Blyleven Outduels Darwin, Angels Blank Sox (8/20/92)

The good news was Danny Darwin (6-6, 4.29 ERA) threw 7 solid innings to keep the Boston Red Sox in the game. The bad news was 41 year old Bert Blyleven was just a little bit better. Blyleven and a host of California Angels relievers blanked the pitiful Red Sox offense in another sign of this year's failure. Darwin kept them in the game but the Angels shut out the Sox 2-0 at Fenway Park. How many runs did the Sox score Dean Wormer?

                                                       
Darwin took the ball in the top of the first inning and Luis Polonia greeted him by grounding out to second to start. Luis Sojo flied out to left but Junior Felix singled to center. Gary Gaetti went down swinging to end the inning. Wade Boggs greeted Blyleven with a fly out to center to start the bottom of the first. Billy Hatcher whiffed. Scott Cooper singled to center but Tom Brunansky grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Angels struck first in the top of the second inning as Chad Curtis walked and Lee Stevens doubled him home just like that. Gary Disarcina singled home Stevens for another run. Darwin got Ron Tingley to swing at air but Damion Easley was plunked and Polonia singled to center to load the bases. Sojo flied out to right to end the inning but it was 2-0 Angels.

Strangely that would be the final runs scored by either team the rest of the game as Blyleven cruised in the bottom of the second as Mo Vaughn grounded out to second to start. Jody Reed lined out to short and Herm Winningham popped up to third to end the inning.

Darwin got Felix to fly out to left to start the top of the third before Gaetti singled to left. Curtis went down hacking before Stevens flied out to center to end the inning. John Marzano hit one up the elevator shaft to start the bottom of the third before John Valentin flied out to center. Boggs whacked a double but Hatcher popped up to third to end the inning.

Disarcina singled to left to start the top of the fourth but Tingley took strike three. Easley blooped a single to center but foolishly tried for second base. Disarcina made it to third but Easley was thrown out at second trying to stretch. Polonia grounded out to first to end the inning. Cooper tried to start a rally with a base hit to right but got doubled off first on a bullet hit by Brunansky to third. Vaughn grounded out to first to end the inning.

Sojo singled to center to begin the top of the fifth then stole second on the strikeout by Felix. Gaetti whiffed and Curtis looked at strike three to end the inning. The Sox failed to do anything in the bottom of the fifth as Reed grounded out to short to start. Winningham took strike three before Marzano grounded out to second to end the inning.

Darwin cruised in the top of the sixth as Stevens grounded out to second to start. Darwin struck out both Disarcina and Tingley swinging to end the inning. The Sox were flat in the bottom of the sixth as Valentin flied out to deep right to start. Boggs grounded out to first and Hatcher grounded out to short to end the inning.

Darwin got in trouble in the top of the seventh as Easley and Polonia stroked back to back singles to start. Both runners moved over on the Sojo grounder to first and Felix was intentionally walked to load the bases. Darwin got a big out when Gaetti popped up to third and Curtis grounded into a force to end the inning. Darwin allowed 2 early runs then was almost unhittable the rest of the way. He deserved a better fate after pitching 7 innings of 2 run ball.

                                                        Darwin goes 7 strong

The Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh although Cooper flied out to right to start. Brunansky walked to chase Blyleven after 6 1/3 shutout innings. Scott Bailes came in to pitch and Sox manager Butch Hobson sent in Jack Clark to pinch hit for Vaughn. Clark stroked a seeing eye single to put the tying run on first but Reed took strike three. Chuck Crim came in to pitch and Bob Zupcic pinch hit for Winningham...just to pop up to third to end the inning.

Paul Quantrill came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Stevens grounded out to second to start. Disarcina singled to right and moved to second on the Tingley ground out to first. Easley grounded out to third to end the inning. Tony Pena pinch hit for Marzano and got a base hit down the third base line to start. Foolishly he was thrown out trying to steal to kill the rally. Valentin and Boggs both flied out to center to end the inning.

Quantrill returned for the top of the ninth and Polonia grounded out to third to start. Sojo grounded out to second and Felix lined out to left to end the inning. Joe Grahe came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Hatcher tried to start a rally with a base hit to right. Cooper forced Hatcher at second before Brunansky lined out to left. With the game on the line....Clark took strike three to end the game. The Angels blanked the Sox in another loss at Fenway 2-0.

Jackass of the Night is a tough one since the entire offense put up a goose egg but I'll go with Jody Reed. He struck out in the bottom of the seventh with two men on.

                                                       Jody The Jackass


The Good:

Scott Cooper was 2 for 4.

Jack Clark was 1 for 2 at the plate.

Danny Darwin was the hard luck loser but pitched very well. He allowed just 2 runs in 7 innings of work while striking out 9 batters.

Paul Quantrill tossed 2 scoreless innings.



The Bad:

Mo Vaughn was 0 for 2.

Herm Winningham was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Bob Zupcic was 0 for 1 at the plate.

John Marzano was 0 for 2.

John Valentin was 0 for 3.



The Ugly:

Wade Boggs was just 1 for 4.

Billy Hatcher was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Tom Brunansky was 0 for 3 but walked.

Tony Pena singled as a pinch hitter but was thrown out trying to steal.




Final Thoughts:

After yesterday's everglades disaster offensively the Sox found a way to top themselves in this one. Getting held to 1 run by Jim Abbott is one thing but to not score at all against Bert Blyleven and the California bullpen is just another reason how Lou Gorman failed this season. It's been a perfect storm this season as the veterans such as Clark, Pena and Boggs had down years while the youngsters Valentin, Phil Plantier and Vaughn disappointed big time. Who knows how Sox brass is going to fix this mess at this point. The loss dropped the Sox to 55-66, good for dead last place in the AL East. The Sox look to score a run for once when they welcome the Seattle Mariners in for the next series starting tomorrow night. Randy Johnson goes for the Mariners up against Frank Viola (10-9) of the Sox at 7:35 PM at Fenway Park.

Angels Stun Sox in the Ninth (8/19/92)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Tommy Barrett was sent down to Pawtucket and Eric Wedge was called up. The Sox desperately need some offense and maybe Wedge will be the answer? Who knows.

                                                                          OUT

                                                                      IN

As for the game, talk about everything coming up Butch. After Sox manager Butch Hobson and Jeff Reardon got into it in Milwaukee, I'm sure Hobson was just waiting for Jeff to falter. He didn't have to wait long as Reardon choked away a 2-1 lead in tonight's game over the California Angels. John Dopson pitched 1 run ball into the eighth inning but Malden native Gary DiScarcina hit the decisive blow with 2 outs in the top of the ninth. The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the frame and they went back to their losing ways with a bitter 3-2 defeat at Fenway Park.

                                                        "Dammit Reardon"

Dopson cruised in the top of the first inning as Luis Polonia grounded out to short to start. Luis Sojo popped up to short and Junior Felix grounded back to the mound to start. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the first against California starter Jim Abbott. Wade Boggs flied out to center to start before Billy Hatcher grounded out to short. Bob Zupcic was hit with a pitch, Tom Brunansky walked and Jack Clark doubled Bob home to put Boston on top. Jody Reed walked to load the bases but the Sox missed a huge chance when Mo Vaughn took strike three to end the inning. Still, the Sox led 1-0.

                                                        Clark drives in a run

Dopson cruised in the top of the second inning as Ken Oberkfell grounded out to first to start. Chad Curtis whiffed and Lee Stevens grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the second as Tony Pena flied out to center to start. John Valentin whiffed and Boggs grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Angels tied it in the top of the third as DiSarcina singled and took second on a wild pitch. DiSarcina was thrown out on a fielder's choice by Mike Fitzgerald but Damion Easley singled Fitzgerald to third. Fitzgerald scored on the grounder by Polonia and Sojo walked. Felix grounded out to second to end the inning but it was tied 1-1.

                                                           The Masshole starts the rally

Hatcher and Zupcic both watched strike three go by to start the bottom of the third but both Brunansky and Clark stroked back to back singles. Reed flied out to center to end the inning.

Oberkfell singled to center to start the top of the fourth then took second on a balk. Curtis whiffed, Stevens grounded out to third and Disarcina lined out to center to end the inning. Vaughn walked to open the bottom of the fourth but Pena popped up to first. Valentin got a base hit to right but Vaughn was thrown out at third. Boggs grounded out to third to end the inning.

Dopson cruised in the top of the fifth inning as Fitzgerald grounded out to third to start. Easley struck out swinging and Polonia grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fifth as Hatcher beat out a swinging bunt to start. Zupcic singled to center and Bruno walked to load the bases. Clark struck out swinging but Reed got a base hit to right to score Hatcher and re-load the bases. With a chance to break the game open....Vaughn hit a bullet but right to first, who doubled off Reed to end the inning. The Sox blew their best chance but still led 2-1.

                                                                Reed drives in a run

Sojo singled to center to start the top of the sixth but was forced at second by Felix. Oberkfell hit a bullet to Valentin who doubled off Felix to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the sixth as Pena grounded out to second to start. Valentin flied out to center and Boggs grounded out to second to end the inning.

Dopson dominated the top of the seventh as Curtis grounded out to short to start. Stevens flied out to right and DiSarcina grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox mustered nothing against Abbott in the bottom of the seventh as Hatcher flied out to center to begin. Zupcic flied out to right but Bruno got a base hit to right. Clark flied out to right to end the inning.

Rob Ducey pinch hit for Fitzgerald to start the top of the eighth and doubled to left. Ducey moved to third on the fly out by Easley and suddenly Sox manager Butch Hobson woke up from his nap, stumbling out of the dugout to take out Dopson. John was outstanding, coming within 5 outs of a complete game while still tossing 7 1/3 innings of 1 run ball.

                                                           Outstanding effort from Dopson

Tony Fossas came in and Polonia hit a ground ball to second, Reed coming home to nail Ducey at the plate. Hobson then bolted out of the dugout realizing he brought in the wrong pitcher he wanted and brought in Greg Harris ice cold in from the bullpen with no time to rest. Somehow Harris got Sojo to ground out to first to end the inning. Ron Tingley came in for the bottom of the eighth and Reed grounded out to second to start. Vaughn grounded out to second but Pena singled to center. Valentin grounded out to third to end the inning.

3 outs from victory, Hobson reluctantly brought in Jeff Reardon for the save in the top of the ninth. Much to Butch's dismay, Jeff struck out Felix swinging to start. Much to Butch's delight, Oberkfell singled to center with Von Hayes pinch running for him. Curtis struck out swinging and with one out away....Stevens hit a ground rule double that had Hobson pumping his fists in the dugout. DiSarcina then put the Angels on top with a base hit to center that scored both Hayes and Stevens as Hobson ran out of the dugout cheering and hugging the puzzled DiSarcina. Reardon threw his glove at Hobson as he was escorted out of the building by armed security amidst a chorus of boo's. Reardon blew away Tingley to end the inning but the damage was done, the Angels led 3-2.

                                                                   DiSarcina with the killshot

Joe Grahe came in for the bottom of the ninth and Boggs grounded out to second again. Hatcher put the tying run on wit a base hit to right but Zupcic banged into a double play to end the inning. The Angels had won it 3-2.

Jackass of the Night is Jeff Reardon. He allowed the go-ahead hit by DiSarcina with 2 outs in the ninth.

                                                                   Jackass Jeff



The Good:

Billy Hatcher was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Tom Brunansky was 2 for 2 with 2 walks.

Jack Clark was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Jody Reed was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

John Dopson tossed 7 1/3 innings of 1 run ball while striking out 3.

Tony Fossas got the second out of the eighth inning.

Greg Harris got the final out of the eighth inning.



The Bad:

Wade Boggs was 0 for 5.



The Ugly:

Bob Zupcic was just 1 for 4 but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.

Mo Vaughn was 0 for 3 but walked.

Tony Pena was just 1 for 4.

John Valentin was just 1 for 4.




Final Thoughts:

Can this season end already? This was one of the worst offensive seasons in team history and there's still 40 games left to play. Historically the Sox have been all-bat and no pitching and this year is the complete opposite. If the Sox had any kind of offense, they'd actually be in the hunt with how good their pitching has been. Dopson pitched a gem but Reardon gagged and the Sox could muster only 2 runs. Not to mention the players are starting to tire of Hobson and it comes down to just a lost season. The loss drops the Sox to 55-65, 15 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in last place in the AL East. The Sox next defeat comes tomorrow night against the Angels when Danny Darwin (6-5) gets dominated by Bert Blyleven at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Clemens Shuts Out Angels, Larry Bird Retires (8/18/92)

In one of the darkest days in Boston sports history, Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird called it a career and retired. Even though this is a baseball site, a legend like Larry transcends all of Boston sports and he will be missed. The Boston Red Sox paid tribute to Larry the right way by beating the daylights out of the California Angels. After grumpy Angels manager John Wathan complained about Roger Clemens' hat that had "33" on it, the pissed off Clemens (15-7, 2.10 ERA) had to change his hat and took his frustrations out on the unsuspecting Angels. Pitching one of the best games of his career, he tossed a complete game 4 hit shutout. The normally incompetent offense picked up Roger and honored Larry by pounding out 13 hits and 8 runs for one of the only good wins of the season, 8-0 at Fenway Park.

                                              Larry Legend approves of the win

Clemens began his dominance in the top of the first inning as Luis Polonia grounded out to third to start. Luis Sojo hit one up the elevator shaft and Junior Felix lined out to center to end the inning. Mark Langston got the start for California and Wade Boggs greeted him with a base hit to left to start the bottom of the first. Billy Hatcher lined out to center but Bob Zupcic whiffed. Tom Brunansky singled to left but Jack Clark swung at air to end the inning.

Clemens got his first strikeout in the top of the second when he blew away Gary Gaetti to begin. Chad Curtis grounded out to short and Von Hayes lined out to right to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second as Jody Reed walked to start. Mo Vaughn doubled Reed to third but Tony Pena went down hacking. John Valentin walked to load the bases and Boggs scored Reed with a sac fly to put Boston on top. Hatcher blooped a single to center to score Vaughn with another run. Zupcic struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                          Hatcher drives in a run

More than enough cushion for Clemens who got Gary DiSarcina to ground out to first to open the top of the third inning. Ron Tingley whiffed but Damion Easley singled to center. Easley swiped second but Polonia was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning. The Sox added some more runs in the bottom of the third inning as Brunansky walked to start. Clark and Reed both got base hits to load the bases with nobody out. Vaughn whiffed but Pena dropped in a base hit to score Brunansky and reload the bases. Valentin beat out a double play ball to score Clark with another run. Boggs grounded into a force to end the inning but it was 4-0 Sox.

                                                       Pena drives in a run

The Angels threatened in the top of the fourth inning as Sojo singled to right to start. Felix flied out to center but Gaetti walked. Curtis whiffed but a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Clemens blew away Hayes to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the fourth although Hatcher grounded out to third to start. Zupcic dropped a base hit to left and Brunansky doubled him to third. Clark took strike three and Reed was intentionally walked to get to Vaughn. Mo grounded out to first to end the inning.

DiSarcina got plunked to open the top of the fifth inning but Tingley flied out to center. Easley walked but Polonia lined out to left and Sojo flied out to left to end the inning. Pena grounded out to short to start the bottom of the fifth before Valentin grounded out to third. Boggs tripled into the right field corner but Hatcher watched strike three go by to end the inning.

Clemens cruised in the top of the sixth inning as Felix grounded out to first to start. Gaetti whiffed before Curtis popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the sixth as Zupcic doubled to right to start. Brunansky walked and that was it for Langston. Mike Butcher came in and Clark walked to load the bases. Reed banged into a double play but Zupcic scored on the play. Vaughn took strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-0.

                                               That's the best you could do, a double play?

Hayes tried to start a rally by pounding a ground rule double down the first base line to start the top of the seventh. Disarcina whiffed and Lee Stevens pinch hit for Tingley, drawing a walk. Easley lined out to center and Polonia flied out to center to end the inning. Mike Fitzgerald took over behind the plate for the bottom of the seventh as both Pena and Valentin hit balls up the elevator shaft to start. Boggs walked and Hatcher was hit with a pitch. Zupcic flied out to center to end the inning.

The Angels had no chance in the top of the eighth inning as Sojo flied out to left to start. Felix whiffed and Gaetti grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox had one last gift to the fans in the bottom of the eighth as Brunansky walked to start. Clark singled to right but Reed took strike three. Steve Frey was brought in to pitch to Vaughn and Mo clobbered his 9th home run of the season to wrap up the scoring. Chuck Crim came in to pitch to Pena and he fanned Tony before Valentin flied out to right to end the inning. Vaughn's 3 run home run put the Sox up 8-0 in the rout.

                                                        Vaughn with a blast

Clemens returned to finish the job in the top of the ninth although Curtis had the unmitigated audacity to get a base hit to left. Curtis advanced to second on the Hayes grounder before moving to third on the Disarcina grounder. Rob Ducey pinch hit for Fitzgerald for god knows what reason and took strike three to end the game. Clemens had thrown a complete game 4 hit shutout and the Sox won in a laughter 8-0.

Hero of the Night is easy. Roger Clemens tossed a complete game 4 hit shutout to honor Larry Bird. He walked three while striking out 8 batters.

                           Hero Rocket


The Good:

Wade Boggs was 2 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Bob Zupcic was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Tom Brunansky was 2 for 2 with 3 walks and 2 runs scored.

Jack Clark was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 5 with 2 total runs scored and a 3 run home run.



The Bad:

None



The Ugly:

Billy Hatcher was just 1 for 4 but was hit with a pitch and drove in a run.

Tony Pena was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.

John Valentin was 0 for 4 but walked and drove in a run.




Final Thoughts:

The season has been the absolute pits but at least they have Clemens every fifth day to give the fans a treat. Not only that but the Sox offense had a day against the Angels pitching. Sad that it took until August to figure out a lineup that works but here we are. Clemens pitched a determined game and what better way to honor Larry Legend? Bird may be gone and the feel good nature of the win will evaporate by tomorrow but for one day Boston can celebrate. The win improved the Sox to 55-64, 15 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to build momentum tomorrow when they send John Dopson (6-5, 3.44 ERA) to the mound to take on Jim Abbott at 7:35 PM at Fenway Park.

Clemens, Sox Drop Indians (8/13/92)

The Cleveland Indians may have an ace of the future in Charles Nagy but the Boston Red Sox still has the real ace in Roger Clemens (14-7, 2.20 ERA. Nagy had one bad inning where he allowed 4 runs in a flurry of hits in the top of the fifth but Clemens scattered 8 hits and just 2 runs across 8 innings of work himself. A four run rally in the fifth was all the Sox got offensively but it was all they needed. Glenallen Hill homered off Clemens in the bottom of the eighth to make the game 4-2. Jeff Reardon slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth for his 25th save to give the Sox a 4-2 victory over the Indians at Cleveland Stadium, snapping a 5 game losing streak.

                                                    Amanda Hope approves of the win

Nagy got the ball in the top of the first inning and Wade Boggs grounded out to first to start. Billy Hatcher struck out swinging. Bob Zupcic took strike three to end the inning. Clemens got the ball in the bottom of the first and Thomas Howard struck out swinging to start. Glenallen Hill popped up to first and Carlos Baerga popped up to third to end the inning.

Tom Brunansky led off the top of the second by beating out an infield single to short but Mo Vaughn flied to center. Jack Clark took strike three but Jody Reed hit a ball off the glove of Mark Lewis for an error. Tony Pena struck out swinging to end the inning. Clemens turned up the heat for the bottom of the second as Albert Belle struck out swinging to start. Paul Sorrento went down hacking and Mark Whiten froze for strike three to end the inning.

Lewis bobbled another grounder, this time by John Valentin, for a "single" to start the top of the third but Boggs grounded into a double play. Hatcher struck out swinging to end the inning. Sandy Alomar Jr singled in the hole at second to start the bottom of the third before Jim Thome grounded into a double play. Lewis took strike three to end the inning.

Zupcic led off the top of the fourth by striking out swinging before Brunansky grounded out to second. Vaughn also grounded out to second to end the inning. The Indians threatened in the bottom of the fourth as Howard beat out an infield single to short to begin. Hill singled in the hole at second and both runners moved over on the Baerga grounder to second. Belle walked to load the bases but Sorrento grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Suddenly the Sox exploded in the top of the fifth as Clark walked to start. Reed dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Clark to second and Pena walked. Valentin grounded out to third to move the runners over and Boggs was intentionally walked to load the bases. Hatcher ripped a base hit to right to score both Clark and Pena. Zupcic dumped a broken bat single to center to score Boggs with another run. Brunansky ripped a base hit to Hatcher to drive in another run but Vaughn struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                   Bruno drives in a big run

The Indians struck back in the bottom of the fifth as Whiten beat out an infield single to Valentin to start. Alomar Jr ripped a base hit to left to move Whiten to third and Mark scored on a Thome sac fly to center. Lewis singled in the hole at short and both runners moved over on the Howard grounder to first. Hill struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-1.

                                                             Sac fly for Thome

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the sixth as Clark grounded out to Lewis to start. Reed also grounded out to Lewis but Pena doubled into the right field gap. Thome threw a grounder away by Valentin to put runners at the corners but Boggs forced Valentin at second to end the inning. Baerga grounded out to short to start the bottom of the sixth before Belle struck out swinging. Sorrento grounded out to Reed to end the inning.

Hatcher took strike three to start the top of the seventh before Zupcic grounded out to third. Brunansky got a base hit to center and Vaughn followed with one of his own to move Tom to third. Clark struck out swinging to end the inning. Whiten struck out swinging to start the bottom of the seventh and Alomar Jr grounded out to short. Thome got a base hit to right but Lewis struck out swinging to end the inning.

Reed grounded back to the mound to start the top of the eighth before Pena grounded out to third. Hill dropped a fly ball at the wall by Valentin for an error and Boggs grounded out to first to end the inning. Clemens returned for one final inning in the bottom of the eighth and Howard grounded out to second to start. Hill suddenly hit a home run all the way into Lake Eerie to cut the lead in half. Baerga grounded out to first on a bang-bang play that might have been a bad call and Belle flied out to left to end the inning with the Indians down 4-2. That was it for Clemens who allowed 2 runs off 8 hits and a walk while striking out 9 in 8 innings.

                                                      Good work Clemens

Jack Armstrong came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Hatcher grounded out to short to start. Zupcic flied out to center and Brunansky flied out to right to end the inning. Jeff Reardon came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Sorrento struck out swinging to start. Whiten popped up to first in foul territory but Alomar got a base hit in the hole at second. Thome was frozen for strike three to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-2.

                                                               Sox win

Hero of the Night is Roger Clemens. He earned the win by tossing 8 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 8 hits and a walk while striking out 9.

                                                          Rocket Hero

The Good:

Tom Brunansky was 3 for 5 with an rbi.

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

Jeff Reardon earned his 25th save with a scoreless ninth.

The Bad:

Jody Reed was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

Wade Boggs was 0 for 4 but walked and scored a run.

Billy Hatcher was just 1 for 5 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but drove in 2 runs and scored a run.

Bob Zupcic was just 1 for 5 with 2 strikeouts but drove in a run.

Mo Vaughn was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Jack Clark was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

John Valentin was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

Good win by the Sox to snap the losing streak but good grief is their offense BAD. Getting 4 runs in one inning was nice but they couldn't get anything done otherwise. At least they had Roger Clemens to bail them out this time. Its too bad the Sox bats are ice cold because the pitching has held up almost all season. Can't win if you can't score, but at least they did just enough in this one. Sox analyst Ned Martin said the Sox have the oldest team in baseball and that's an indictment on Lou Gorman to field a team this old and this bad. If he refuses to rebuild, find a general manager that won't. The win improves the Sox to 53-61, 13.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. Tomorrow the Sox travel to Milwaukee for a double-header against the Milwaukee Brewers. The game was originally postponed on April 23rd due to bad weather so they're making it up tomorrow afternoon. Joe Hesketh takes the hill for the Sox against Chris Bosio of Milwaukee. The game begins at 4:00 PM at County Stadium.

Sox Blow Huge Lead, Win in 13 (6/27/92)

In a microcosm of this miserable season for the Boston Red Sox, the normally struggling offense put 7 runs on the board to take a 7-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers...only for the normally reliable bullpen to cough it up in the late innings. The Brewers scored 7 runs off a tiring Roger Clemens, an the incompetent duo of Greg Harris and Jeff Reardon to tie the game in the top of the ninth. Still, the Sox held on thanks to the clutch pitching of Danny Darwin (4-4, 4.63 ERA) and Herm Winningham won the game with a walkoff base hit to send the fans home happy with an 8-7 win in 13 innings.

                     A rare happy moment

Clemens ran into trouble in the top of the first inning although Darryl Hamilton grounded out to short to start. Kevin Seitzer lashed a single to center on the first pitch before Clemens bounced a pitch in the dirt that caught catcher Tony Pena's hand, advancing Seitzer to second. Paul Molitor grounded out to third before BJ Surhoff drew a walk. Robin Yount swung at air to end the inning. Bruce Ruffin got the start for the Brewers and Jody Reed led off the bottom of the first with a fly out to left. Bob Zupcic grounded out to third and Wade Boggs grounded out to second to end the inning.

Dante Bichette led off the top of the second by hitting a bullet to Boggs who threw him out at first because Dante thought the ball was caught. Dave Nilsson grounded out weakly to short and Scott Fletcher lined out to a running Tom Brunansky to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the second as Brunansky grounded out to short to start. Jack Clark hit a seeing eye single to left but Mo Vaughn banged into a double play to end the inning.

Clemens cruised in the top of the third inning as Pat Listach grounded out to short to start. Hamilton flied out to right and Seitzer grounded out to third to end the inning. Luis Rivera walked to start the bottom of the third but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Herm Winningham went down swinging but Tony Pena beat out an infield single. Reed flied out to center to end the inning.

Molitor beat out an infield single to short to open the top of the fourth but Clemens got Surhoff to hit into a double play and Yount watched strike three go by to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the fourth as Zupcic popped up to first in foul territory to start. Boggs almost got hit in the head before he drew a walk and Brunansky doubled just out of reach of Yount off the centerfield wall to score Wade to give the Sox the lead. Clark drew a walk and Vaughn clobbered his 3rd home run of the season into the left field scren to put the Sox up big. Rivera flied out to deep center and Winningham lined out to a running Yount to end the inning but it was 4-0 Sox.

                  3 run home run

Bichette tried to start a rally in the top of the fifth with a base hit but was picked off first. Nilsson watched strike three go by and Fletcher flied out to left to end the inning. Ruffin stayed in for the bottom of the fifth and Pena grounded back to the mound to start. Reed lined out to center but Zupcic struck a seeing eye single. Boggs grounded into a force to end the inning.

Clemens had to hustle in the top of the sixth as Listach grounded out to first with Vaughn running the wrong way to start. Hamilton almost beat out a grounder to first and Clemens nearly cleaned out first base umpire Greg Kosc making the play. Seitzer also grounded out to first with Clemens running over to cover to end the inning. When was the last time the pitcher had to make 3 straight putouts?

            "Where the hell is Vaughn?" - RC

The Sox struck again in the bottom of the sixth although Brunansky popped up to Surhoff on the mound to start. Sox analyst Jerry Remy quipped "If you're gonna lose, look good doing it" as Clark drew another walk. Vaughn followed his home run earlier with an opposite field base hit that chased Ruffin and sent Clark to third. Mike Fetters came in and Rivera hit a chopper to him for the out but Clark scored on the play. Winningham lined one off the glove of Fletcher and Vaughn made a mad dash for home. Vaughn was safe and Nilsson airmailed Surhoff trying to get Winningham at first and Herm ran all the way to third. Pena hit one up the middle to score Winningham with what looked to be the killshot. Reed grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 7-0.

              Winningham scores

The game looked to be over when Clemens returned for the top of the seventh inning and got Molitor to fly out to center to start. Surhoff and Yount stroked back to back singles but Bichette lined out to left. Nilsson took strike three to end the inning. Surhoff moved to right with Franklin Stubbs coming in for Hamilton while playing first in the bottom of the seventh. Zupcic flied out to right and Boggs grounded out to short but Brunansky doubled off the Monster. Clark took strike three to end the inning.

Bad defense led to a Brewers rally in the top of the eighth inning. Fletcher hit a routine grounder to Boggs who booted the ball over to Rivera who threw the ball into the bleachers for two errors on the same play. Listach singled Fletcher to third and Stubbs doubled Scott home to put the Brewers on the board. Seitzer grounded out to short to score Listach and Molitor moved Stubbs to third with a ground out. Surhoff doubled off the Monster to score Stubbs but Yount grounded out to second to end the inning. Clemens was game for 8 innings as he left with a 7-3 lead with only 1 earned run allowed.

                     Victory seemed imminent

Jesse Orosco came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Vaughn popped up to center to start. Rivera flied out to right and Winningham watched strike three go by to end the inning.

A 4 run lead in the top of the ninth should have been easy for Greg Harris to preserve but instead Bichette singled off the elbow of Boggs to start. Nilsson flied out to Zupcic in deep center and Fletcher forced Bichette at second to put the Sox one out from victory with a 4 run lead. Down to his last strike, Listach hit a routine grounder to Reed at second who threw to first to end the ga....OH WAIT! Vaughn's foot was off the bag and the error was charged to Reed. Sox manager Butch Hobson stumbled out of the dugout to bring in his closer Jeff Reardon to close out the game. Reardon poured gas on the fire as Stubbs was down 0-2 only to come back and walk to load the bases. Down to his last strike, Seitzer singled off the glove of Boggs down the left field line to score two runs. Down to HIS last strike, Molitor dropped a base hit to left to score both runners to tie the game. The boo birds rained down as Jeff Reardon started ripping his clothes off and shouting at the home plate umpire for no apparent reason, causing him to be thrown out of the game. Tony Fossas came in and Molitor swiped second only for Surhoff to ground out to second to end the inning. The Sox were one strike away 3 times and after all that, the Brewers tied the game 7-7...brutal.

                    YER OUTTA HERE!

After a half hour rain delay, Doug Henry came in for the bottom of the ninth and the Sox continued to shoot themselves in the foot. Pena took strike three on a bad call on the outside corner and shouted at the umpire. If Reardon got that call on Stubbs the game would have been over. Reed singled in the hole at short....only to be thrown out trying to steal when Zupcic's bat flew 15 feet away on a swing and miss. Zupcic walked but Boggs flied out to left to end the inning to send the game to extras.

                   Not even close

Danny Darwin came in to pitch the top of the tenth and Yount flied out to center to start. Bichette grounded out to short and Nilsson lined out to second to end the inning. Brunansky whiffed to start the bottom of the tenth and Clark followed suit by swinging at air too. Vaughn grounded out to first to end the inning.

Fletcher singled in the hole at short to start the top of the eleventh but Listach foolishly struck out trying to bunt with two strikes. William Suero pinch ran for Fletcher only to be thrown out trying to steal. Stubbs popped up to left to end the inning to continue the torture. Darren Holmes came in to pitch the bottom of the eleventh and Rivera whiffed to start. Winningham's bunt attempt was snuffed out and Scott Cooper pinch hit for Tony Pena....just to pop up to short to end the inning.

John Flaherty took over behind the plate for the top of the 12th inning and Seitzer grounded out to second to start. Surhoff doubled to left but Yount flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the 12th as Reed grounded out to short to start. Zupcic grounded back to the mound and Boggs whiffed to end the inning.

Darwin came in for the top of the 13th inning and Bichette grounded out to short to start. Nillson blooped a single over the head of Reed but Suero popped up to third. Listach flied out to center to end the inning. Darwin stepped up big with 4 scoreless innings of work.

                                                         Good work Danny

The Sox finally sent the meager crowd home happy in the bottom of the 13th inning. Brunansky popped up to first but Clark dropped a base hit just in front of Yount who trapped the ball. Vaughn lashed a base hit to right to send Clark to third. Phil Plantier pinch hit for Rivera and drew a walk to load the bases. Tim Naehring pinch ran for Plantier and Winningham finally ended this nonsense with a base hit to left to win the game 8-7 in 13 innings at Fenway Park.

                         Sox win


Hero of the Night is Herm Winningham. Not only did he drive in the winning run, he drove in another run during the 6th inning rally.

                 Hobson and our Hero


The Good:

Jack Clark was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and 3 total runs scored.

Mo Vaughn was 3 for 6 with 2 total runs scored and a 3 run home run.

Tom Brunansky was 2 for 6 with an rbi and a run scored.

Phil Plantier walked as a pinch hitter.

Tony Pena was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Roger Clemens pitched well by tossing 8 innings and allowing 3 runs (1 earned) while striking out 4 batters.

Tony Fossas retired the only man he faced.

Danny Darwin tossed 4 scoreless innings to earn the win.



The Bad:

Scott Cooper was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Jeff Reardon melted in the top of the ninth by allowing 2 inherited runners to score and 2 of his own before getting thrown out of the game.



The Ugly:

Jody Reed was just 1 for 6 with an error.

Bob Zupcic was just 1 for 5 with a walk.

Wade Boggs was 0 for 5 with an error but walked and scored a run.

Luis Rivera was 0 for 4 with an error but walked and drove in a run.

Greg Harris was charged for 2 unearned runs but was let down by his defense and Jeff Reardon



Honorable Mention:

Tim Naehring pinch ran for Plantier in the bottom of the 13th.

John Flaherty caught the top of the 13th inning.




Final Thoughts:

Welcome to the Twilight Zone. The Sox have had trouble scoring runs all year and the one time they do it, the normally reliable pitching pukes all over the place. Reardon, the defense and Clemens falling apart was very out of the ordinary but at least the Sox came back to win. Danny Darwin stepped up big in extras so at least there were some positives in what would have been another agonizing loss in a season full of them. Nice to see Herm Winningham get a moment in the sun for once this season. Maybe this is a sign the Sox are ready to bust out with Clark and Vaughn stepping up today. All in all it was a lousy win but they all count anyway. The win improved the Sox to 34-36, 8.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to make it two in a row over the Brewers when they send Frank Viola (7-4) to the mound up against Jaime Navarro at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Blank Indians (6/7/92)

Say what you will about how bad the Boston Red Sox offense is this season, but the pitching has been nothing short of miraculous. The Sox scratched out 4 runs in today's game against the Cleveland Indians but they just happened to be enough. Joe Hesketh (2-3, 3.05 ERA) tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings before Danny Darwin preserved the shutout by keeping the Indians scoreless the rest of the way. The Sox got two runs in the bottom of the fourth and scratched out two more and they all counted toward the win. It all added up to a 4-0 Red Sox win at Fenway Park.

                                                               Jim Courier approves of the win

Hesketh got the ball in the top of the first inning and he snuffed out a Kenny Lofton bunt attempt to start. Thomas Howard also grounded back to the mound but Carlos Baerga singled to center. Albert Belle struck out swinging to end the inning. Dave Otto got the ball for the Indians in the bottom of the first and Jody Reed grounded out to third to start. Mike Greenwell grounded out to first but Wade Boggs singled to left. Jack Clark popped up to center to end the inning.

Carlos Martinez grounded out to short to start the top of the second but Glenallen Hill blooped a single to center. Sandy Alomar Jr banged into a double play to end the inning. Ellis Burks grounded out to third to start the bottom of the second before Tom Brunansky singled in the hole at second. Bob Zupcic ran out of the baseline on a comebacker to the mound and was called out for interference, forcing Bruno back to first. Luis Rivera hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning.

Brook Jacoby flied out to right to start the top of the third before Felix Fermin lined out to second. Lofton grounded out to short to end the inning. Tony Pena lined a base hit to right to begin the bottom of the third before Reed flied out to right. Pena swiped second then took third on the grounder to first by Greenwell. Boggs lined out to center to end the inning.

Howard grounded out to short to start the top of the fourth and Baerga grounded back to the mound. Belle walked but Martinez popped up to first to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth as Clark got a seeing eye single in the hole at short to start. Burks walked and Brunansky doubled home Clark to put Boston on top. Zupcic grounded out to second but Burks scored to increase the lead. Rivera went down hacking and Pena flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                            Brunansky drives in a run

Hesketh cruised in the top of the fifth as Hill flied out to center to start. Alomar grounded back to the mound and Jacoby struck out swinging to end the inning. Reed took strike three to start the bottom of the fifth before Greenwell grounded out to second. Boggs grounded out to short to end the inning.

Fermin grounded back to the mound to start the top of the sixth before Lofton's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Pena. Howard beat out a roller to third before Baerga grounded out to short to end the inning. Clark singled to left to start the bottom of the sixth before taking second on a wild pitch. Clark moved to third on a fly ball to right by Burks but Brunansky grounded out to third. Zupcic flied out to right to end the inning.

Hesketh returned briefly for the top of the seventh inning as Belle struck out swinging to start. Martinez singled to left and that was it for Hesketh. He lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed no runs on just 4 hits. Danny Darwin came in to pitch and Hill struck out swinging, but Alomar Jr got a base hit up the middle. Jacoby lined out to right to end the inning.

                                                           Great start by Hesketh

The Sox got a run back in the bottom of the seventh with Ted Power now on the mound. Rivera doubled to right and Pena dropped down a bunt to move Luis to third. Reed dropped down a perfect suicide squeeze that scored Rivera and put Jody safe at first. Reed stole second and took third on the grounder to short by Greenwell. Boggs was intentionally walked but Clark popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                            Great bunt by Reed

Alex Cole pinch hit for Fermin to start the top of the eighth and popped up to shallow left. Lofton flied out to left but Howard got a base hit to left. Baerga flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the eighth with Mark Lewis now at short. Burks singled to center and Brunansky singled off the Monster. Brunansky was thrown out trying to stretch a double but Ellis made it to third. Zupcic struck out swinging but Rivera singled to center to score Burks. Pena singled Rivera to third but Reed flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                          Nice hit Luis

Darwin came back to close out the top of the ninth with Scott Cooper now playing first base for Brunansky. Belle took strike three to start before Martinez struck out swinging. Hill doubled to center but Alomar Jr grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox had shutout the Indians 4-0.

Hero of the Night is Joe Hesketh. He tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and a walk.

                                                             Hesketh Hero

The Good:

Wade Boggs was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Jack Clark was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

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

Tom Brunansky was 3 for 4 with an rbi.

Luis Rivera was 2 for 4 with an rbi and a run scored.

Tony Pena was 2 for 3 with a stolen base.

Danny Darwin earned his third save with 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Mike Greenwell was 0 for 4.

The Ugly:

Jody Reed was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base and drove in a run.

Bob Zupcic was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Honorable Mention:

Scott Cooper played first base in the top of the ninth.

Final Thoughts:

Once again the Sox struggled to score runs while the pitching did well. That was one of Hesketh's best games of the season and Darwin looked pretty good in relief. If the Sox had one or two more power bats in the lineup, they actually could catch the Baltimore Orioles. The Sox are desperate for offense but game's like today where the pitching slams the door makes up for that. Only Bob Zupcic and Jody Reed are hitting above .300 and Boggs is hitting "only" .277. Hopefully Clark, Burks and Greenwell can pick up the pace moving forward. The Sox are a .500 team in more ways than one, all pitching and no offense....my how times have changed! The win improved the Sox to 26-25, 5.5 games behind the Orioles for first place in the AL East. The Sox now travel to Baltimore for a crucial three game set with the first place Orioles. Mike Gardiner (3-4) goes up against Bob Milacki of the O's tomorrow night at 7:05 PM at Camden Yards.

Clemens, Burks Slam Mariners (5/20/92)

Don't look now but the Boston Red Sox have won 3 games in a row. Didn't know they had it in them! It helped that Roger Clemens (6-3, 1.70 ERA) was on the mound but better yet, they actually scored some runs. For 7 innings the Sox battled the Seattle Mariners to a 2-2 tie after Dave Fleming held the Sox to just 2 runs. Ellis Burks cracked a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth to put the game on ice. Tony Fossas crapped his pants in the top of the ninth after 8 good innings by Clemens but Jeff Reardon saved the day as the Sox beat Seattle 6-2 at Fenway Park.

                                                       Cady Cantrell approves of the win

Clemens got the ball in the bottom of the first and Harold Reynolds grounded out to second to start. Edgar Martinez doubled off the bottom of the Monster but Ken Griffey Jr struck out swinging. Tino Martinez grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox struck first against Fleming in the bottom of the first as Reed ate up Harold Reynolds for a base hit to start. Reed took second on a wild pitch and moved to third on a liner to center by Mike Greenwell. Boggs doubled off the Monster to score Reed and Jack Clark blooped a single to right to move Wade to third. Ellis Burks popped up to second and Tom Brunansky grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                              Boggs puts the Sox on top

The Mariners struck back in the top of the second as Pete O'Brien whacked a home run around the Pesky Pole to cut the lead. Dave Cochrane and Greg Briley both grounded out to second and Omar Vizquel flied out to right to end the inning with Seattle down 2-1.

                                                    O'Brien takes Clemens deep

The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the second as Bob Zupcic grounded out to third to start. Luis Rivera flied out to left and Tony Pena grounded out to first to end the inning.

Bert Heffernan grounded out to third to open the top of the third but Reynolds drew a walk. Reynolds moved to second on a grounder to first by Edgar Martinez but Griffey Jr grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the third as Reed walked to start. Greenwell reached on an error by Reynolds but Boggs lined out to center. Clark beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners but Burks walked to load the bases. Brunansky flied out to left to end the inning.

Tino Martinez grounded out to second to start the top of the fourth before O'Brien grounded out to first. Cochrane struck out swinging to end the inning. Zupcic grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the fourth but Rivera singled to left. Rivera swiped second but Pena flied out to center. Reed lined out to a running Griffey Jr to end the inning.

Clemens struck out Briley swinging to begin the top of the fifth but Vizquel fisted a base hit to right. Heffernan banged into a double play to end the inning. The Sox blew another rally in the bottom of the fifth as Greenwell singled down the third base line to start. Boggs walked but Clark flied out to left. Burks flied out to center and Brunansky lined out to a running Griffey to end the inning.

Clemens cruised in the top of the sixth as Reynolds grounded out to second to start. Edgar Martinez lined out to first and Griffey Jr lined out to center to end the inning. The Sox blew yet another rally in the bottom of the sixth although Zupcic grounded out to third to start. Rivera struck out swinging but Pena got a base hit to left. Reed lined a base hit to center and both runners moved over on a balk. Greenwell grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Mariners tagged Clemens in the top of the seventh as Tino Martinez was hit in the shoulder to start. Zupcic made a great diving catch in the right field corner to rob O'Brien of a hit but Cochrane dropped a base hit into right. Briley singled to left to score Martinez but Vizquel forced Briley at second with a grounder to Brunansky. Heffernan struck out swinging to end the inning with the Mariners up 2-1.

                                                 Martinez scores a run

The Sox answered in the bottom of the seventh as Boggs reached on an error by Tino Martinez to start. Clark hit one up the elevator shaft and Burks struck out swinging, but Boggs swiped second. Brunansky walked but Zupcic doubled into the left field corner to score Boggs. Jeff Nelson came in to pitch and Rivera walked, but Pena lined out to first to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                      Sox tie it up

Clemens returned for one final inning in the top of the eighth and Reed bobbled a ball by Reynolds for an error that he took forever to find. Edgar Martinez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Reynolds to second and Griffey Jr beat out an infield single to short to put runners at the corners. Reynolds and Griffey took off on a squeeze but Martinez swung and missed. Pena tagged Reynolds coming home but Griffey made it to second on the play. Martinez took strike three to end the inning and Clemens had tossed 8 innings of 2 run ball.

                                                            Clemens goes 8 strong

The Sox took command in the bottom of the eighth as Reed singled in the hole at short to start. Dennis Powell relieved Nelson and Reed was thrown out at second trying to steal. Greenwell blooped a base hit to left and Boggs hit a routine pop up down the right field line but Briley lost it in the lights for a "double". Clark was intentionally walked to get to Burks and Herm Winningham pinch ran for Clark. Mike Schooler came in to pitch to Burks and Ellis clubbed a grand slam over everything in left to put the Sox on top. Brunansky lined out to center and Zupcic took strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-2.

                                                      Burks hits a grand slam

Tony Fossas came in to pitch in the top of the ninth and O'Brien grounded out to short to start. Cochrane singled to center and Henry Cotto pinch hit for Briley. Cotto doubled down the left field line to chase Fossas. Old Mets nemesis Kevin Mitchell pinch hit for Vizquel and Jeff Reardon came in to close out the game. Mitchell singled off the left field railing to score both runners to cut the lead. Jay Buhner pinch hit for Heffernan and flied out to left, but Brunansky booted a grounder by Reynolds for an error. Edgar Martinez flied out to right to end the game. The Sox had won it 6-4.

                                                              Sox win

Hero of the Night is Ellis Burks. His grand slam proved to be the difference in the game.

                                                                Burks The Hero

The Good:

Jody Reed was 3 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

Mike Greenwell was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Wade Boggs was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Herm Winningham scored a run as a pinch runner.

Luis Rivera was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Roger Clemens tossed 8 innings of 2 run ball while striking out 5 batters to earn the win.

Jeff Reardon earned his 10th save by getting the last 2 outs of the ninth.

The Bad:

Tony Fossas was charged with 2 runs in the top of the ninth.

The Ugly:

Jack Clark was just 1 for 4 but walked.

Tom Brunansky was 0 for 4 with an error but walked.

Bob Zupcic was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.

Tony Pena was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

Don't look now but the Sox have won 3 in a row. Maybe this will be the start of a nice long run to get them back in the AL East race. The offense has been offensive but Burks came through big time tonight. Clemens will be Clemens and he once again gave the Sox 8 much needed innings. Sox manager Butch Hobson guessed wrong when he figured Fossas could close out the ninth but good thing Reardon stepped up. If only they still had Jeff Gray but that's just bad luck. Hopefully the Sox can ride this momentum moving forward. The win improved the Sox to 19-17, 4 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox are back in action Friday night against Oakland. Frank Viola (5-2) goes for the Sox against A's ace Dave Stewart. The game begins at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.