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.

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.

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.

Schilling, Sox Shutout Devil Rays (4/28/04)

So far, so good for the Curt Schilling (3-1, 3.31 ERA) era in Boston. After being signed to make a difference this season, he's been worth every penny spent so far. Tonight he mastered the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for 7 1/3 innings, not allowing a single run to Tampa. Meanwhile the Sox beat up Paul Abbott of Tampa. Jason Varitek hit a two run home run in the bottom of the fourth and drove in another run against Travis Harper in the seventh. Mark Bellhorn drove in a run against former NBA player Mark Hendrickson and Bill Mueller drove in the final run. Alan Embree and Lenny DiNardo put the finishing touches on the win by slamming the door as the Sox defeated Tampa 6-0 at Fenway Park.

                            New Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers approves of the win

Schilling got the ball in the top of the first as Carl Crawford flied out to center to start. Rocco Baldelli beat out a roller to short and Aubrey Huff singled in the hole at second. Robert Fick popped up to third and Tino Martinez struck out swinging to end the inning. Abbott got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Johnny Damon grounded out to second to start. Bill Mueller popped up to first and David Ortiz struck out swinging to end the inning.

Julio Lugo lined out to third to start the top of the second and Jose Cruz Jr flied out to center. Toby Hall singled to right but old pal Rey Sanchez forced Hall at second to end the inning. Manny Ramirez grounded out to short to start the bottom of the second before Jason Varitek took strike three. Kevin Millar flied out to center to end the inning.

Crawford struck out swinging to start the top of the third before Baldelli grounded out to third. Huff popped up to short to end the inning. Mark Bellhorn walked to start the bottom of the third before being forced at second by Gabe Kapler. Cesar Crespo got a base hit to right but Damon flied out to left. Mueller flied out to center to end the inning.

Fick lined out to first to start the top of the fourth before Martinez struck out swinging. Lugo doubled in the hole at short but Cruz struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth as Ortiz grounded out to first to start. Ramirez doubled to left and Varitek launched his third home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Millar got a base hit to left and Bellhorn doubled off the Monster but Kapler lined out to third. Crespo grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                              Home run Varitek

Hall popped up to short to start the top of the fifth before Sanchez flied out to left. Crawford grounded out to second to end the inning. Damon popped up to third to start the bottom of the fifth before Mueller grounded back to the mound. Ortiz walked and Ramirez got a base hit to left but Varitek grounded out to second to end the inning.

Baldelli struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth but Huff flied out to center. Fick also flied out to center to end the inning. Millar grounded out to third to start the bottom of the sixth but Bellhorn walked. Kapler forced Bellhorn at second but Crespo grounded out to second to end the inning.\

Martinez struck out swinging to open the top of the seventh but Lugo singled to center. Cruz struck out swinging and Hall took strike three to end the inning. The Sox poured it on in the bottom of the seventh as Damon grounded out to first to start. Mueller got a base hit to right and Ortiz hit a double off The Monster to chase Abbott. Travis Harper came in to pitch and Ramirez was intentionally walked to load the bases. Varitek made the Rays pay with a base hit to right to score Mueller. Millar popped up to short and Mark Hendrickson was brought in to face Bellhorn. Mark got a base hit to left to score Ortiz and Ramirez. Kapler flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 5-0.

                                                             Bellhorn gets it done

Schilling came back briefly in the top of the eighth with David McCarty now in at first base. Sanchez flied out to center and Sox manager Terry Francona came out to get Schilling. Curt was outstanding, tossing 7 1/3 shutout innings allowing just 5 hits while striking out eight. Alan Embree came in and Crawford struck out swinging. Baldelli flied out to right to end the inning.

                                                                   Good work Curt

Crespo grounded out to short to start the bottom of the eighth before Damon beat out a roller to third. Mueller doubled to center to score Damon before Ortiz struck out swinging. Ramirez lined out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 6-0.

                                                          RBI for Mueller

Lenny DiNardo came in to close out the top of the ninth and Huff grounded out to first to start. Damian Rolls pinch hit for Fick and took strike three but Eduardo Perez pinch hit for Martinez. Perez grounded out to short to end the game. The Sox had won it 6-0.

Hero of The Night is Curt Schilling. He throttled the Devil Rays for 7 1/3 innings allowing 5 hits while striking out 8

                                                                Hero Curt

The Good:

Bill Mueller was 2 for 5 with an rbi and a run scored.

Manny Ramirez was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Jason Varitek was 2 for 4 with a 2 run homer and 3 total rbis.

Mark Bellhorn was 2 for 4 with 2 walks and 2 rbis.

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

Lenny DiNardo tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Gabe Kapler was 0 for 4.

The Ugly:

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

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 4.

Cesar Crespo was just 1 for 4.

Honorable Mention:

David McCarty played first base in the final two innings.

Final Thoughts:

Another great start by Schilling and he's been worth every cent to start the season. Sox fans have been screaming for another starter to go with Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe for two years and Schilling was what the doctor ordered. He shut down the Rays big time tonight while the Sox bats responded to get to Abbott. Bellhorn, Varitek, Mueller and Ramirez all had multiple hits and when this lineup is on, they're very tough to defeat. The best part is this isn't even the Sox at full strength, eventually they're going to get back Trot Nixon, Byung-Hung Kim and Nomar Garciaparra. Kim and Arroyo are essentially going to have a duel for the 5th starter spot when Kim gets back. The rumor is Kim will be activated for tomorrow's doubleheader and it'll be interesting to see who goes. It might be Mark Malaska, it might be Phil Seibel, who knows. The Sox look to continue the momentum in tomorrow's doubleheader against the Devil Rays. Byung-Hung Kim is scheduled to make his season debut against Victor Zambrano of Tampa. The game begins at 1:00 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Sweep Yankees In New York (4/25/04)

The bad news was the Boston Celtics were eliminated in Game 4 of their first round NBA playoff series by the Indiana Pacers but the good news was the Boston Red Sox swept the New York Yankees out of New York. Yankee fans have been saying they "own" Pedro Martinez (3-1, 3.03 ERA) because of some of the Yankees success against him in year's past, but not tonight. Pedro was vintage Pedro as he shut down the Yankees for seven shutout innings. Pitching on three day's rest, his counterpart Javier Vazquez didn't give an inch. The only runs of the game were scored when Manny Ramirez hit a two run home run in the top of the fourth. Otherwise Pedro didn't allow a run and just four hits in his outing. Scott Williamson turned back the clock to last October as he shut the Yankees down in the final two innings to preserve the win. The Sox have taken 7 of the first 8 games against the Yankees including a series sweep 2-0 at Yankee Stadium.

                                                           Happy Sox fans

Vazquez got the ball in the top of the first and Johnny Damon hit one up the elevator shaft to start. Mark Bellhorn struck out swinging and David Ortiz got a base hit just over the head of Derek Jeter. Jorge Posada dropped a pop up by Manny Ramirez for an error but Manny struck out swinging anyway to end the inning. Martinez got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jeter struck out swinging to start. Bernie Williams grounded out to first and Kevin Millar made a diving catch to rob Alex Rodriguez of a hit to end the inning.

Millar got hit with a pitch to start the top of the second but was thrown out trying to steal on a swinging strikeout by Jason Varitek. David McCarty struck out swinging to end the inning. Jason Giambi froze for strike three to begin the bottom of the second but Gary Sheffield got a base hit to center. Posada popped up to short and Hideki Matsui flied out to left to end the inning.

Cesar Crespo's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Posada to start the top of the third before Pokey Reese struck out swinging. Damon struck out swinging to end the inning. Ruben Sierra lined a ball off Pedro right to Crespo who threw to first for the out to start the bottom of the third. Enrique Wilson struck out swinging and Jeter flied out to right to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the fourth as Bellhorn walked to start. Ortiz took strike three but Manny hit a hanging curveball into the upper deck in left to put Boston on top. Millar lined out to short and Varitek flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                            Home run Ramirez

Williams flied out to center to begin the bottom of the fourth but A-Rod singled to right. A-Rod stole second but Giambi flied out to left. Sheffield took strike three to end the inning.

McCarty grounded out to short to begin the top of the fifth before Crespo lined out to Sheffield. Reese reached on an error when Giambi couldn't pick a throw by Jeter. Damon lined out to right to end the inning. Posada walked to start the bottom of the fifth before Matsui was frozen for strike three. Sierra doubled to right but Wilson popped up to short. Jeter took strike three to end the inning.

Bellhorn grounded out to second to start the top of the sixth before Ortiz hit a pop up down the left field line that neither Jeter and Matsui fielded, bouncing into the seats for a ground rule double. Ramirez ripped a base hit to center to put runners at the corners but Millar took strike three. Varitek flied out to left to end the inning. Williams watched strike three go by to start the bottom of the sixth but A-Rod doubled to right. Rodriguez moved to third on the Giambi grounder to second but Sheffield hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning.

Paul Quantrill came in to pitch the top of the seventh as McCarty grounded back to the mound to start. Crespo flied out to center and Reese struck out swinging to end the inning. Pedro returned for one final inning in the bottom of the seventh, getting Posada to ground out to first to start. Matsui flied out to center and Sierra grounded out to third to end the inning. Pedro was outstanding, tossing 7 shutout innings while allowing just 4 hits and a walk.

                                                        Good work Pedro

Gabe White came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Damon walked to start. Bellhorn flied out to right and Ortiz flied out to center to chase White. Tom Gordon came in to pitch to Manny but a wild pitch moved Damon to second. Ramirez was eventually intentionally walked but Millar struck out swinging to end the inning. Scott Williamson came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth with Gabe Kapler taking over in right. Travis Lee pinch hit for Wilson and hit one up the elevator shaft before Jeter struck out swinging. Williams grounded out to first to end the inning.

Mariano Rivera came in to pitch the top of the ninth with Miguel Cairo now at second. Varitek lined one off Rivera but Cairo threw him out at first to start. McCarty walked but Crespo struck out swinging. Reese grounded out to third to end the inning. Williamson returned for the bottom of the ninth and A-Rod grounded out to third to start. Giambi grounded out to short and Sheffield struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had swept the Yankees out of New York 2-0.

                                                            Sox win

Hero of The Night is Pedro Martinez. He pitched 7 shutout innings allowing 4 hits and a walk while striking out 7.

                                                              Hero Pedro

The Good:

David Ortiz was 2 for 4.

Manny Ramirez was 2 for 3 with a walk and a 2 run home run.

Scott Williamson got the save with 2 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Jason Varitek was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Cesar Crespo was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Pokey Reese was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

David McCarty was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Honorable Mention:

Gabe Kapler played right field in the final two innings.

Final Thoughts:

How sweep it is! The Red Sox have utterly dominated the Yankees so far this season winning 6 out of 7 to start. Yankee fans were bragging that they own Pedro but he owned them tonight. The crowd was chanting "Let's go Red Sox" by the end of the game and big props to Manny Ramirez for making that happen. Johnny Damon himself admitted Manny was their best hitter the entire weekend and its hard to argue. The Sox haven't swept the Yankees in Yankee Stadium since the famous September 99 series where Pedro struck out 17. He didn't strike out 17 this time but he got the win anyway. The Sox bullpen has been red hot this season and Williamson filled in for Keith Foulke like it was October of last year. If the quartet of Williamson, Foulke, Mike Timlin and Alan Embree can stay healthy, they'll go a long way this year. The only thing to complain about is the bottom of the order at the plate, but Pokey Reese plays good defense and the eventual return of Nomar Garciaparra will limit the likes of Cesar Crespo to utility duty. All in all it was a great win and the Sox now head home for a three game set with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays beginning Tuesday night. After an off-day tomorrow, Curt Schilling (2-1) takes on Paul Abbot of the Rays. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Defeat Yankees in 12 Innings (4/24/04)

The New York Yankees might be in trouble. The Boston Red Sox have now beaten them five out of six games and today's game might have been the best one yet. The Red Sox took the lead against Kevin Brown with sac flies from Manny Ramirez and Pokey Reese but the Yankees got a run in the 4th off Bronson Arroyo and another in the seventh to tie the game. The Boston bullpen stepped up with six lights out innings to keep the Yankees off the board but the Yankees bullpen stayed tough as well. In the top of the 12th, Mark Bellhorn hit a sac fly off old buddy Paul Quantrill. Mike Timlin slammed the door in the bottom of the 12th as the Sox beat the Yankees 3-2 at Yankee Stadium.

                                                        Clare Kramer approves of the win

The Sox wasted no time getting to Brown in the top of the first as Johnny Damon walked to start. Bill Mueller walked as well and David Ortiz moved both runners over with a grounder to first. Manny Ramirez hit a sac fly to center to score Damon and put the Sox on top. Jason Varitek grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                            Damon scores the first run

Arroyo got the ball in the bottom of the first and Derek Jeter walked to start. Hideki Matsui took strike three and Jeter was gunned down at second trying to steal. Alex Rodriguez grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Brown couldn't do anything right in the top of the second as Kevin Millar lined a ball off Brown and he threw the ball into the crowd, moving Millar to second. Mark Bellhorn hit a grounder to Travis Lee who flipped to Brown.....DROPPED IT! Gabe Kapler was plunked to load the bases and Pokey Reese hit a sac fly to center to score Millar. Damon flied out to left and Mueller grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                        Reese drives in a run

Jason Giambi took strike three to start the bottom of the second before Gary Sheffield also watched strike three go by. Jorge Posada grounded out to second to end the inning.

Ortiz doubled to center to start the top of the third but Manny grounded back to the mound. Varitek walked and Millar moved both runners over with a grounder to third. Bellhorn flied out to center to end the inning. Both Lee and Bernie Williams grounded out to second to begin the bottom of the third but Enrique Wilson walked. Jeter flied out to right to end the inning.

Kapler grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth before Reese flied out to right. Damon grounded out to short to end the inning. The Yankees struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Matsui struck out swinging to start. A-Rod hit a home run all the way to Los Angeles to cut the lead. Giambi and Sheffield both grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Yankees down 2-1.

                                                     A-Rod hits one out

Mueller doubled down the right field line to start the top of the fifth before moving to third on the Ortiz fly ball to right. Ramirez grounded back to the mound and Varitek flied out to center to end the inning. Posada flied out to center to open the bottom of the fifth and Lee flied out to left. Williams flied out to left to end the inning.

Millar flied out to right to open the top of the sixth and Bellhorn flied out to center. Kapler grounded out to short to end the inning. The Yankees beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the sixth as Wilson grounded out to first to start. Jeter grounded out to third and Matsui grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the seventh as Reese got a base hit to center to start. Damon flied out to right but Mueller walked. Ortiz took strike three and Ramirez forced Miller at second to end the inning. Arroyo ran out of gas in the bottom of the seventh as A-Rod beat out a roller to third to begin. Giambi dropped a base hit to right but Millar bobbled the ball for an error to move Rodriguez to third. Sheffield got a base hit to left to score A-Rod to tie the game and chase Arroyo. Bronson battled but lasted just 6+ innings while allowing 2 runs off four hits and 2 walks. Bubba Crosby pinch ran for Giambi with Scott Williamson coming in to pitch. Posada grounded out to first to move both runners over and Lee was intentionally walked to load the bases. The gamble worked as Williams grounded into a double play to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                     Better luck next time Arroyo

Old pal Tom Gordon came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Varitek struck out swinging to start. Millar and Bellhorn both went down hacking to end the inning. Alan Embree came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and old buddy Tony Clark pinch hit for Wilson. Clark grounded out to second before Jeter struck out swinging. Matsui flied out to right to end the inning.

Miguel Cairo took over at second to start the top of the ninth and Kapler walked to start. Reese dropped down a bunt to move Kapler to second and Gabe moved to third on the Damon grounder to second. Mueller popped up to short to end the inning. A-Rod walked to put the winning run on first to start the bottom of the ninth and moved to second on the sacrifice bunt by Crosby. Sheffield popped up to short and Posada was intentionally walked. Lee grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Mariano Rivera came in to pitch the top of the tenth and Ortiz flied out to the right field wall to start. Ramirez got a base hit to right but Varitek forced him at second. Varitek swiped second but Millar hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Keith Foulke came in to pitch the bottom of the tenth and Ortiz booted a grounder by Williams for an error to start. Cairo dropped down a bunt to move Williams to second and Williams moved to third on a grounder to second by Jeter. Matsui walked and A-Rod was intentionally walked to load the bases. Ruben Sierra pinch hit for Crosby and grounded into a force to end the inning.

Bellhorn walked to start the top of the eleventh but Kapler's bunt forced him at second. Ellis Burks pinch hit for Reese and got hit with a pitch before Damon walked to load the bases. Mueller popped up to short and Ortiz struck out swinging to end the inning. Cesar Crespo took over at short for the bottom of the eleventh and Sheffield was hit with a pitch to start. Posada flied out to center, Lee also flied out to center and Sheffield was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning.

Paul Quantrill came in to pitch the top of the 12th and Ramirez doubled off the right field wall to start. Varitek grounded out to second to move Ramirez to third and Millar got hit with a pitch. Bellhorn hit a sac fly to center to score Ramirez to put the Sox on top. Kapler forced Millar at second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-2. 

                                                        Ramirez scores the go-ahead run

Mike Timlin came in to close out the bottom of the 12th with David McCarty now at first base. Williams took strike three to start and Cairo struck out swinging. Jeter grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox had won it 3-2.

                                                               Sox win

Hero of The Night is Mark Bellhorn. His sac fly in the 12th put the Sox up for good.

                                                        Mark Hero

The Good:

Ellis Burks got hit with a pitch as a pinch hitter.

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

Pokey Reese was 1 for 2 with an rbi.

Bronson Arroyo tossed 6+ innings allowing just 2 runs of 4 hits and 2 walks.

Scott Williamson pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Alan Embree pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Keith Foulke tossed 3 scoreless innings to get the win.

Mike Timlin earned the save with a scoreless 12th inning.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was 0 for 4 but walked twice and scored a run.

Bill Mueller was just 1 for 4 but walked twice.

David Ortiz was just 1 for 6 with 2 strikeouts and an error.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout and an error but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.

Jason Varitek was 0 for 5 with a strikeout but walked and stole a base.

Gabe Kapler was 0 for 4 but walked.

Honorable Mention:

Cesar Crespo played short in the final two innings.

David McCarty played first in the final inning.

Final Thoughts:

I hate to bring up last year but this is what Sox brass envisioned Game 7 going down if the Sox had one more arm in the bullpen. Keith Foulke matched Mariano Rivera in extra innings and they still had Mike Timlin left in the bullpen. There was no Aaron Boone this time and the Sox got to Paul Quantrill in the 12th inning. Arroyo pitched well and the bullpen was lights out as they were last October. Its only April but that's a huge sign of good things to come if everyone can stay healthy. The Yankees have no answer for Timlin, Embree, Williamson and Foulke and that's not counting the starters. Again, there's a long way to go but winning 5 out of 6 against the Yankees is nothing to sneeze at. Good work by Bellhorn for getting the run in to win this marathon. The Sox now look for the sweep against the Yankees tomorrow afternoon when Pedro Martinez (2-1) returns to Yankee Stadium to face Javier Vazquez of New York. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Yankee Stadium.

Jays Rally Late, Defeat Sox (4/22/04)

For six innings, it looked like the Boston Red Sox were going to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays on their on turf. Curt Schilling (2-1, 4.18 ERA) had allowed just one through six innings while the Sox took the lead on a David Ortiz two run bomb and Jason Varitek rbi single. Then the Jays tied it in the bottom of the seventh inning but Sox manager Terry Francona sent Curt back out for the eighth. The bases were loaded for Chris Gomez but Terry stuck with Schilling with 120 pitches on his arm. On a 1-1 count Gomez hit a grand slam to effectively end the game. The shell-shocked Sox couldn't provide an answer and Terry Adams slammed the door in the ninth. The Jays had gotten to Schilling and defeated him 7-3 at the Skydome.

                                                              "Dammit, dammit, dammit!"

The Sox wasted no time getting to Jays starter Miguel Batista in the top of the first inning as Johnny Damon grounded out to first to start. Bill Mueller walked but David Ortiz smashed his fourth home run to put the Sox on top. Manny Ramirez ripped a base hit to right but Kevin Millar forced him at second. Jason Varitek drew a walk but Mark Bellhorn struck out swinging to end the inning with Boston up 2-0.

                                                           Home run Big Papi

Schilling got the ball in the bottom of the first and Howie Clark got a base hit to center to start. Frank Catalanotto forced him at second but Vernon Wells struck out swinging. Carlos Delgado grounded out to first to end the inning.

Gabe Kapler grounded back to the mound to begin the top of the second before Cesar Crespo grounded out to second. Damon doubled to left but Mueller grounded out to second to end the inning. Josh Phelps popped up to second to start the bottom of the second before Eric Hinske flied out to right. Kevin Cash also flied out to right to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the third as Ortiz walked to start. Ramirez singled in the hole at second but Millar grounded into a double play. Varitek grounded a base hit up the middle to score Ortiz with another run. A wild pitch moved Varitek to third but Bellhorn grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                             RBI for Varitek

The Jays answered in the bottom of the third as Orlando Hudson singled in the hole at short to start. Chris Gomez lined out to third but Hudson stole second. Clark got a base hit to right to score Hudson and Catalanotto got a base hit to left. Frank tried for second and got thrown out trying to stretch a double although Clark moved to third. Wells flied out to center to end the inning with the Jays down 3-1.

                                                   Clark drives in a run

Kapler singled to center to start the top of the fourth but Crespo struck out swinging. Damon flied out to center and Mueller grounded out to second to end the inning. Delgado grounded out to second to open the bottom of the fourth before Phelps lined out to right. Hinske singled to center but Cash forced him at second to end the inning.

Ortiz flied out to left to start the top of the fifth but Ramirez walked. Millar ripped a base hit to left but Varitek flied out to left. Bellhorn forced Millar at second to end the inning. Hudson struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth before Gomez grounded out to first. Clark struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox blew their best chance to open it up in the top of the sixth as Kapler grounded out to first to start. Crespo tripled to centerfield and Damon walked to put runners at the corners, chasing Batista. Jason Frasor took over on the mound and Mueller struck out swinging before Ortiz lined out to right to end the inning. Catalanotto flied out to center to start the bottom of the sixth before Wells grounded out to second. Delgado doubled to left but Phelps flied out to left to end the inning.

Kerry Ligtenberg came in to pitch the top of the seventh and the Sox blew another rally. Ramirez doubled to center to start but Millar grounded out to short. Varitek was intentionally walked to set up the double play but Bellhorn took strike three. Kapler flied out to right to end the inning. The Jays struck back in the bottom of the seventh as Hinske struck out swinging to start. Cash took strike three and Hudson tripled to right. Gomez got a base hit to right to score Hudson and Clark singled to left to move Chris to third. Catalanotto singled to center to score Gomez to tie the game. Wells flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 3-3. The Jays did all their damage with two outs.

                                                           Catalanotto ties it up

Terry Adams came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Crespo grounded out to first to start. Damon grounded out to first but Mueller got a base hit to center. A wild pitch moved Mueller to second but Ortiz struck out swinging to end the inning. Things came crashing down in the bottom of the eighth as Delgado singled to right to start. Phelps took strike three but Hinske singled to center. Cash popped up to first but Hudson walked. Sox manager Terry Francona kept Schilling in to face Gomez and Chris hit a grand slam to settle matters. Francona finally lifted Curt who went 7 2/3 innings but allowed 7 runs. Mark Malaska came in and Clark got another base hit to center but Wells flied out to center to end the inning with the Jays up 7-3.

                                                             Schilling gets rocked

Reed Johnson took over for Clark as Adams returned for the top of the ninth. Ramirez walked to start but Millar popped up to first in foul territory. Varitek struck out swinging and Bellhorn flied out to center to end the game. The Jays had won it 7-3.

Jackass of the Night is Curt Schilling. It should be Francona but Schilling was the one who gave up the grand slam and 7 total runs in 7 2/3 innings.

                                                              Schilling The Jackass

The Good:

Manny Ramirez was 3 for 3 with 2 walks.

Jason Varitek was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and an rbi.

Mark Malaska got the final out of the eighth inning.

The Bad:

Mark Bellhorn was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Johnny Damon was just 1 for 4 but walked.

Bill Mueller was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

David Ortiz was just 1 for 4 with a walk but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Kevin Millar was just 1 for 5.

Gabe Kapler was just 1 for 4.

Cesar Crespo was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Final Thoughts:

That game was a sucker punch to the gonads. The Sox brought it on themselves by leaving a million men on base even before the Jays tied it in the seventh. Mueller and Ortiz not being able to drive in a run in the sixth most likely led to Francona leaving in Schilling as long as he did. Still, who would ever have thought Gomez would hit a grand slam. Hopefully this is a lesson Francona learned not to leave in your starter too long even if its a work horse like Schilling. Games like this also put a damper on a mood because the Sox won 2 out of 3 against Toronto but the third they didn't was tonight. Schilling himself pitched relatively well and his line would have looked a lot better without the grand slam. Just have to tip your cap to the Jays pitchers for not breaking and for Gomez to hit that ball out. Now the tide turns as the Sox now head to New York with a rematch with the Yankees. Derek Lowe (1-1) takes the hill against Jose Contreras of New York. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Yankee Stadium.