Hansack "No-Hits" Orioles In Season Finale (10/1/06)

In a season that turned into a complete disappointment, the 2006 Boston Red Sox season ended on a high note. The Red Sox finished in third place for the first time since finishing dead last in 1997 but tonight career minor leaguer Devern Hansack (1-1, 2.70 ERA) ended the season with an unofficial no-hitter. Hansack held the Baltimore Orioles hitless for 5 innings as the Red Sox bashed Hayden Penn and the Baltimore bullpen for 9 runs. Then a huge rainstorm swept through Boston and since it was the last game of the year with nothing on the line, the umpires said to hell with it and called the game. It goes down in the record books as an unofficial no-hitter for Hansack and a 9-0 season ending win over the Orioles at Fenway Park.

                                                       Frodo is glad to see the season end

Hansack got the ball in the top of the first inning and Brian Roberts led off with a grounder to third to start. Corey Patterson struck out swinging on a hanging slider and Melvin Mora flied out to left to end the inning. In what could be his final game in Boston, Trot Nixon led off the bottom of the first against O's starter Hayden Penn with a ground ball base hit up the middle. Mark Loretta was plunked but David Ortiz hit one up the elevator shaft. Mike Lowell clobbered his 20th home run of the season to put Boston on top. Jason Varitek flied out to center and Eric Hinske struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                   Last home run of the season for Lowell

Hansack froze Miguel Tejada for strike three on the outside corner but Fernando Tatis walked. Chris Gomez banged into a double play to end the inning. Carlos Pena dropped a base hit to right to start the bottom of the second and Gabe Kapler hit a grounder under the legs of Mora for an error. Alex Cora hit a bullet to Roberts who doubled off Pena at second for a double play and Nixon

                                                             Yerrrr out!

David Newhan grounded out to first to start the top of the third and Brandon Fahey grounded out to second. Raul Chavez flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox poured it on in the bottom of the third although Loretta flied out to right to start. Ortiz walked and Lowell hit one in the hole at short, but Varitek struck out swinging. Hinske walked to load the bases and Pena walked to score Ortiz with another run. Kapler then cleared the bases with a double down the third base line. Kapler took third on the throw and that was it for Penn. Julio Manon came in to pitch and Cora grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead by a touchdown 7-0.

                                                       Kapler with his final rbis

Hansack stayed strong in the top of the fourth as Roberts struck out swinging to start. Patterson struck out swinging and Mora popped up to Pena in foul territory to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fourth although Newhan made a great sliding catch to rob Nixon of a hit to start. Loretta smashed his 5th home run of the season just inside the left field foul pole to increase the lead and Ortiz walked. Doug Mirabelli came in to pinch run and that was it for Ortiz for the 2006 season, hope he wins MVP. Lowell took strike three and Varitek struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 8-0.

                                                       Loretta hits one out

Dustin Pedroia took over at second for Loretta to start the top of the fifth as the rain came. Tejeda struck out swinging and Tatis took strike three to start the bottom of the fifth. With the rain coming down and unlikely the game would last much longer, Sox manager Terry Francona pulled Trot Nixon out so he could get one last standing ovation at Fenway. David Murphy replaced him and Gomez flied out to center to end the inning. Hansack had thrown 5 no-hit innings and Nixon got a heroes sendoff.

                                                       Goodbye Trot

Russ Ortiz came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth and Hinske hooked his first home run in a Sox uniform around the right field foul pole to increase the lead. Pena walked but Kapler banged into a double play. Cora grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-0.

                                                    Hinske's first homer in the last game.

Before the top of the sixth inning could commence, umpires had the tarp pulled on the field for a rain delay. The area was so soggy it took a whole team to move it into position as what was left of the crowd roared with laughter. An hour later with it pouring out, the game out of reach and nothing left to play for...the game was called and the Red Sox were winners in their final game. Hansack had pitched a 5 inning no-hitter.

                                                              Red Sox win

Hero of the Night is Devern Hansack. He threw a 5 inning no-no against the Orioles to earn his first ML win.

                                                           Hero Hansack

The Good:

Trot Nixon was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Mark Loretta was 1 for 2 with a hit by pitch, home run and 2 runs scored.

David Ortiz walked twice and scored a run.

Mike Lowell was 2 for 3 with a 3 run home run and 2 total runs scored.

Eric Hinske was 1 for 2 with a walk, home run and 2 runs scored.

Carlos Pena was 1 for 1 with 2 walks, an rbi and a run scored.

Gabe Kapler was 1 for 3 with 3 rbis.

The Bad:

Jason Varitek was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

Alex Cora was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

None

Honorable Mention:

Dustin Pedroia played second base in the top of the fifth.

Doug Mirabelli pinch ran for Ortiz in the bottom of the fourth.

David Murphy replaced Trot Nixon for the final out of the bottom of the fifth.

Final Thoughts:

Sox manager Terry Francona had some chilling words before the game today when he said "This is the first time since I've been here that we know this is the last game of the year." The 2004 and 2005 seasons were very successful so Francona and the remnants of the "Idiots" aren't used to failure. This could possibly be Trot Nixon's last game here after nearly a decade and it'll be sad to see him go. Injuries and incompetence are the reasons the Sox are in third place at the end of this season. Curt Schilling had a nice bounceback season but Josh Beckett served up longballs like hot dog vendors serving barkers. Jonathan Papelbon and Jon Lester looked good but both of them were lost for the year. Coco Crisp for about a week looked like the real deal before he got hurt. The catching situation nosedived in August and the Sox didn't really have a third starter when both Matt Clement and Tim Wakefield went down. Julian Tavarez looked like a starter for next year's team with his September showing but the Sox are gonna have to do better than that if they want to rebound in 2007. The Sox are going to need another elite starter because Schilling is getting old and Beckett didn't appear to be the answer. They're also going to need to replace Nixon in right field if he's gone. Mark Loretta is rumored to not be coming back either. One thing is for sure, if the Sox can remain healthy and add a few key pieces, 2007 could be a good year. Hats off to Hansack who pitched a no-hitter, even if it was only 5 innings. At least the season ended on a positive as the Sox finished 86-76. Its now on to 2007....hope that season turns out better.

Kim, Sox Blank Rays in Game 1 (4/29/04)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Byung-Hun Kim was activated from the Disabled List and Phil Seibel was optioned to Pawtucket so Kim could make the start today in Game 1 of the doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Now its going to be Kim vs Bronson Arroyo as who's going to be the fifth starter going forward.

                                                                          OUT

                                                                       IN

As for the game, welcome back Byung-Hun Kim (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who made his return from the Disabled List to make the start in Game 1 in today's double header against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Kim tossed 5 shutout innings to earn the win while the Boston bats did just enough against Victor Zambrano. David Ortiz hit a two run shot in the bottom of the fifth and Mark Bellhorn added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.  In the bottom of the seventh, David McCarty was hit with a pitch with the bases loaded to score a run and the Sox bullpen held the fort. The Sox took Game 1 of the doubleheader 4-0 at Fenway Park.

                                                       Imogen Boorman approves of the win

Kim got the ball in the top of the first inning and immediately Brian Daubach booted a grounder by Carl Crawford for an error. Crawford stole second but Rocco Baldelli flied out to center. Robert Fick also flied out to center but a wild pitch moved Crawford to third. Aubrey Huff flied out to right to end the inning. Zambrano got the ball in the bottom of the first and Johnny Damon walked to start. Bill Mueller struck out swinging and Damon got thrown out at second on a steal attempt. That proved costly as David Ortiz doubled off the bottom of the Monster and Manny Ramirez took strike three to end the inning.

Jose Cruz Jr walked but was hit with a line drive by Tino Martinez for an interference out. Julio Lugo grounded into a double play to end the inning. Daubach grounded out to short to start the bottom of the second and Kevin Millar took strike three. Mark Bellhorn walked but Doug Mirabelli struck out swinging to end the inning.

Brook Fordyce led off the top of the third by striking out swinging and Geoff Blum grounded out to second. Crawford also grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the third as Cesar Crespo singled up the middle to start. Damon forced Crespo at second but Mueller walked. Ortiz walked to load the bases but Ramirez took strike three again. Daubach forced Ortiz at second to end the inning.

Baldelli flied out to center to start the top of the fourth as Fick also popped up to center. Huff popped up to Manny and Ramirez dropped a pop up by Aubrey to avoid a collision with Crepo. Cruz lined out to center to end the inning. Zambrano turned up the heat in the bottom of the fourth as Millar struck out swinging to begin. Bellhorn and Mirabelli both whiffed to end the inning.

Kim returned for one final inning in the top of the fifth as Martinez grounded out to second to start. Lugo grounded out to short and Fordyce struck out swinging to end the inning. Kim was outstanding, allowing just one hit and a walk in 5 shutout innings.

                                                    Good work by Kim

The Sox finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth as Crespo flied out to right to start. Damon got a base hit to right but Mueller forced him at second. Ortiz pounded his fifth home run of the season to dead center to put Boston on top. Ramirez earned the hat trick by striking out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                             Big Papi picks up the team

Tim Wakefield came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Blum beat out a roller to second to start. Crawford flied out to left and Baldelli hit a grounder to Daubach. Brian got the out at first but threw the ball into left field to allow Blum to reach second. Fick took strike three to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the sixth as Daubach doubled to center to start. Brian moved to third on a liner to center by Millar. Bellhorn hit a sac fly to center to score Daubach and increase the lead. Mirabelli froze for strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                           Good work Daubach

David McCarty came in to play first in the top of the seventh and Huff popped up to short to start. Cruz Jr grounded out to first but Martinez got a base hit to center. Lugo struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the seventh as Crespo got a base hit to right to start. Damon grounded into a double play but Mueller walked. Ortiz doubled off the Monster and Ramirez was intentionally walked. Travis Harper came in to pitch to McCarty and hit him to score Mueller. Millar struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                 "Owowowowoowwwwww!!!!" - McCarty

Gabe Kapler came in for Millar with Mike Timlin now on the mound for the top of the eighth. Fordyce popped up to short to start and Blum grounded out to short. Crawford grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Bellhorn took strike three to start the bottom of the eighth before Mirabelli doubled to center to chase Harper. Trever Miller came in to pitch and Crespo struck out swinging. Damon grounded out to short to end the inning.

Baldelli grounded out to first to start the top of the ninth and Sox manager Terry Francona inexplicably brought Alan Embree in to close out the game. Fick flied out to center and Huff grounded out to short to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-0.

                                                         Sox win

 

Hero of The Night is David Ortiz. His two run home run put the Sox up for good.

                                                         Big Papi Hero

The Good:

Bill Mueller walked twice in four plate appearances and scored two runs.

Brian Daubach was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

David McCarty was hit with a pitch to drive in a run.

Cesar Crespo was 2 for 4.

Byung-Hun Kim got the win with 5 shutout innings allowing just a hit and a walk.

Tim Wakefield tossed two scoreless innings.

Mike Timlin tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

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

The Bad:

Kevin Millar was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was just 1 for 4 but walked.

Manny Ramirez was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked.

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts but walked and drove in a run.

Doug Mirabelli was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Honorable Mention:

Gabe Kapler played right field in the final two innings.

Final Thoughts:

Talk about great pitching by the Red Sox as they've posted their third straight shutout. Kim came off the Disabled List and got the win and the red hot bullpen slammed the door. The offense did just enough to win as Ortiz tagged Zambrano for a two run shot and McCarty getting hit with the bases loaded was entertaining. The Sox seem to have the answer to last year's problem with shut down pitching to go along with their big bats. Kudos to guys like Cesar Crespo and Brian Daubach who weren't even the conversation going into Spring Training but helped out big time in this one. The bullpen may not be as lights out moving forward as it is now so enjoy it while it lasts. Five wins in a row is nothing to sneeze at, but six would be better. The Sox look to win their sixth game in a row and the second game of this doubleheader in a few hours when Derek Lowe (2-1) gets the start for the Sox against Damian Moss of Tampa Bay. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Fenway 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.

Mirabelli, Wakefield Drop Blue Jays (4/21/04)

Rikishi and Scotty Two Hotty may be the current WWE Tag Team Champions but Doug Mirabelli and Tim Wakefield (2-0, 2.37 ERA) tag teamed the Toronto Blue Jays into submission in tonight's game. Wakefield pitched into the seventh inning while holding the Jays to just two runs allowed. His partner Mirabelli clubbed two home runs, driving in three runs to outscore the Jays by himself. David Ortiz scored on a wild pitch by Kerry Ligtenberg for a big insurance run. After Wakefield left, Alan Embree and Keith Foulke slammed the door as the Sox made it two in a row over the Jays with a 4-2 victory at the Skydome.

                                                    The champs approve of the win

Ted Lilly got the start for Toronto in the top of the first and Mark Bellhorn walked to start. Bill Mueller struck out swinging and David Ortiz grounded into a double play to end the inning. Wakefield got the ball in the bottom of the first and Frank Catalanotto flied out to left. Eric Hinske struck out swinging and Vernon Wells popped up to short to end the inning.

Manny Ramirez struck out swinging to start the top of the second and Kevin Millar took strike three. Ellis Burks drilled a base hit to left but Gabe Kapler flied out to center to end the inning. Carlos Delgado lined out to short to start the bottom of the second before Josh Phelps grounded out to second. Greg Myers singled to right and Reed Johnson doubled to left. Orlando Hudson flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the third as Doug Mirabelli belted his second home run of the year to start. Pokey Reese singled to center but Bellhorn struck out swinging. Reese swiped second and Mueller walked, but Ortiz beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Ramirez flied out to left to end the inning but the Sox were up 1-0.

                                                      Home run Mirabelli

Chris Gomez grounded out to third to start the bottom of the third but Catalanotto walked. Hinske grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the fourth as Millar singled to left to start. Burks flied out to right and Kapler hit one up the elevator shaft, but Mirabelli pounded his second home run of the game to increase the lead. Reese took strike three to end the inning but the Sox now led 3-0.

                                                   Mirabelli does it again

The Jays struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Wells popped up to second to start. Delgado walked but Phelps struck out swinging. Myers doubled to center to score Delgado and get Toronto on the board. Johnson struck out swinging to end the inning with the Jays down 3-1.

                                                             Myers drives in a run

Bellhorn struck out swinging to open the top of the fifth and Mueller lined out to first. Ortiz popped up to short to end the inning. The Jays rallied in the bottom of the fifth as Hudson grounded out to first to start. Gomez doubled to center and moved to third on a passed ball. Catalanotto doubled to left to score Gomez but Hinske flied out to center. Catalanotto took third on a passed ball but Wells flied out to center to inch the Jays closer down 3-2.

                                                               Pain in the ass

Ramirez beat out a roller to third to start the top of the sixth but Millar popped up to second. Burks popped up to short but Kapler walked to chase Lilly. Jason Frasor came in to face Mirabelli and Doug took strike three to end the inning. Delgado grounded out to first to start the bottom of the sixth but Phelps got a base hit to right. Myers struck out swinging and Johnson grounded out to second to end the inning.

Reese popped up to second to start the top of the seventh before Bellhorn took strike three. Mueller flied out to left to end the inning. Hudson grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the seventh and Gomez hit one up the elevator shaft. Rather than extend his starter after 107 pitches, Sox manager Terry Francona pulled Wakefield in favor of Alan Embree. Wakefield allowed just 2 runs in 6 2/3 gutty innings allowing 6 hits and 2 walks. Catalanotto took strike three to end the inning.

                                                                 Good start by Wakefield

Valerio De Los Santos came in to pitch to Ortiz to start the top of the eighth and Big Papi doubled to right. Kerry Ligtenberg came in to pitch to Ramirez and Manny flied out to right to move Ortiz to third. David scored on a wild pitch and Millar struck out swinging. Burks flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 4-2.

                                                           Ortiz scores on a wild pitch

Dave Berg (not the lighter side) pinch hit for Hinske to start the bottom of the eighth and flied out to right. Wells popped up to second and Delgado flied out to left to end the inning.

Justin Speier came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Kapler flied out to right to start. Mirabelli singled to right but Reese flied out to right. Bellhorn flied out to center to end the inning. Cesar Crespo came in for Millar for defense with Keith Foulke on the mound to close out the bottom of the ninth. Phelps took strike three and Myers popped up to short before Howie Clark pinch hit for Johnson. Clark flied out to right to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-2.

Hero of The Night is Doug Mirabelli. He hit two home runs, good for three runs to outscore the Jays by himself.

                                                          Doug The Hero

The Good:

Tim Wakefield got the win by tossing 6 2/3 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out four.

Alan Embree pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Keith Foulke earned his 5th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked.

Bill Mueller was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.

Ellis Burks was just 1 for 4.

Gabe Kapler was 0 for 3 but walked.

Pokey Reese was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base.

Honorable Mention:

Cesar Crespo played center in the ninth inning.

Final Thoughts:

Good win by the Sox and Mirabelli was the star of it. Wakefield pitched a good game but for one of the only times, Doug overshadowed him. He outscored the Jays by himself and Sox manager Terry Francona after the game playfully said "He's a horseshit player!" Another factor is Toronto has been completely inept at home to start the season, going 0-8 so far. Mirabelli himself said after the game that the Sox are not on a roll, they expect to play like this every night. Hopefully the offense doesn't rely on Mirabelli every night or they'd be in trouble. All in all it was a good win and the Sox do look like they're on a roll. The Sox look for the series sweep tomorrow night when Curt Schilling (2-0, 2.66 ERA) takes on Miguel Batista of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Wakefield, Sox Down Yankees (4/16/04)

Last year was a bitter defeat suffered by the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series and tonight was the first game of nineteen this season. The Red Sox opened the salvo with a convincing win over the Yankees by knocking around their off-season acquisition Javier Vazquez for four first inning runs. Bill Mueller and Manny Ramirez both hit home runs to lead 4-0 early. Tim Wakefield (1-0, 2.19 ERA) continued his mastery over the Yankees (starting anyway) by allowing just two runs in seven innings of work to keep the Sox in front. Doug Mirabelli knocked in two runs of his own including a home run to wrap up the scoring. Keith Foulke slammed the door in the ninth and the Sox had their first victory against the Yankees this season 6-2 at Fenway Park.

                                                 John Carroll approves of the win

Wakefield got the ball in the top of the first inning and Kenny Lofton led off by grounding out to Pokey Reese to start. Derek Jeter flied out to center and Alex Rodriguez grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Vazquez in the bottom of the first as Johnny Damon reached on an error by Jason Giambi to start. Bill Mueller made Giambi pay with a two run homer into the bullpen. David Ortiz struck out swinging but Manny Ramirez was awarded a home run when replays showed it hit off the right field wall and should have been a triple. Kevin Millar singled off the Monster but Ellis Burks forced him at second. Mark Bellhorn walked and Doug Mirabelli hit a routine grounder to Jeter....through his legs for an error to score Burks for another run. Pokey Reese flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-0.

                                                      Ole!!!

The Yankees got one back in the top of the second although Giambi flied out to the right field warning track to start. Gary Sheffield popped up to Manny but Jorge Posada hit a home run into the Charles River to cut the lead. Hideki Matsui grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Yankees down 4-1.

                                                       Home run Posada

Damon flied out to left to begin the bottom of the second but Mueller slashed an opposite field single into left field. Ortiz banged into a double play to end the inning.

Bernie Williams took strike three to start the top of the third and Enrique Wilson grounded out to third. Lofton also grounded out to third to end the inning. Vazquez turned up the heat in the bottom of the third as Ramirez struck out swinging to start. Millar and Burks both struck out swinging to end the inning.

Jeter grounded a single up the middle to start the top of the fourth but A-Rod waived badly for strike three. Giambi walked but Sheffield grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fourth as Bellhorn flied out to right to start. Fox decided it would be cute to play Bucky Dent's home run from 1978 and Mirabelli stuck it up their ass with a home run into the bullpen to increase the lead. Reese popped up to short and Damon grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-1.

                                                 "Take THAT, Fox" - Mirabelli

The Yankees answered in the top of the fifth as Posada grounded out to second to start. Matsui lined a base hit past Reese then took second on a passed ball. Williams dumped a base hit to right to score Matsui to cut the lead. Bernie moved to second on a grounder back to the mound by Wilson and Lofton grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees down 5-2.

                                                   Williams drives in a run

Mueller led off the bottom of the fifth with a base hit through the right side, but was thrown out at second trying to steal when Ortiz struck out swinging. Ramirez grounded out to short to end the inning.

Jeter grounded out to third to start the top of the sixth but Reese bobbled a grounder by A-Rod for an error. Giambi walked but A-Rod was thrown out at third on a double steal attempt, although Jason moved to second. Sheffield took strike three on the inside corner for strike three to end the inning. The Sox finished off Vazquez in the bottom of the sixth as Millar hit a bullet to A-Rod to start. Burks singled off the bottom of the Monster then moved to third on a base hit to right by Bellhorn. Mirabelli doubled into the left field corner to score Burks, chasing Vazquez. Paul Quantrill came in to face Reese and he hit a comebacker, getting Bellhorn caught in a rundown. All of a sudden Joe Torre came out and lifted Quantrill in favor of Gabe White to pitch to Damon. Damon flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-2.

                                                  Mirabelli drives in a run

Wakefield returned for one final inning in the top of the seventh and Posada grounded out to second to start. Fox decided to be cute again by showing Aaron Boone's home run before Matsui walked. Williams walked and old pal Tony Clark pinch hit for Wilson. Clark struck out swinging and Lofton forced Williams at second to end the inning. That was it for Wakefield who went 7 strong innings and held the Yankees to 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks.

                                                     Wakefield gets it done

Miguel Cairo came in to play second in the bottom of the seventh as Mueller led off with a walk. Ortiz popped up to left and that was it for White. Jorge De Paula came in to face Ramirez and Manny grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Scott Williamson was all over the place in the top of the eighth as Jeter grounded out to second to start. A-Rod hit a bullet to Mueller but Ramirez dropped a routine pop up by Giambi for an error. A wild pitch moved Giambi to second and Sheffield walked. A wild pitch moved both runners over and Posada walked to chase Williamson. Alan Embree came in and struck out Matsui swinging to end the inning. Millar grounded out to short to start the bottom of the eighth and Fox once again tried to stick it to the Sox by showing a flashback to Grady Little leaving Pedro Martinez on the mound in Game 7. Burks, Bellhorn and Mirabelli all walked to load the bases and that was it for De Paula. Donovan Osbourne came in to pitch and Reese grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Keith Foulke came in to close out the top of the ninth with Gabe Kapler in for defense in right field. Williams popped up to center to start but Ortiz dropped a pop up in foul territory by Cairo for an error. Cairo was plunked and moved to second on a Lofton comebacker, but Jeter popped up to center to end the game. The Sox had won it 6-2.

                                                             Sox win

Hero of the Night is Tim Wakefield. He got the win by tossing 7 innings and allowing just two runs (one earned) allowing 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out four batters.

                                                   Dave Wallace talks to our Hero

The Good:

Bill Mueller was 3 for 3 with a two run home run and a walk.

Ellis Burks was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Mark Bellhorn was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.

Doug Mirabelli was 2 for 3 with a walk, a home run and two total rbis.

Scott Williamson got the first two outs of the eighth inning.

Alan Embree got the final out of the eighth inning.

Keith Foulke pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

David Ortiz was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts and an error.

Pokey Reese was 0 for 4 with an error.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was 0 for 4 but scored a run.

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout and an error but hit a home run.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Honorable Mention:

Gabe Kapler played right field in the ninth inning.

Final Thoughts:

Fox thought they were being funny by making fun of Johnny Damon's hair and showing all those anti-Red Sox graphics throughout the game but the Sox shoved it up their keister tonight. Wakefield dominated the Yankees in two starts in last year's ALCS (but Fox doesn't want you to know that) and he had another great start tonight. The offense knocked around Javier Vazquez early and it was good to see Doug Mirabelli join the party after not playing for eight days. That eighth inning could have gotten a lot worse after Manny casually dropped the ball and Williamson couldn't find the plate, kudos to Alan Embree for making quick work of Matsui. Keith Foulke once again did the job and has been worth every penny so far. The Sox have to fight not only the Yankees but Fox itself moving forward apparently, they should use the ammo for tomorrow afternoon. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Yankees when Curt Schilling (1-0) gets the ball against Mike Mussina of New York. The game begins at 1:20 PM at Fenway Park.

Orioles Walkoff Sox in 13 Innings (4/8/04)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Former Baltimore Orioles starting pitching prospect, 24 year old John Stephens, was claimed by the Red Sox off waivers from Baltimore's Triple A Ottawa Lynx. He was mostly batting practice two years ago but the Sox rotation gets hit by injuries every year, may as well have some insurance. Remember when Bruce Chen and Ramiro Mendoza had to start games last year? Same thing.

                                                                      IN

As for the game, what an unmitigated disaster to start the season for the Red Sox offense. The same crew that set MLB records for total bases and extra base hits have done almost nothing in three games out of four to start the season against Baltimore. Tonight the Sox bats scratched together two runs against Orioles starter Matt Riley then were completely blanked by the Orioles bullpen for the next 6 2/3 innings. On the other side of the ball,  Tim Wakefield lasted 5 2/3 and allowed just two runs of his own. The Sox bullpen held the fort for the next six innings but in the 13th inning, Bobby Jones (0-1, 5.40 ERA) walked the bases loaded then walked home Larry Bigbie to end it. The Orioles had won the game 3-2 in 13 innings at Camden Yards.

                                              "They lost in THIRTEEEEEENNNNN???!!"

The Sox struck first in the top of the first against Riley as Johnny Damon continued his hot streak with a base hit to left to start. Riley had Damon picked off....if he didn't throw the ball away to allow Johnny to reach second. Bill Mueller struck out swinging but Damon moved to third on the grounder to short by Ellis Burks. Manny Ramirez grounded a base hit up the middle to score Damon with the game's first run. Kevin Millar walked but David McCarty flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

 

                                                                Ramirez drives in a run

Wakefield got the ball in the bottom of the first and Brian Roberts walked to start. Roberts stole second but Melvin Mora struck out swinging. Miguel Tejada grounded out to third but Rafael Palmeiro flied out to center to end the inning.

Mark Bellhorn led off the top of the second with a fly out to right. Doug Mirabelli grounded out to short and Pokey Reese took strike three to end the inning. Javy Lopez doubled to right to start the bottom of the second but Jay Gibbons grounded back to Wakefield. David Segui flied out to center and Luis Matos flied out to left to end the inning.

Damon was finally retired with a grounder to third to start the top of the third but Mora threw a ball away to allow Mueller to reach first on an error. Burks grounded out to third to move Bill to second but Ramirez took strike three to end the inning. Larry Bigbie grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third before Roberts struck out swinging. Mora grounded out to short to end the inning.

Millar grounded out to short to start the top of the fourth before McCarty struck out swinging, Bellhorn grounded out to third to end the inning. The O's struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Tejada grounded out to short to begin. Suddenly Wakefield lost his command as he walked Palmeiro, Lopez and Gibbons to load the bases. Segui got a base hit to center to score Palmeiro and Lopez to put Baltimore on top. Wakefield struck out Matos swinging and Bigbie grounded out to first to end the inning with the O's in front 2-1.

                                                           Segui with an rbi

The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the fifth as Mirabelli grounded out to short to start. Reese grounded back to the mound and Damon grounded out to second to end the inning. Roberts grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the fifth but Mora pounded a ground rule double into the right field stands. Tejeda lined out to right but Mora moved to third on a wild pitch, Palmeiro struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox struck back in the top of the six although Mueller lined out to right. Burks then hit his first Sox home run in 12 years to tie the game. Ramirez flied out to right and Millar popped up to short to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                      Ellis hits one out

Wakefield returned briefly in the bottom of the sixth as Lopez walked to start. Gibbons struck out swinging and Sox manager Terry Francona had seen enough. Wakefield had thrown 102 pitches and Terry didn't want Tim to get hurt on a cold April night. He lasted 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on 3 hits and 5 walks. Definitely needs to tone the walks down. Alan Embree came in and froze Segui for strike three before Matos also watched strike three go by to end the inning.

The Sox blew the big rally in the top of the seventh as McCarty and Bellhorn walked to start. Sox manager Terry Francona then made the inexplicable decision to have Cesar Crespo pinch hit for Mirabelli. To make matters worse, Crespo struck out when his bunt attempt went foul. Jason Varitek pinch hit for Reese and walked to load the bases. With a chance to go ahead.....Damon lined out to short and Mueller lined out to first to end the inning. What a waste! Bigbie took strike three to start the bottom of the seventh but Roberts walked to chase Embree. Mike Timlin came in and Roberts was thrown out at second trying to steal. Mora walked but Tejada took strike three to end the inning.

Burks struck out swinging to start the top of the eighth before Manny lined out to right. Millar grounded out to short to end the inning. Scott Williamson came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Palmeiro flied out to right to start. Lopez got a base hit to center but Gibbons lined out to center. Segui struck out swinging to end the inning.

Jorge Julio came in to pitch the top of the ninth and David Ortiz pinch hit for McCarty. Ortiz flied out to left, Bellhorn popped up to second and Crespo grounded out to second to end the inning. Matos lined out to right to start the bottom of the ninth and Bigbie grounded back to the mound. Roberts flied out to center to end the inning and send the game to extra innings.

Varitek popped up to second to start the top of the tenth and Damon lined out to left. Mueller struck out swinging to end the inning. Keith Foulke came in to pitch the bottom of the tenth and Mora led off with a double to right. Mora moved to third on a wild pitch but Foulke got a huge out when Tejada struck out swinging. Palmeiro was intentionally walked to set up the double play but Lopez popped up to center. Damon isn't a good thrower so Mora tested Johnny and the throw came in.....YOU'RE OUTTA THERE! Mora was out at home and the game continued.

Mike DeJean came in to pitch the top of the eleventh and Burks struck out swinging to start. Ramirez walked and Millar got a base hit to center to move Manny to third. Buddy Groom came in to pitch to Ortiz and Gabe Kapler came in to run for Ramirez. The gamble failed as Ortiz lined out to second. Bellhorn walked to load the bases for.....Crespo. Cesar struck out swinging to end the inning. Gibbons got a base hit to center to start the bottom of the eleventh and Joe Bautista ran for him. Bautista made a booboo by leaving the bag early when Damon made a catch in deep center. The appeal throw to first worked as Bautista was called out. Matos flied out to right to end the inning.

Varitek got a base hit to left to start the top of the 12th but Damon struck out swinging. Mueller forced Jason at second and Rodrigo Lopez came in to face Burks. Ellis popped up to Tejada to end the inning. Bobby Jones came in to pitch the bottom of the 12th and Bigbe singled to right to start. Roberts dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Larry to second but Mora flied out to center. Tejada was intentionally walked and Palmeiro grounded out to second to end the inning.

Kapler popped up to first to start the top of the 13th and Millar grounded out to third. Ortiz singled to right but Bellhorn took strike three to end the inning. Things finally ended in the bottom of the 13th as Lopez walked to start. Bautista struck out swinging but Segui walked. Matos walked to load the bases and Bigbe walked to win the game, scoring Lopez. The O's had won it 3-2 in 13 innings.

                                                                     O's win

Jackass of the Night is Bobby Jones. He walked the bases loaded and the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 13th.

                                                              Jones the Jackass

The Good:

David Ortiz was 1 for 3.

Jason Varitek was 1 for 2 with a walk.

Tim Wakefield allowed just 2 runs in 5 1/3 innings. He allowed 3 hits but 5 walks while striking out 5 batters.

Alan Embree tossed a full scoreless inning.

Mike Timlin got the final two outs of the seventh inning.

Scott Williamson tossed two scoreless innings.

Keith Foulke tossed two scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Bill Mueller was 0 for 6 with 2 strikeouts.

Gabe Kapler was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Doug Mirabelli was 0 for 2.

Cesar Crespo was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

Pokey Reese was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was just 1 for 6 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Ellis Burks was just 1 for 6 with 2 strikeouts but the one hit was a home run.

Manny Ramirez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and drove in a run.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 5 but drew a walk.

David McCarty was 0 for 2 with a strikeout but walked.

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but walked twice.

Final Thoughts:

That sucked. The Boston bats, the supposed best in baseball has been silenced in three of the first four games this season although they managed to win one of those games. The Boston Bullpen from innings 6-12 matched the Orioles but unfortunately Bobby Jones wasn't ready for prime time. In the long term, there will be better options than Bobby Jones as the season progresses and hopefully the offense wakes up so that kind of situation doesn't happen. To be fair, the bats are a little bit banged up with Trot Nixon and Nomar Garciaparra out a while but the guys that are there have to step up. Getting shut down by the Orioles in three out of four is not a good look, especially with the New York Yankees on the horizon. Still, Pedro Martinez won't be that bad all season and the bullpen looks good despite the hiccup by Jones. Its a long season and its not over after just four games despite what Boston and New York talk radio will have you believe. The Sox come home to play their home opener tomorrow afternoon. Bronson Arroyo makes his season debut against Ted Lilly of the Toronto Blue Jays. The game begins at 3:00 PM at Fenway Park.