but Huff moved Julio to second with a grounder to short. Baldelli flied out to right but Fick walked. Cruz Jr struck out swinging to end the inning. McCarty grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third before Bellhorn struck out swinging. Kapler got the Rays asleep with a bunt single and stole second, but Reese grounded out to short to end the inning.

Blum got a seeing eye single into right field to start the top of the fourth but Hall grounded into a double play. Sanchez grounded out to second to end the inning. Damon grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fourth and Mueller grounded out to third. Ortiz struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Rays struck back in the top of the fifth as Crawford doubled to left and Lugo tripled into the left field corner. Huff popped up to second, Baldelli lined out to second and Fick grounded out to short to end the inning with the Rays down 7-3.

                                                             Lugo with a triple

Ramirez grounded out to second to begin the bottom of the fifth before Varitek also grounded out to second. McCarty flied out to center to end the inning.

Cruz struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth and Blum grounded out to short. Hall got a base hit to right and Sanchez flied out to right to end the inning. Bellhorn grounded out to first to start the bottom of the sixth and Kapler grounded out to third. Reese got a base hit to right and moved to second on an error by Cruz. Trever Miller came in to pitch to Damon and Johnny grounded out to second to end the inning.

Lowe returned for one final inning in the top of the seventh as Crawford lined a ball off Derek to start. Lugo was hit with a pitch but Huff grounded into a double play. Baldelli grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Solid effort by Lowe who allowed 3 runs in 7 innings off 9 hits and a walk.

                                                             Good work Lowe

Mueller grounded out to short to open the bottom of the seventh and Ortiz did the same. Ramirez got a base hit to left and Varitek beat out a roller to short to chase Miller. Chad Gaudin walked McCarty to load the bases but Bellhorn popped up to first to end the inning.

Scott Williamson came in to pitch the top of the eighth with Cesar Crespo taking Ortiz' spot. Fick took strike three before Cruz drew a walk. Blum flied out to center and Hall struck out swinging to end the inning. Kapler watched strike three go by to start the bottom of the eighth before Reese flied out to center. Damon doubled off the Monster but Mueller struck out swinging to end the inning.

Keith Foulke came in to close out the top of the ninth and Sanchez grounded out to second to start. Crawford was frozen for strike three and Lugo went down hacking to end the game. The Sox had won the game 7-2.

Hero of The Night is Jason Varitek. His three run home run turned out to be the difference in the game.

                                                             Hero Tek

The Good:

Manny Ramirez was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.

David McCarty was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Gabe Kapler was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Pokey Reese was 2 for 4 with 2 rbis.

Derek Lowe got the win by tossing 7 innings of 3 run (1 earned) ball while allowing 9 hits and a walk.

Scott Williamson tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

Keith Foulke pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was just 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

Bill Mueller was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run and scored a run.

Honorable Mention:

Cesar Crespo played left field in the final innings.

Final Thoughts:

Good work by the Sox to sweep the doubleheader. The Sox offense only scored in one inning but it was enough to win the game. The rally showcased what a quick strike offense they are but going cold for eight innings was a little disappointing. Still, the way Lowe and the bullpen pitched, it didn't matter. Once again Williamson and Foulke slammed the door and the Sox are going to have a devastating bullpen moving forward. It was also good to see McCarty, Reese and Kapler contribute big hits as well. The Sox have a long way to go until Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon are healthy so Boston has to make due until then. Boston has one game left in the month of April and they can end on a high note big time. The Sox now travel to Texas for a three game set with the Rangers. Bronson Arroyo gets the start for the Sox against Ryan Drese of Texas. The game begins at 8:05 PM Eastern time at Arlington Park.

Sox Crush Contreras, Yankees (4/23/04)

The bad news was the Boston Celtics lost Game 3 of their first round NBA playoff series to the Indiana Pacers but the good news was the Boston Red Sox routed the New York Yankees. Boston's personal punching bag Jose Contreras was once again rocked by the Sox as they lit him up for five runs before he left in the fourth inning. Bill Mueller then hit a three run home run off Donovan Osbourne to put the game out of reach. Derek Lowe (2-1, 6.75 ERA) tossed 6 solid innings allowing just 2 runs to keep the Sox in front. The Sox poured it on against the Yankees bullpen with Manny Ramirez hitting a home run as the exclamation point. The Sox had made a statement to the Yankees on the road as they beat them 11-2 at Yankee Stadium.

                                                  Cynthia Brimhall approves of the win

Contreras got the ball in the top of the first inning and Johnny Damon led off by striking out swinging on a pitch in the dirt. Bill Mueller popped up to Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz flied out to center to end the inning. Lowe got the ball in the bottom of the first and Bubba Crosby grounded out to second to start. Derek Jeter lined out to right but A-Rod doubled to right. Jason Giambi walked but Damon made a snowcone catch to rob Gary Sheffield to end the inning. 

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as Manny Ramirez took strike three to start. Ellis Burks singled in the hole in right and somehow stole second base. Jason Varitek grounded back to the mound to move Ellis to third and Kevin Millar walked. Mark Bellhorn got a seeing eye single into right to score Burks and Pokey Reese popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                     Bellhorn drives in a run

Hideki Matsui singled down the left field line to start the bottom of the second before Bernie Williams lined out to Bellhorn. John Flaherty grounded into a double play to end the inning. 

Damon walked to start the top of the third before stealing second. Mueller flied out to left but Ortiz walked. Ramirez hit a 410 foot out to center to move both runners over but Burks grounded out to third to end the inning. Enrique Wilson grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third before Crosby struck out swinging. Jeter grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

The Sox knocked out Contreras in the top of the fourth although Varitek struck out swinging to start. Millar belted his second home run of the season to increase the lead and Bellhorn responded with his second home run of the season for back to back jacks. Reese singled to right and stole second before Damon walked to chase Contreras. Donovan Osbourne came in and Mueller promptly hit a three run bomb to ice the game. Ortiz flied out to right and Ramirez popped up to first to end the inning.

                                                    Sox pour it on

A-Rod grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the fourth before Giambi grounded out to short. Sheffield walked but Matsui grounded out to third to end the inning.

Burks struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth before Varitek grounded out to second. Millar walked and Bellhorn struck out swinging to end the inning. Williams singled to center to start the bottom of the fifth before Flaherty grounded into a double play. Wilson got a base hit to center but Crosby grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox struck again int he top of the sixth as Reese grounded out to second to start. Damon doubled into the right field corner but Mueller flied out to center. Ortiz ripped a double to center to score Damon and chase Osbourne. Scott Proctor got Ramirez to fly out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 7-0.

                                                          Ortiz drives in another run

Jeter struck out swinging to start the bottom of the sixth before A-Rod grounded out to short. Giambi grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Sox kept pouring it on in the top of the seventh as Burks walked to start. Varitek struck out swinging and Millar flied out to left but Bellhorn got a base hit over the head of Wilson into right. Reese hit a pop up but Crosby fell down and couldn't make the play, scoring Burks and Bellhorn for a "double". Damon got a base hit to center to score Pokey and Mueller walked. Ortiz struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 10-0.

                                              Microcosm of tonight's game for New York

David McCarty came in for Ortiz at first to start the bottom of the seventh but Sheffield got a base hit to left to start. Matsui then hit a home run all the way to Long Island and that was it for Lowe. He went 6 plus innings and allowed 2 runs. Mike Timlin came in and Williams grounded out to second before Flaherty struck out swinging. Wilson flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 10-2.

                                                              Good work by Lowe

Alex Graman came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Ramirez greeted him with his fourth home run of the season to wrap up the scoring. Burks flied out to right and Varitek hit a pop up to shallow right. Sheffield dropped it for an error but Millar forced Varitek at second. Bellhorn took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 11-2.

                                                      Home run Manny

Cesar Crespo came in for Mueller to start the bottom of the eighth and Crosby lined out to short to start. Jeter struck out swinging but Mueller failed to throw out A-Rod in time on a ground ball for a "single". Giambi took strike three to end the inning.

Reese flied out to center to start the top of the ninth before Damon grounded out to third. Crespo struck out swinging to end the inning. Doug Mirabelli took over behind the plate as Lenny DiNardo made his ML debut on the mound in the bottom of the ninth. Sheffield grounded out to third and DiNardo got his first career K when Matsui went down hacking. Williams grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox had won it 11-2.

                                                            Sox win

Hero of The Night is Bill Mueller. His three run bomb put the game out of reach.

                                                        Bill Hero

The Good:

Johnny Damon was 2 for 4 with 2 walks, an rbi, a stolen base and 2 runs scored.

Kevin Millar was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a home run.

Mark Bellhorn was 3 for 5 with a home run, 2 total rbis and 2 total runs scored.

Pokey Reese was 2 for 5 with a stolen base, 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.

Derek Lowe got the win with 6 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out two.

Mike Timlin tossed two scoreless innings.

Lenny DiNardo pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Cesar Crespo struck out in his only plate appearance.

Jason Varitek was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and drove in a run.

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but the one hit was a home run.

Ellis Burks was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base, walked and scored two runs.

Honorable Mention:

David McCarty played first base in the final innings.

Doug Mirabelli caught the bottom of the ninth.

Final Thoughts:

That's four out of five to start the season for the Red Sox against the Yankees. Usually the Sox have good April's but fall apart by June, not just against the Yankees but against everyone. It remains to be seen how June will be but so far the Yankees have no answers for the Red Sox. Derek Lowe was their punching bag last year but came up big tonight. The bats delivered tonight but mostly the trio of Bill Mueller, Ellis Burks and Mark Bellhorn. Yes Ortiz drove in a run and Manny hit one out but those three were the key factors. Ellis stealing a base, Bellhorn's homer, Damon's steal...everything went right. Lowe was pitching great but the long inning where the Sox had the rally disrupted his rhythm. Still, that's a great problem to have when you get a 10 run lead and have your bullpen ready to help. Good work by Timlin and by rookie Lenny DiNardo in his ML debut. All in all the Sox pounded Contreras again and beat the Yankees in their home turf. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Yankees tomorrow afternoon when Bronson Arroyo goes one on one with Kevin Brown. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees Strike Back, Pound Sox (4/18/04)

After the Boston Red Sox dropkicked the New York Yankees around during the first two games of this series, the Yankees were bound to get revenge. It came today as the bats came alive against Derek Lowe (1-1, 9.35 ERA). The well balanced Yankee attack pounded Lowe for 7 early runs and the pitching of the bullpen surrendered just 3 hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings. When the game was over the Yankees had won it 7-3 at Fenway Park.

The Yankees wore down Lowe early in the top of the first inning. Derek Jeter grounded out to second before Bernie Williams struck out swinging. Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi worked back to back walks before Gary Sheffield grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox struck first against Yankees starter Jose Contreras in the bottom of the first inning. Johnny Damon whiffed to start but Bill Mueller singled to left. David Ortiz whiffed but Manny Ramirez singled. Kevin Millar put the Sox on top with a double to score Mueller before Ellis Burks flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                   Swing and a miss

The Yankees wasted no time coming back against Lowe in the top of the second inning. Hideki Matsui grounded out to second but Jorge Posada walked. Travis Lee singled to left but Enrique Wilson flied out to left. Jeter singled home Posada to tie the game. Williams grounded into a force to end the inning but it was tied 1-1.

Jason Varitek singled to open the bottom of the second but Cesar Crespo whiffed. Pokey Reese flied out to left and Varitek was gunned down trying to steal to end the inning.

The Yankees knocked Lowe out in the top of the third inning. A-Rod walked before Giambi singled A-Rod to third. Sheffield doubled A-Rod home to give the Yankees the lead before Matsui singled in Giambi to put runners at the corners. Posada doubled home Sheffield but somehow Lowe punched out Lee. Wilson singled home Matsui and moved Posada to third before Jorge scored on the Jeter groundout. Williams doubled home Wilson and Sox manager Terry Francona had seen enough. Lowe was absolutely hammered in the third inning and left allowing 7 runs in just 2 2/3 innings...woof! Mark Malaska came in and A-Rod flied out to center to end the inning with the Yankees ahead 7-1.

                                                           A-Rod trots around the bases

The Sox did manage to fight back in the bottom of the third as Damon singled to start. Mueller walked and Damon went to third on the fly out by Ortiz. Ramirez doubled home both men to cut the lead. Millar walked and a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Yankees manager Joe Torre had seen enough and lifted the incompetent Contreras mid at-bat. Paul Quantrill came in and the rally ended when Burks hit a ground ball to to third, Manny getting thrown out at home on the play. Varitek grounded out to first to end the inning but the Sox were down 7-3.

                                                  Ramirez drives in two

Malaska came out for the top of the fourth as Giambi flied out to right to start. Sheffield doubled to left and Matsui walked but Posada popped up to second. Lee grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the fourth although Crespo grounded out to second to begin. Reese walked but was erased on the Damon force. Mueller singled to left but Ortiz popped up to short to end the inning.

Malaska returned for one final inning in the top of the fifth. Wilson flied out to center to start but Jeter singled to right. Williams popped up to first before A-Rod looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Manny flied out to right, Millar whiffed and Burks flied out to right to end the inning.

Phil Seibel came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Giambi was plunked to start. Giambi was erased on the Sheffield force before Matsui flied out to center. Posada grounded into a force to end the inning. Gabe White took the mound in the bottom of the sixth and Varitek singled to start. The rally ended as Crespo lined out to second before Reese popped up to first. Damon grounded into a force to end the inning.

                                                                Nice try Crespo

Seibel returned for the top of the seventh and Lee flied out to right to begin. Wilson grounded back to the mound before Jeter and Williams drew back to back walks. A-Rod grounded out to second to end the inning. White got Mueller to fly out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Ortiz grounded out to first. Tom Gordon came in to pitch to Manny and Ramirez flied out to right to end the inning.

Seibel got Giambi to strike out swinging to open the top of the eighth. Sheffield grounded out to short before Matsui flied out to center to end the inning. Gordon cruised in the bottom of the eighth as Millar popped up to short to begin. Burks flied out to center before Varitek flied out to left to end the inning.

Seibel returned for the top of the ninth but ran out of gas, walking Posada to start. Lee flied out to center and Wilson flied out to right but Jeter walked to chase Seibel. A yeoman's effort by Seibel who tossed 3 2/3 shutout innings against the high powered Yankees lineup. None other than Frank Castillo came on for the final out although he walked Williams to load the bases. A-Rod flied out to center to end the inning.

                                                Great effort by Seibel

Yankees manager Joe Torre took no chances and brought in Mariano Rivera with a four run lead to close out the bottom of the ninth. Crespo grounded out to third before Gabe Kapler pinch hit for Reese and singled to right. Damon flied out to right and Mueller grounded out to short to end the game. The Yankees bullpen tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings to win the game 7-3.

Jackass of the Night is Derek Lowe. He got knocked out in the third inning and gave up 7 runs that the offense couldn't come back from.

                                                              Jackass Lowe


The Good:

Bill Mueller was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Manny Ramirez was 2 for 4 with 2 rbis.

Kevin Millar was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Jason Varitek was 2 for 4.

Gabe Kapler singled as a pinch hitter

Mark Malaska tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

Phil Seibel held the Yankees scoreless for 3 2/3 innings.

Frank Castillo got the final out of the top of the ninth.



The Bad:

David Ortiz was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Ellis Burks was 0 for 4.

Cesar Crespo was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Pokey Reese was 0 for 2 but walked.




Final Thoughts:

Any loss hurts but against the Yankees it hurts even more. Lowe simply didn't have it but that was a tremendous effort by the little used members of the bullpen. Malaska, Castillo and Seibel held the Yankees scoreless after Lowe left the game but unfortunately so did the Yankees bullpen after Contreras left. That's an encouraging sign for future games if the bullpen doesn't crap themselves, normally the Sox could bop their way back into a game. Just not today it seemed as the Yankees owed them one. Still the Sox have won two games already in this four game set and tomorrow the finale will be the Patriots Day morning game. Bronson Arroyo takes the hill for the Sox up against Kevin Brown at the special start time of 11 AM at Fenway Park.

Damon, Sox Bash Orioles (4/7/04)

It was a good day for Boston sports as the Boston Bruins beat the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first round playoff series and the Boston Red Sox trounced the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox offense were pretty much silenced the first two games by the Orioles but they finally broke out in tonight's game. Johnny Damon was 5 for 5 at the top of the order and a seven run second inning by the Sox bats against O's starter Kurt Ainsworth was more than enough damage. Derek Lowe (1-0, 3.00 ERA) went six strong innings holding the O's to just two runs. Bill Mueller, Manny Ramirez and Kevin Millar all drove in runs but the exclamation point was hit by David Ortiz in the form of a three run home run against Rick Bauer. Bobby Jones and Ramiro Mendoza slammed the door and the Sox won the game 10-3 at Camden Yards.

                                                           Bruins approve of the win

Ainsworth got the ball in the top of the first inning and Damon started his big night with a double down the left field line. Bill Mueller struck out swinging, David Ortiz popped up to third in foul territory and Manny Ramirez grounded out to second to end the inning. Lowe started off strong in the bottom of the first as Brian Roberts took strike three to start. Melvin Mora got a base hit up the middle but Miguel Tejada banged into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox blitz Ainsworth in the top of the second as Kevin Millar doubled down the left field line to begin. Jason Varitek walked but Gabe Kapler grounded into a double play to move Millar to third. Mark Bellhorn walked and Pokey Reese beat out an infield single to short to load the bases. Damon ripped a base hit to left to score Millar and Bellhorn. Mueller got a base hit to center to score Reese and Damon to increase the lead, then Ortiz drew a walk. Ramirez hit a routine fly to Matos who lost it in the lights for a "double" to score Mueller and Ortiz. The guy who started the inning, Millar, got a base hit to center to score Manny. That was it for Ainsworth who got slaughtered for seven runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Rick Bauer came in and froze Varitek for strike three to end the inning as the Sox led 7-0

                                                        Ainsworth knocked out early

Lowe started the bottom of the second ominously as he hit Rafael Palmeiro to begin. Javy Lopez got a base hit to left and both runners moved over on the Jay Gibbons grounder to first. Lowe got a big out when David Segui watched strike three go by. Matos walked to load the bases but Larry Bigbe grounded out to first to end the inning.

Kapler grounded out to second to start the top of the third before Bellhorn struck out swinging. Reese also struck out swinging to end the inning. The O's got on the board in the bottom of the third as Roberts grounded out to second to start. Mora caught Lowe asleep with a bunt down the third base line and moved to second on the Tejeda grounder to second. Palmeiro ripped a base hit to right to score Mora to cut the lead. Lopez forced Raffy at second to end the inning with the O's down 7-1.

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the fourth as Damon singled to left to start. Damon stole second but Mueller flied out to left. Ortiz walked but got picked off at first. Ramirez took strike three to end the inning. Gibbons walked to start the bottom of the fourth but Segui hit into a double play. Matos grounded out to short to end the inning.

Millar singled to right to start the top of the fifth but Varitek flied out to center. Kapler hit a bullet to Tejeda who doubled off Millar at first to end the inning. Bigbie took strike three to start the bottom of the fifth before Roberts grounded out to second. Mora grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

The Sox iced the game in the top of the seventh as Bellhorn popped up to short to start. Reese grounded out to short but Damon got another base hit to left. Mueller singled to right and Ortiz bashed his first home run of the season to put the game out of reach. Ramirez grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 10-1.

                                                           Home run Ortiz

Lowe returned for one last inning in the bottom of the sixth as Tejeda singled to center to start. Pameiro flied out to center but Lopez singled to center. Gibbons got a base hit up the middle to score Tejeda with another run. Damon made a huge catch to rob Segui of a three run home run to move Lopez to third. Matos also flied out to deep center to end the inning. Lowe had tossed 6 innings of two run ball allowing 7 hits and 2 walks as the Sox now led 10-2.

                                                                   Good work Lowe

Buddy Groom came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Millar flied out to left to start. Varitek popped up to first in foul territory and Kapler watched strike three go by to end the inning. Bobby Jones made his Sox debut in the bottom of the seventh and Bigbie hit a home run all the way into the Gulf of Mexico to cut the lead. Roberts flied out to right and Mora struck out swinging, but Tejada got a base hit to left. Palmeiro struck out swinging to end the inning with the O's down 10-3.

Groom returned to pitch the top of the eighth and Bellhorn struck out swinging to start. Reese took strike three but Damon completed his torrid day with a base hit to center. Mueller popped up to second to end the inning. Lopez walked to start the bottom of the eighth but Gibbons banged into a double play. Segui grounded out to short to end the inning.

Jorge Julio came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Keith Osik took over behind the plate. Ortiz walked and Manny got a base hit to right. Cesar Crespo pinch ran for Ramirez and Millar walked to load the bases with nobody out. Varitek popped up to third in foul territory, Kapler hit one up the elevator shaft and Bellhorn flied out to center to end the inning. So much for that rally. Ramiro Mendoza came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Jose Bautista pinch hit for Matos to start. Bautista got a single to right and Jack Cust pinch hit for Bigbe. Cust struck out swinging and Luis Lopez pinch hit for Roberts. Lopez hit into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won 10-3.

Hero of the Night is Johnny Damon. He was 5 for 5 and drove in the first two runs while scoring two total runs.

                                                                   Hero Damon

The Good:

Bill Mueller was 2 for 5 with 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.

Kevin Millar was 3 for 4 with a hit by pitch and an rbi.

David Ortiz was 1 for 2 with 3 walks, 2 total runs scored and a 3 run homer.

Manny Ramirez was 2 for 5 with 2 rbis and a run scored.

Derek Lowe got the win by allowing 2 runs in 6 innings of work. He allowed 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out three.

Ramiro Mendoza tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Gabe Kapler was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Jason Varitek was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

Pokey Reese was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.

Bobby Jones allowed a run in 2 innings of work.

Honorable Mention:

Cesar Crespo pinch ran for Ramirez and played left field in the ninth inning.

Final Thoughts:

Derek Lowe himself is somewhat sheepish about how much run support he gets during his starts, but he pitched well tonight to earn the win. The bats essentially only scored in two innings but made them both count. Damon finally broke out after being quiet the first two games and the balanced attack worked to knock out the starter in the second inning. Ortiz' home run off Bauer will be the first of many this season. The Sox are definitely going to miss Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon's bats until they return but the defense with Pokey Reese was flawless in this one. When the only negatives of this game was Gabe Kapler going 0 for 5 and Bobby Jones allowing a home run, you know you had a good game. Hopefully the Sox can ride this momentum to the next game, especially offensively. The Sox look to take the fourth game of this series tomorrow night when Tim Wakefield makes his season debut opposite Matt Riley of Baltimore. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Camden Yards.

Wells, Yankees Push Sox To Brink in Game 5 (10/14/03)

The wild ride of the Cowboy Up Boston Red Sox took another step toward ending in Game 5 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees. The Yankees pushed the Sox to the brink by taking a hard fought contest 4-2 at Fenway Park. David Wells improved his post-season record to 10-2, Derek Lowe couldn't keep pace and the Yankees did just enough to take a 3-2 series lead going back to New York tomorrow night.

Lowe took the mound in the top of the first and got Alfonso Soriano to fly out to right on the first pitch. Derek Jeter grounded out to third and Jason Giambi was retired on a squibber back to Lowe to end the inning. Wells cruised in the bottom of the first as Johnny Damon grounded out to second to start before Todd Walker lined out to first. Nomar Garciaparra drew a walk but Manny Ramirez grounded into a force to end the inning.

The Yankees struck first in the top of the second although Bernie Williams led off by grounding out to first to start. Jorge Posada walked and moved to second on the grounder to third by Hideki Matsui. Nick Johnson was unintentionally intentionally walked before Grady Little bounded out of the dugout to make a pitching change but forgot there was no one warming up. When Lowe told him to get lost, Bill Mueller failed to corral a hard hit grounder by Aaron Boone to load the bases. Karim Garcia made Bill pay by lining a single up the middle to score Posada and Johnson to give the Yankees the lead. Soriano singled home Boone and advanced Garcia to third before Jeter grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees up for good 3-0.

                                                Garcia the Sox killer

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the second as David Ortiz flied out to deep right to begin. Kevin Millar grounded out to third before Bill Mueller lined out to a leaping Soriano to end the inning.

Lowe settled down in the top of the third as Giambi whiffed to start. Williams grounded out to second and Posada grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox caught a break in the bottom of the third when Nixon leaned into a pitch to begin much to the dismay of Wells. Varitek grounded a single to left and both runners moved over on the grounder by Damon. Wells got a big out when Walker popped up to a running Matsui before Nomar whiffed on a full count fastball to end the inning.

Walker threw wide of first and Millar missed the tag on a Matsui grounder to open the top of the fourth inning. Johnson grounded out but Matsui moved to second. Mueller threw wide of first on a Boone grounder for a "hit" but Garcia flied out to left. Soriano whiffed to end the inning. The Sox finally struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Manny blasted a solo shot into the Monster Seats to put Boston on the board. Ortiz followed with a bloop single to center to bring the tying run to the plate but Millar banged into a double play. Mueller whiffed to end the inning but it was now 3-1 Yankees.

                                                    Manny hits one out

The Yankees nearly answered in the top of the fifth although Jeter grounded out to first to begin. Giambi singled to center and took third when Millar ole'd a ground ball hit by Williams. Lowe recovered by getting Posada to bang into a double play to end the inning. It was the Yankees turn for a miscue as Nixon grounded one to Soriano who muffed it for an error to start the bottom of the fifth. Wells got a big out when Varitek whiffed before Soriano atoned for his error to make a great play on a grounder by Damon to get Nixon at second on a force. Walker singled to right and Nomar walked to load the bases but Manny grounded to third to end the inning. HUGE squander by the Sox.

                                                   Wells gets it done for the Yankees

Right on cue the Yankees struck in the top of the sixth although Matsui grounded to second to begin. Johnson also grounded out to second but Boone walked. Lowe and Varitek executed a perfect pitch out to nab Boone at second trying to steal to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the sixth as Ortiz grounded out to short to start. Millar whiffed on a curveball down the middle and Mueller grounded out to third to end the inning.

The Yankees got their insurance run in the top of the seventh inning although Lowe froze Garcia on the outside corner to start. Soriano flied out to left and Jeter grounded out to short to end the inning. Had Grady Little pulled Lowe at this point, it would have been a heck of an effort. The Sox meanwhile had one last crack at Wells in the bottom of the seventh and Nixon whiffed after being up 3-0. Jeter made a great diving play to get Varitek at first on a grounder and Damon popped up to short to end the inning.

For whatever reason Lowe was asked to come back for the top of the eighth inning and the Yankees pounced. Giambi walked and David Dellucci ran for him but was erased on the Williams grounder to first. Posada singled Williams to third and that was it for Lowe. He shouldn't have come back for the 8th but left after being charged with 4 runs in 7 1/3 innings. Alan Embree was brought in and Matsui lined one off Alan and Mueller had no choice but to go to first for the out, scoring Williams with the insurance run. Johnson flied out to right to end the inning but the Sox were down 4-1

                                                Lowe deserved better

The Yankees summoned Mariano Rivera for the six out save but the Sox refused to go quietly. Walker pounded a triple into the right field corner to lead off but Nomar could only bring him in with a ground out to second. How big was that fourth run now? Ramirez whiffed but Ortiz singled to center to bring the tying run to the plate. Millar grounded into a force to end the inning with the Sox down 4-2.

Bronson Arroyo got the call to pitch the top of the ninth inning and he whiffed Boone to start. Garcia walked but Soriano popped up to center. Jeter grounded into a force to end the inning. Rivera returned for the bottom of the ninth but the Sox had nothing left. Mueller grounded out to second, Nixon grounded out to third and Varitek popped up to short to end the game. The Yankees had won 4-2 and were one win away from the World Series.

Jackass of the Night is Kevin Millar. He was 0 for 4 and left men on base all game.

                                                       Stop smiling, Jackass



The Good:

Todd Walker was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Nomar Garciaparra walked twice in four plate appearances and drove in a run.

David Ortiz was 2 for 4.

Alan Embree got the final two outs of the eighth inning.

Bronson Arroyo pitched a scoreless 9th inning.



The Bad:

Johnny Damon was 0 for 4.

Bill Mueller was 0 for 4.




The Ugly:

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a solo home run.

Trot Nixon was 0 for 3 but was hit with a pitch.

Jason Varitek was just 1 for 4.

Derek Lowe took the loss but tossed 7 1/3 innings of 4 run ball. A little offensive help might have turned the game around.




Final Thoughts:

If the wild ride is about to end the Sox made it a hell of a season. The most prolific offense in recent memory is one game away from elimination and its easy to see why, great pitching always beats great hitting. The Sox were shut down by Andy Pettite, Roger Clemens and David Wells and are going to have to somehow beat two of them if they have any hope of winning the AL pennant. They couldn't crack Wells and hit in the clutch at all and the game was at home. How are they going to do it on the road tomorrow? If the Sox hope to stay alive in the series they're going to have to take a stand tomorrow afternoon against Andy Pettite. The Sox turn to the veteran John Burkett to keep their season alive at 4:00 PM at Yankee Stadium.

Pettite, Yankees Strike Back in Game 2 (10/9/03)

So much for taking two in Yankee Stadium for the Boston Red Sox. The New York Yankees sent the series back to Boston with a convincing romp over the Red Sox in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. The Sox took an early lead but the Yankees teed off on starter Derek Lowe and evened the series with a 6-2 win at the Stadium.

                                               "The Empire has struck back" - DV

Pettite got the ball in the top of the first inning and Gabe Kapler greeted him with an infield single off the glove of Derek Jeter at short for his first hit of the post-season. The Yankees then pulled off a strike em' out, throw em' out double play when Bill Mueller watched a full count strike three go by and Kapler was thrown out by a mile. Nomar Garciaparra hit a roller up the middle for a base hit and Manny Ramirez singled off the glove of Alfonso Soriano, moving Nomar to third. David Ortiz walked to load the bases but Kevin Millar popped up to short to end the inning. 3 hits and a walk with nothing to show for it. Lowe got the ball in the bottom of the first and Soriano foul tipped into the mitt for strike three to begin. Jeter grounded out to short but Jason Giambi walked. Bernie Williams grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second inning as Jason Varitek doubled down the right field line to start. Trot Nixon singled to center to move Jason to third and Damien Jackson blooped a single to center to score Varitek. At this point the Sox had Pettite on the run with 6 hits in just over an inning, but that was all she wrote as Kapler banged into a double play. Mueller grounded out to third to end the inning but the Sox were up 1-0.

                                                  Varitek scores to make it 1-0

The Yankees wasted no time taking the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Jorge Posada walked to open the frame. Hideki Matsui forced Posada at second but Nick Johnson broke a 2 for 33 slump going back to the regular season with a 2 run bomb to right to put the Yankees on top. Aaron Boone grounded out to third and Karim Garcia grounded out to short to end the inning. The Yankees had taken command and it was only the beginning.

                                                     "Damn you Johnson" - Lowe

Now that the Yankees had the lead, Pettite began to dominate in the top of the third. Nomar popped to short, Manny flied out to right and Ortiz grounded out to short to end the inning. The Yankees pounced on Lowe in the bottom of the third although Soriano flied out to left to start. Jeter reached on a swinging bunt to third and Giambi singled to left. Williams singled home Jeter to increase the lead. The Sox briefly turned into bumbling buffoons as Posada hit a routine grounder to Jackson who booted it. They still had a chance to get Williams at second but Nomar bungled the throw by Jackson and everyone was safe. Lowe recovered to get Matsui to ground to first, the throw coming home to force Giambi at home for the second out. Johnson grounded out to short to end the inning but the Yankees had a 3-1 lead.

                                               Jeter scores to make it 3-1

Pettite kept the Sox off the board in the top of the fourth inning as Millar popped up to second to start. Varitek popped up to first but Nixon worked a walk. Nixon stole second but Jackson whiffed to end the inning. Lowe got in trouble when he plunked Boone to begin the bottom of the fourth and Aaron swiped second. He took third on the ground-out by Garcia but Lowe got a huge out when he whiffed Soriano. Jeter grounded out to short to end the inning.

Kapler led off the top of the fifth by whiffing on a pitch up in his eyes. Mueller grounded out to short but Nomar poked a single to left. Ramirez lined out to the right field wall to end the inning. The Yankees got another run in the bottom of the fifth although Lowe made a great stab to rob Giambi of a hit. Williams doubled to left but Posada flied out to left. Matsui singled home Williams but was thrown out at second trying to stretch. The inning was over but the Yankees now led 4-1.

The Sox finally tagged Pettite again in the top of the sixth inning. Ortiz flied out to left and Millar whiffed, but Varitek clobbered a line drive home run into left to cut the lead in half. Nixon flied out to center to end the inning but the Sox were back within two, 4-2.

                                                 Varitek trying to pump up Trot

Lowe did his part to keep it a two run game in the bottom of the sixth. Johnson hit a comebacker to Lowe, Boone grounded out to short and Garcia grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox had their last chance to do some damage in the top of the seventh but failed miserably. Jackson grounded out to second and Kapler whiffed, but Mueller singled to right to chase Pettite. The much maligned Jose Contreras got the call and with a chance to tie the game....Nomar popped up on the first pitch. Lowe came back for the bottom of the seventh and got Soriano to ground out to first to start. Jeter grounded out to third and Sox manager Grady Little stuck with Lowe to face Giambi instead of Scott Sauerbeck. The gamble backfired as Giambi singled and Williams walked to chase Lowe. David Delucci ran for Giambi as the Fox announcers all agreed Little never should have let Lowe pitch to Giambi. Sauerbeck came in to face the switch hitting Posada so naturally Jorge lined a ball into the gap to score both runners and ice the game. Not only did Grady Gump leave Lowe in too long, he brought the lefty in to face the guy who can hit right handed. A passed ball moved Posada to third and Matsui walked. Johnson grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees up for good 6-2.

                                              Nice going Sauerbeck

Contreras returned for the top of the eighth and whiffed Ramirez to start. Ortiz popped up to third and Millar popped up to short to end the inning. Bronson Arroyo was tasked to pitch the bottom of the eighth and whiffed Boone to start. Garcia grounded out to first but Soriano was plunked. Jeter whiffed to end the inning.

Yankees manager Joe Torre took no chances and brought in Mariano Rivera to close out the top of the ninth with an off-day tomorrow. Varitek grounded out to second and Nixon whiffed. Todd Walker pinch hit for Jackson and singled. David McCarty pinch hit for Kapler as Walker took second on defensive indifference but McCarty whiffed to end the game. The Yankees had evened the series going back to Boston with a 6-2 win.

Jackass of the Night is Derek Lowe. Yes Sauerbeck gave up the last two but Lowe ultimately surrendered 6 runs in 6 2/3 innings. A performance like Pettite would have given the Sox a chance but being down 4 runs in the eighth took the life out of them.

                                                         Lowe the Jackass makes his exit


The Good:

Nomar Garciaparra was just 2 for 4.

Jason Varitek was 2 for 4 with 2 total runs scored and a solo home run.

Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Damien Jackson was 1 for 3 with an rbi.

Todd Walker singled as a pinch hitter.

Bronson Arroyo pitched a scoreless eighth inning.



The Bad:

David McCarty struck out as a pinch hitter.

Kevin Millar was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Scott Sauerbeck gave up a 2 run double and a walk in just 1/3 of an inning.



The Ugly:

Gabe Kapler was just 1 for 4.

Bill Mueller was just 1 for 4.

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

David Ortiz was 0 for 3 but walked.




Final Thoughts:

The Sox missed a golden chance to bury the Yankees tonight. They had Pettite on the run in the second inning and let him off the hook. Lowe didn't have his A game and that was all she wrote. The Kapler double play was the beginning of the end as the Sox had just 4 hits the rest of the game. Pettite has always been a big post-season pitcher so with him you tip your cap and move on. This puts all the pressure on Game 3 just like 4 years ago, only this time the series is 1-1 instead of down 2-0. If Pedro Martinez beats Roger Clemens this time, the Sox move one step closer to the pennant and puts the Yankees in another hole. Hopfully Pedro can repeat his 1999 magic one more time in Game 3 on Saturday at Fenway Park.

Sox Outlast Yankees on Patriots Day (4/15/02)

If the Boston Red Sox wanted to send an early statement that they can compete with the New York Yankees, they sure sent one today. The Sox took two of the first three games of this series including the second game where they rallied in the eighth inning. Today on Patriots Day the Sox had to hold off a Yankees rally in order to win. Nomar Garciaparra and Shea Hillenbrand drove in runs right off the bat against an ineffective Andy Pettitte while Derek Lowe (2-1, 1.29 ERA) continued his strong start to the season by holding the Yankees to one run in seven innings. Hillenbrand and Jason Varitek drove in runs against Adrian Hernandez but the Yankees rallied in the eighth against "El Guapo" Rich Garces. Ugueth Urbina had runners on second and third but was able to strike out Rondell White and John Vander Wal to end the game. The Sox had taken 3 out of 4 from the Yankees including today's win 4-3 on Patriots Day at Fenway Park.

                                                    Margaret Okayo approves of the win

Lowe got the ball in the top of the first inning and Derek Jeter was retired on a nubber to Lowe to start. Nick Johnson was hit in the backside but Bernie Williams flied out to left. Jason Giambi grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Pettitte in the bottom of the first as Rickey Henderson led off with a full count base hit to center to begin. Johnny Damon dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Henderson to second and Nomar Garciaparra doubled off the Monster to score Rickey. Manny Ramirez was intentionally walked but Tony Clark hit a routine grounder to Jeter....bobbled for an error to load the bases. Shea Hillenrband walked to score Nomar but the Yankees caught a break when Jason Varitek smacked a line drive off Hillenbrand into right for runner interference base hit. Trot Nixon popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                  Nomar gets the party started

Lowe cruised in the top of the second inning as Jorge Posada grounded out to first to start. Robin Ventura grounded out to short and Rondell White struck out swinging to end the inning. Pettitte settled down in the bottom of the second as Rey Sanchez grounded out to second to start. Henderson also grounded out to second and Damon flied out to center to end the inning.

Shane Spencer was frozen for strike three to start the top of the third before Alfonso Soriano struck out swinging. Jeter grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the third although Nomar popped up to Soriano in shallow right to start. Ramirez grounded out to first but Clark broke an 0 for 23 slump with a base hit off the glove of Soriano. Hillenbrand chopped a single up the middle but Varitek waived at strike three to end the inning.

The Yankees struck back in the top of the fourth although Johnson flared a pop up to Henderson to start. Williams walked and Giambi dumped a base hit to right to move Bernie to third. Posada beat out a double play ball to score Williams but Ventura took strike three on the inside corner for strike three to end the inning with the Yankees down 2-1.

                                                       Posada beats it out

Mysteriously Pettitte left the game and Adrian Hernandez took over on the mound for the bottom of the fourth inning. Nixon dropped a base hit to right and Sanchez lined a single to left but Henderson struck out swinging. Damon popped up to a running White and Nomar struck out swinging to end the inning.

Lowe turned up the heat in the top of the fifth as White struck out swinging to start. Spencer struck out swinging and Soriano whiffed as well to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fifth as Ramirez was rung up for strike three to start. Clark walked and took second on a wild pitch as NESN analyst Tom Caron chatted with New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft. Hillenbrand doubled in the left field corner to score Clark and Varitek ripped a base hit to center to score Shea. Nixon beat out a double play ball but Sanchez struck out swinging to end the inning with Boston ahead 4-1.

                                             Kraft cheers on the Sox rally

The Yankees beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the sixth as Jeter grounded out to third to start. Johnson grounded out to second and Hillenbrand made a great play to rob Williams of a hit to end the inning. Henderson lined a base hit inside the bag at third to start the bottom of the sixth and Damon walked to chase Hernandez. Steve Karsay came in and Nomar grounded out to first to move both runners over. Ramirez was intentionally walked to load the bases but Clark struck out swinging. Jeter made a nice play to force Manny at second to end the inning.

                                        Dustin Hermanson checking out the game

Lowe returned for one final inning in the top of the seventh as Giambi struck out swinging to start. Damon ran down a line drive at the centerfield wall by Posada and White went down swinging to end the inning. That was it for Lowe who was outstanding, allowing just 2 hits and a run in 7 innings of work while striking out nine.

                                                       Lowe gets it done

Varitek flied out to right to start the bottom of the seventh but Nixon walked. Sanchez flied out to center and Henderson popped up to Johnson to end the inning.

"El Guapo" Rich Garces came in to crap his pants in the bottom of the eighth as John Vander Wal pinch hit for Spencer to start. Vander Wal hit a line drive to Clark but Soriano doubled down the left field line. Soriano swiped third but Jeter hit a home run all the way to Neptune to cut the lead. Sox analysts Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy questioned why Lowe didn't return for the eighth inning at 94 pitches but Johnson struck out swinging. Williams grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 4-3.

                                                        Dammit Garces

Mike Stanton took over on the mound for the bottom of the eighth as Damon singled down the third base line, but Nomar banged into a double play. Ramirez flied out to Vander Wal to end the inning. Ugueth Urbina came in to close out the top of the ninth and Giambi grounded out to short to start. Posada dumped a base hit to center and Gerald Williams pinch ran for him. Ventura doubled into the right field corner and Enrique Wilson pinch ran for Robin. Urbina recovered to strike out White swinging to bring up Vander Wal. Wal took strike three on the outside corner that actually wasn't close to end the game. The Sox had hung on to win 4-3.

                                                       The Urbina fist pump

Hero of the Night is Derek Lowe. He dominated the Yankees by allowing just 1 run in 7 innings, just two hits and striking out nine batters.

                                                    Hero Lowe

The Good:

Rickey Henderson was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Johnny Damon was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Tony Clark was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Shea Hillenbrand was 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.

Jason Varitek was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Ugueth Urbina earned his sixth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Rich Garces allowed a 2 run homer to Jeter in the bottom of the eighth.



The Ugly:

Nomar Garciaparra was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run and scored a run.

Manny Ramirez was 0 for 3 with a strikeouts but walked twice.

Rey Sanchez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Final Thoughts:

Always good to beat the Yankees three out of four and listen to their fans cry after. YES Network, John Sterling, Joe Torre and fans in AOL Chatrooms were all over home plate umpire Larry Young for having the AUDACITY to ring up Vander Wal at the end. The Sox have had plenty of calls go against them, especially in the 1999 ALCS so none of us in Boston want to hear it. The bottom line is Lowe dominated the Yankees and the Sox took advantage of Pettitte having to leave the game to score the runs they did against Hernandez. Other than Jeter's home run off of Garces, this was a good day all around. Its only April and there's a long way to go but its still a feel good win on Patriots Day. With the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics in the playoffs together for the first time in seven years, this is shaping up to be a fun spring season. The Sox now hit the road and their first stop is a brief two game set in Toronto with the Blue Jays. Tomorrow night Frank Castillo gets the start for the Red Sox against Brandon Lyon of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.