Sox Blow Game, Yankees Win Division (10/2/78)

"They killed our fathers and now the sons of bitches are after us!" Those words were uttered by a bitter Boston Red Sox fan as they officially completed their 14.5 game collapse against the New York Yankees by falling to the Yankees in today's one game playoff to decide the American League East champion. The Sox took a 2-0 lead on Yankees starter Ron Guidry until the seventh inning when light hitting Bucky Dent hit a 3 run shot off of Sox starter Mike Torrez (16-13, 3.96 ERA) to put the Yankees on top. Bob Stanley allowed 2 runs in relied but the Sox managed to rally in the bottom of the eighth to pull within one. In the bottom of the ninth with Rick Burleson on first, Jerry Remy hit a fly ball that Lou Piniella lost in the sun but still managed to grab to prevent Rick from scoring. Goose Gossage got Carl Yastrzemski to pop up end the game and complete the collapse for the Red Sox. The Yankees are AL East Division champions with a come from behind 5-4 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                          Damn Yankees

Torrez got the ball in the top of the first and Mickey Rivers walked to start on four pitches not even close. Rivers immediately stole second but Thurman Munson struck out swinging. Lou Piniella grounded out to third and Reggie Jackson flied out to right to end the inning. Guidry got the ball in the bottom of the first and Rick Burleson led off by striking out swinging. Jerry Remy popped up to left and Jim Rice struck out swinging to end the inning.

Graig Nettles led off the top of the second with a pop up to Burleson to start. Chris Chambliss grounded out sharply to George Scott and Roy White struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second as Carl Yastrzemski pounded his 17th home run of the year off the right field façade to put Boston on top. The wind knocked down a sure Carlton Fisk home run to left and Fred Lynn hit a fly out to the centerfield warning track. Butch Hobson grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                    Home run Yaz

Brian Doyle led off the top of the third by popping up to Remy to start. Bucky Dent lined out to a running Rice but Rivers doubled down the right field line. Munson struck out swinging to end the inning. George Scott tried to start a rally with a double off the centerfield wall to start the bottom of the third. Jack Brohamer dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Scott to second but Burleson grounded out to third. Remy flied out to left to end the inning.

Piniella singled off the glove of Burleson to start the top of the fourth but Jackson hit a rocket right to Rice. Nettles popped up to left and Chambliss forced Rivers at second to end the inning. Guidry cruised in the bottom of the fourth as Rice grounded out to short to start. Yaz struck out swinging and Fisk flied out to center to end the inning.

White walked to start the top of the fifth before moving to second on the grounder to second by Doyle. Dent popped up to short and White was thrown out at third on the grounder to short by Rivers to end the inning. Lynn check swinged a dribbler back to Guidry to start the bottom of the fifth but Hobson beat out a roller to third. Scott struck out swinging but Brohamer flied out to right to end the inning.

Munson was rung up by first base umpire Jim Evans for strike three to start the top of the sixth. Piniella flied out to the centerfield warning track and Jackson grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the sixth as Burleson doubled down the left field line to start. Remy dropped down a sacrifice bunt and Rice dropped a base hit in front of Rivers to score Burleson. Yaz grounded out to first to move Rice to second and Fisk was intentionally walked. Lynn flied out to the right field warning track to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                         Burleson scores a run

Things fell apart in the top of the seventh as Nettles flied out to right to start. Chambliss punched a base hit to left and White poked a base hit to center to put the tying run on. Jim Spencer pinch hit for Doyle and flied out to left to bring up Dent. After fouling a pitch off his foot, Dent shocked the world by hitting a 3 run home run just over the Monster in left to put the Yankees up for good. Torrez was demoralized and the Yankees pounced as Rivers walked to chase Mike. Torrez was amazing for 6 innings but made one mistake to Dent to cost the team big time. Bob Stanley came in to pour gas on the fire as Rivers stole second and Munson doubled into the gap in center to score him. Piniella flied out to right but Fenway was deflated with the Yankees up 4-2.

                                                           The iconic image of Dent

Fred Stanley took over at second to start the bottom of the seventh and Hobson struck out swinging to start. Scott grounded a base hit into right and that was it for Guidry. Yankees manager Bob Lemon took no chances and brought in relief ace Goose Gossage to face Brohamer. Sox manager Don Zimmer sent Bob Bailey to pinch hit for Brohamer and Gossage effortlessly struck him out swinging on three pitches. A passed ball moved Scott to second but Burleson grounded out to short to end the inning.

Frank Duffy came in to play second for the top of the eighth but Jackson iced the game with a home run to dead center to increase the lead. That was it for Stanley as Andy Hassler came in to strike out Nettles swinging. Chambliss and White both grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees up 5-2.

                                                       Nice relief Stanley

The Sox rallied in the bottom of the eighth as Remy doubled down the right field line to start. Rice popped up to right but Yaz ripped a base hit up the middle to score Remy. Fisk dumped a base hit to center and Lynn scored Yaz with a base hit to left. With the game on the line....Hobson flied out to right and Scott struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 5-4.

                                                    Zimmer tries to fire the team up

Stanley grounded out to second to start the top of the ninth and Dent took strike three. Paul Blair pinch hit for Rivers and singled under Duffy to chase Hassler. Dick Drago was brought in to face Munson and Thurman forced Blair at second to end the inning. Gary Thomasson took over for White to start the bottom of the ninth and injured Dwight Evans pinch hit for Duffy. Evans flied out to left but Burleson walked. Remy then hit a deep fly ball that Piniella lost in the sun and couldn't find it. He literally stuck his glove out and the ball fell in it and his powerful arm kept Burleson at second base.

                                               Luckiest stab of all time.

That break proved crucial as Rice flied out to deep right that would have scored Burleson if he was on third but instead all it did was move him to third. With the game on the line....Yaz popped up to third to end the game. The Yankees had beaten the Red Sox and stole the AL East division title with a 5-4 win.

                                                          Yankees win the division

Jackass of the Night is Mike Torrez. How do you serve up a 3 run home run to Bucky Dent?

                                                                  Jackass Torrez

The Good:

Jerry Remy was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Carl Yastrzemski was 2 for 5 with a home run, two total rbis and 2 total runs scored.

Carlton Fisk was 1 for 3 with a walk.

George Scott was 2 for 4.

Andy Hassler tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Dick Drago got the final out in the ninth inning.

The Bad:

Jack Brohamer was 0 for 1.

Bob Bailey struck out as a pinch hitter.

Dwight Evans was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Bob Stanley allowed an inherited runner to score and 1 of his own in just 1/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Rick Burleson was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Jim Rice was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Fred Lymn was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.

Butch Hobson was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Honorable Mention:

Frank Duffy played second base in the final two innings.

Final Thoughts:

How do you come back from this? For the second straight year the Red Sox won more than 96 games but have nothing to show for it because the Yankees beat them again. This was even more painful than 1977 considering the Sox had a 14.5 game lead on them at one point. They still had an 8 game lead in August that they pissed away in September. Hell, the Yankees were so hot that the Sox lost ground going 7-3 in the middle of September. Butch Hobson getting hurt, Dwight Evans getting hurt, Zimmer not trusting Lee, the trades of Wiloughby and Carbo which led to the bullpen and bench faltering. It was a perfect storm of incompetence and it all came to ahead today. Torrez giving up a home run to Dent and Stanley giving up the jack to Jackson to seal it was bad enough, but Piniella making the luckiest stab in history just goes to show why the Yankees are the champs. I have no doubt they'll steamroll the Kansas City Royals tomorrow night in the American League Championship series. As for the Sox, what can they do to improve? They had their best win total since 1946 and didn't even make the playoffs. Improving the bench and bullpen while praying everyone stays healthy seems to be the course of action. The rotation is fine with Luis Tiant, Dennis Eckersley, Torrex and Dennis Eckersley but some more arms in the bullpen might help. That Sparky Lyle for Danny Cater trade back in 72 looks even worse now. Fans are going to be angry for a long time and hopefully the Sox can bounce back next year with even more determination to get to the playoffs.

Sox Rally Past Brewers in Ninth (9/16/76)

As this miserable season comes to a close, at least the Boston Red Sox are still playing hard. Tonight the Sox were down 3-0 going into the top of the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Sox scored a pair to cut the lead then Butch Hobson clobbered a go-ahead 2 run home run in the ninth. Rick Krueger (1-0, 3.18 ERA) won his first game of the season, Tom Murphy nailed down the save and the Sox defeated the Brewers 4-3 at County Stadium.

                                                       Quint approves of the win

Milwaukee starter Jim Colborn got the ball in the top of the first inning and Rick Burleson singled to right....only to get thrown out trying to steal. Steve Dillard took strike three before Rick Miller went down swinging to end the inning. Krueger got the ball in the bottom of the first and Robin Yount grounded out to third to start. Charlie Moore popped up to short but George Scott singled. Hank Aaron walked but Sixto Lezcano took strike three to end the inning.

Carl Yastrzemski flied out to left to start the top of the second before Carlton Fisk struck out swinging. Cecil Cooper grounded out to first to end the inning. Dan Thomas grounded out to short to open the bottom of the second before Steve Bowling flied out to right. Gary Sutherland singled but Jack Heidemann struck out to end the inning.

Jim Rice singled to third to start the top of the third but Dwight Evans flied out to right. Butch Hobson flied out to left before Burleson grounded into a force to end the inning. Yount flied out to right to start the bottom of the third before Moore grounded out to third. Scott singled to left but was erased on the Aaron force to end the inning.

Dillard's bunt attempt was snuffed out to begin the top of the fourth but Miller singled and stole second. Yaz struck out and Fisk lined out to center to end the inning. The Brewers struck first in the bottom of the fourth although Lezcano whiffed. Thomas then hit a 90,000 foot home run to give the Brewers the lead. Bowling popped up to right before Sutherland struck out to end the inning with the Brewers up 1-0.

                                                   Thomas hits one out

The Sox failed to respond in the top of the fifth as Cooper flied out to left to start. Rice whiffed and Evans grounded out to short to end the inning. The Brewers threatened in the bottom of the fifth although Heidemann flied out to center to start. Yount caught the Sox asleep with a bunt single and Moore singled him to third. Scott struck out and Aaron flied out to left to end the inning. Good work by Krueger to keep the Brewers off the board.

Hobson flied out to right to begin the top of the sixth before Burleson popped up to second. Dillard flied out to left to end the inning. Lezcano grounded out to short to start the bottom of the sixth before Thomas singled. Thomas moved to second on the Bowling grounder before Sutherland lined out to third to end the inning.

The Sox threatened in the top of the seventh when Miller and Yaz drew back to back walks to begin, but Fisk damn near hit into a triple play, barely beating out the throw to first. Cooper singled Fisk to third but Rice flied out to left to end the inning. The Brewers looked to have iced the game in the bottom of the seventh although Heidemann flied out to center to begin. Yount flied out to right but Moore doubled over the head of Evans. Old pal Scott blasted a 200,000 foot home run to increase their lead. Aaron grounded out to short to end the inning but the Brewers were up 3-0.

                                                        Dammit Boomer

The Sox mounted their comeback beginning in the top of the eighth as Evans walked to chase Colborn. Danny Frisella came in and Hobson singled. Burleson singled to load the bases with nobody out but Dillard popped up to second. Miller managed to hit a sac fly to center to score Evans and Yaz singled home Hobson. Fisk popped up to short to end the inning but the Sox were back in it down 3-2.

                                                         Yaz drives in a run.

Krueger returned for the bottom of the eighth and Lezcano singled to start. Thomas whiffed before Lezcano was thrown out by Fisk trying to steal. Bowling popped up to first to end the inning.

The Sox took command in the top of the ninth as Cooper and Rice stroked back to back singles to start. Bill Castro came in to face Evans and things looked bleak when Dwight grounded into a double play. All of a sudden Hobson smashed his 6th home run of the season to put the Sox in front. Burleson grounded out to short to end the inning with Boston ahead 4-3.

                                                            What a blast by Hobson

Tom Murphy came in for the save in the bottom of the ninth with Mike Hegan pinch hitting for Sutherland. Hegan grounded out to second and old pal Bernie Carbo pinch hit for Heidemann just to strike out. Yount flied out to right to end the game. The Sox had somehow won it 4-3.

Hero of the Night is Butch Hobson. His home run won the game for the Sox.

                                                          Hero Hobson


The Good:

Rick Miller was 1 for 2 with a walk and an rbi.

Carl Yastrzemski was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Cecil Cooper was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Jim Rice was 2 for 4.

Rick Krueger earned the win by allowing 3 runs in 8 innings of work while striking out 6.

Tom Murphy earned his 7th save with a scoreless ninth inning.



The Bad:

Steve Dillard was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Carlton Fisk was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Rick Burleson was just 1 for 4 but walked.

Dwight Evans was 0 for 3 but walked and scored.




Final Thoughts:

Good win but nobody cares at this point. Its too bad the Sox had a massive World Series hangover and the year turned out the way it did. Still, prospects look bright as Butch Hobson looks like he can replace Rico Petrocelli at third base. Ferguson Jenkins should have a better year next year and the Sox should be back in contention. Its too bad the Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi trade didn't go through because this team would have been MUCH different. As for this game, kudos to Krueger and Hobson to win this one. The win improved the Sox to 70-76, nowhere near first place. The Sox now travel to Detroit for a set with the Tigers. Luis Tiant (18-11) goes one on one with the eccentric rookie Mark Fidrych at 7:05 PM at Tiger Stadium.

Sox Ride Tiant To Win Over Angels (8/25/76)

The Boston Red Sox may be a mess this season but Luis Tiant (15-10, 3.05 ERA) is always a pleasure to watch pitch. Today El Tiante tossed 8 innings of 2 run ball to help the Sox to victory over the California Angels. The Sox offense pounded Don Kirkwood and a host of relievers into submission in a collective team effort. The Sox made a winner of Tiant with an 8-2 win at Fenway Park.

                                                  Sonny Wortzik approves of the win

Tiant cruised in the top of the first inning as Dave Collins took strike three to start. Rusty Torres popped up to first before Dan Briggs grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time scoring in the bottom of the first as Rick Burleson led off with a walk. Denny Doyle singled Rick to third and he scored on the Fred Lynn sac fly. Carlton Fisk singled to left and both runners moved over on the Cecil Cooper grounder. Jim Rice grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                     Herculean Sac Fly by Lynn

Tiant mowed them down in the top of the second inning as Tony Solarita flied out to right to start. Bob Jones grounded out to second before Mario Guerrero flied out to center to end the inning. Rick Miller drew a walk but Bobby Darwin lined out to center. Butch Hobson forced Miller at second before Burleson grounded out to second to end the inning.

Tiant kept up the pace in the top of the third inning as Ron Jackson flied out to left to start. Dave Chalk popped up to third before Andy Etchebarren hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Sox pounced on Kirkwood in the bottom of the third as Doyle singled to right to begin. Lynn popped up to third but a wild pitch moved Denny to second. Fisk whiffed but Cooper walked. Rice doubled home both runners to increase the lead and Miller singled home Rice, taking second on the throw home. Darwin took strike three to end the inning but the Sox were ahead 4-0.

                                                          Rice doubles home a pair

The Angels threatened in the top of the fourth as Collins whiffed to start. Torres hit one up the elevator shaft but Briggs broke up the perfect game by drawing a walk. Solaita walked but Jones popped up to short to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fourth as Hobson singled to start. Hobson was thrown out trying to steal but Burleson singled to left. Doyle forced Burleson at second but Lynn doubled home Doyle to chase Kirkwood. Mike Overy took over on the mound and Fisk was plunked. Cooper whiffed to end the inning but the Sox were up 5-0.

                                                         Doyle scores a run

Guerrero broke up the no hitter with a base hit to center to open the top of the fifth. Jackson whiffed but Chalk singled to left. Guerrero moved to third on the fly out by Etchebarren but Collins grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Rice whiffed to start. Miller flied out to center and Darwin flied out to right to end the inning.

Tiant cruised in the top of the sixth as Torres grounded out to second to begin. Briggs flied out to right and Solaita flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the sixth as Hobson whiffed to start. Burleson walked and Doyle singled him to second to chase Overy. Mickey Scott came in and Burleson moved to third on the fly out by Lynn. Fisk singled home Burleson to increase the lead. A bizarre play occured when Cooper lined one off of Fisk running to get credit for a hit but Fisk was out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-0.

                                                               YERRRR OUT!

Tiant preserved the shut out in the top of the seventh as Jones grounded out to first to start. Guerrero flied out to left before Jackson lined out to third to end the inning. The Sox poured it on in the bottom of the seventh as Rice singled to center to begin. Miller flied out to left but Darwin singled and Hobson walked to load the bases. John Verhoven came in to pitch and Burleson said hello with a base hit to score Rice and Darwin. The runners moved over on a grounder by Doyle and Lynn was intentionally walked to re-load the bases. Fisk flied out to center to end the inning but it was 8-0 Sox.

                                                     Burleson drives in a pair

The Angels finally scored in the top of the eighth as Chalk walked to start. Etchebarren singled and Chalk moved to third on the fly ball by Collins. Torres popped up to first before Briggs walked to load the bases. Solaita doubled home Chalk and Etchebarren to get the Angels on the board. Jones popped up to third to end the inning but it was 8-2 Sox. That was it for Tiant who was masterful, allowing just the two runs in 8 innings of work.

The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the eighth as Cooper grounded out to first to start. Both Rice and Miller grounded out to short to end the inning.

Tom Murphy came in to close out the top of the ninth and Guerrero grounded out to short to start. Bruce Bochte pinch hit for Jackson and singled to right, but Chalk banged into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won the game 8-2.

Hero of the Night is Luis Tiant. He tossed 8 innings of 2 run ball, allowing just 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3.

                                                          El Hero.



The Good:

Rick Burleson was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.

Denny Doyle was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Fred Lynn was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Carlton Fisk was 2 for 4 with a hit by pitch and an rbi.

Jim Rice was 2 for 5 with 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.

Butch Hobson was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Tom Murphy pitched a scoreless ninth.



The Bad:

None.



The Ugly:

Cecil Cooper was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Rick Miller was just 1 for 4 but walked and an rbi.

Bobby Darwin was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.




Final Thoughts:

This has been an awful season coming off the World Series last year but Tiant has been amazing. Where would the Sox be without him? Its a shame things turned out the way they did with Bill Lee getting hurt and Bowie Kuhn blocking the Rudi and Fingers trade. Who knows where the Sox would be with those two on the team? As it is, the season only has a month to go and the only thing left to play for is to gain respect back with a strong September. Games like this where everyone chipped in on offense helps. The win improved the Sox to 59-65, 16.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. Tomorrow the Kansas City Royals come to town for a set. Old friend Marty Pattin goes for the Royals up against Reggie Cleveland for the Sox at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.

Red Sox Crush White Sox in Rain (4/23/76)

It was good news all around as the Boston Celtics defeated the Buffalo Braves in Game 2 of their second round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox knocked off the Chicago White Sox on a rainy night in Chicago. The Red Sox got to old pal Wilbur Wood for four runs in the first two innings before adding a fifth run in the fourth. Luis Tiant (3-0, 1.88 ERA) dominated the White Sox for 8 innings, holding them to just two runs. A four run top of the seventh highlighted by a Carl Yastrzemski three run homer settled matters. A Jorge Orta rbi was the only other blemish Tiant allowed before Tom House slammed the door in the ninth. The Sox had won the game 9-2 at Comiskey Park.

                                                       Paul Silas approves of the win

The BoSox got to Wood in the top of the first as Steve Dillard singled to center to start. Dillard took second on a passed ball then took third on a grounder to third by Rick Burleson. Fred Lynn was retired on a swinging bunt but Dillard scored to put Boston ahead. Jim Rice popped up to second to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                                Dillard scores a run

Tiant got the ball in the bottom of the first and Chet Lemon grounded out to short to start. Ralph Garr also grounded out to short and Jorge Orta popped up to third to start.

The BoSox exploded in the top of the second as Carlton Fisk blasted his third home run of the season to start. Carl Yastrzemski walked but Dwight Evans struck out swinging. Yaz took second on a wild pitch but Rico Petrocelli grounded out to short. Denny Doyle got a base hit to center to score Yaz then promptly stole second. Dillard doubled to left to score Doyle but Burleson grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                                 Yaz scored a run

Carlos May lined out to second to start the bottom of the second and Cleon Jones flied out to center. Jim Spencer got a base hit to right and Jack Brohamer popped up to short to end the inning.

Lynn walked to start the top of the third but Rice grounded into a double play. Fisk flied out to center to end the inning. Bucky Dent grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third and Pete Varney hit one up the elevator shaft. Lemon popped up to third to end the inning.

The Red Sox struck again in the top of the fourth as Yaz got a base hit to right to start. Evans dropped down a bunt to move Carl to second but Petrocelli flied out to left. Doyle got a base hit to center to score Yaz then stole second. Dillard grounded out to short to end the inning with the Red Sox up 5-0.

                                                       Doyle drives in a run

Garr grounded out to first to start the bottom of the fourth and Orta flied out to center. May struck out swinging to end the inning.

Burleson flied out to center to start the top of the fifth but Lynn got a base hit to right. Rice was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to move Fred to second but Fisk flied out to left to end the inning. Jones flied out to right to start the bottom of the fifth and Spencer grounded out to first. Brohamer singled to center but Dent forced him at second to end the inning.

Yaz beat out a roller to first to start the top of the sixth but Evans popped up to third. Petrocelli got a base hit to center but Doyle grounded into a double play to end the inning. The White Sox struck back in the bottom of the sixth as Varney hit a home run all the way to Soviet Russia to start. Lemon walked and took second on a grounder to Tiant by Garr. Orta popped up to short and May flied out to right to end the inning with the White Sox down 5-1.

                                                      Varney hits one out

The Red Sox iced the game in the top of the seventh as Dillard doubled to left to start. Burleson flied out to center but Lynn got a base hit to right to put runners at the corners. Orta booted a grounder by Rice to score Dillard but Fisk struck out swinging. Suddenly Yaz launched his second home run of the year to ice the game. Pete Vuckovich came in to pitch to Evans and Dwight grounded out to first to end the inning with the Red Sox ahead 9-1.

                                                         "That'll do it" - Yaz

Jones got a base hit to left to start the bottom of the seventh and Spencer singled to right. Brohamer grounded into a double play and Dent flied out to center to end the inning.

Petrocelli grounded out to third to start the top of the eighth and Doyle grounded out to short. Dillard struck out swinging to end the inning. The White Sox got another run against Tiant in the bottom of the eighth as Varney popped up to second to start. Lemon singled to center, Garr got a base hit to right and Orta also singled to right to score Lemon. May struck out swinging and Jones popped up to third to end the inning with the White Sox down 9-2. That was it for Tiant who was brilliant for 8 innings allowing 2 runs off 8 hits and a walk.

                                                                Outstanding work by Tiant

Burleson doubled to left to start the top of the ninth and Lynn walked. Rice flied out to right and Fisk did the same, moving Burleson to third. Yaz walked to load the bases but Evans struck out swinging to end the inning. Tom House came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Spencer singled to right to start. Brohamer hit one up the elevator shaft and Dent grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Red Sox had won it 9-2.

Hero of The Night is Luis Tiant. He was outstanding, holding the White Sox to two runs in 8 innings off 8 hits and a walk.

                                                                El Hero

The Good:

Steve Dillard was 3 for 5 with an rbi and a run scored.

Fred Lynn was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, an rbi and a run scored.

Carl Yastrzemski was 3 for 3 with 2 walks, a 3 run homer and 3 total runs scored.

Denny Doyle was 2 for 4 with 2 rbis and a run scored.

Tom House pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Dwight Evans was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Rick Burleson was just 1 for 5.

Jim Rice was 0 for 5 but drove in a run and scored a run.

Carlton Fisk was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but the one hit was a home run.

Rico Petrocelli was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

If that's the kind of offense the Sox can get on a nightly basis, they'll be right in the thick of things come September again. Last year they were Jim Rice away from winning the World Series so the sky is the limit this season provided everyone stays healthy. Tiant has been amazing to start this season and the offense is going to carry them in a lot of games. The only concerns are the rotation outside of Bill Lee and Luis Tiant and the relief pitching. The real reason they lost to the Cincinnati Reds was bad relief pitching in the end of games. Hopefully the acquisitions of Fergie Jenkins and Tom House shore up the staff this year. This was a great win and the Sox desperately needed it. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the White Sox tomorrow night when Bill Lee (0-1) takes on Clay Carroll of the White Sox. The game begins at 8:05 PM eastern time at Comiskey Park.

Reds Win World Series, Edge Sox in Game 7 (10/22/75)

The 1975 Boston Red Sox had a hell of a season but it all came to end in tonight's winner take all Game 7 against the Cincinnati Reds. For the second game in a row the Red Sox took a 3-0 lead only to cough it up. Unfortunately this time the Reds pitching held the Sox scoreless the rest of the way. Rookie Jim Burton gave up the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth, Will McEnaney slammed the door and Cincinnati were the world champs for the first time since 1940 with a 4-3 win at Fenway Park.

                                                           Dammit

Bill Lee got the start for the Sox and he retired Pete Rose on a pop up to right to begin the top of the first. Joe Morgan swung at air for strike three and Johnny Bench grounded out to short to end the inning. Don Gullet got the ball in the bottom of the first and Bernie Carbo led off with a double off the Monster. Denny Doyle flied out to right and Carl Yastrzemski moved Carbo to third with a grounder to second. Carlton Fisk struck out swinging to end the inning.

Tony Perez started the top of the second inning by grounding out to third before George Foster hit a rocket off the Monster. Foster tried for second but Carbo gunned him down at second. Dave Concepcion grounded out to short to end the inning.

                                                      YER OUTTA THERE!

Fred Lynn led off the bottom of the second by drawing a walk. Rico Petrocelli struck out swinging on a high fastball before Dwight Evans popped up to Rose in foul territory. Rick Burleson flied out to right to end the inning.

Ken Griffey led off the top of the third by dumping a base hit to center before Cesar Geronimo banged into a double play. Gullet singled to right but Rose lined one off of Lee, Bill recovering to throw out Gullet to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the third although Lee bunted foul for strike three to start. Carbo drew a walk before Doyle singled him to third. Yaz lashed a base hit to right that scored Carbo and sent Doyle to third. Fisk was intentionally walked to load the bases and Lynn was rung up for strike three much to Fred's dismay. Petrocelli walked to bring in Doyle and re-load the bases. Evans walked to score Yaz and put Gullet on the ropes. The play of the game occurred when Burleson whiffed to end the inning. One more run could have been a difference maker but the Sox still led 3-0.

                                                   Yaz scores the last run of the Sox season

Lee kept the lead in the top of the fourth inning although Morgan bunted his way on to start. Bench hit a rocket to center but Lynn snared it to keep Morgan at first. Morgan did swipe second but Perez popped up to a running Evans. Foster hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Sox looked to knock Gullet out again when Lee singled to start and took second on a wild pitch. Carbo moved Lee to third on a grounder but Doyle check swing grounded out to third to kill the rally. Yaz popped up to Morgan in foul territory to end the inning. The Sox failure to get the fourth run proved to be the killer in the end.

The Reds threatened in the top of the fifth as Concepcion beat out a ground ball to first before Doyle butchered a double play ball by Griffey for an error that moved Dave to third. Lee got a key out by striking out Geronimo swinging and Reds manager Sparky Anderson put the game in the hands of his bullpen when he pinch hit Gullet with Merv Rettenmund. The move looked to be advantage Red Sox when Rettenmund hit into a double play to end the inning. The Sox blew yet another chance to break the game open against Jack Billingham in the bottom of the fifth although Fisk whiffed to start. Lynn drew a walk and Petrocelli lashed a base hit to left. Evans flied out to deep center which moved Lynn to third and put runners at the corners. Burleson walked to load the bases again and Sox manager Darrell Johnson let Lee hit away with him pitching a shut-out. Lee flied out to deep center to end the inning.

The Reds finally broke through against Lee in the top of the sixth as Rose singled to right. Morgan popped up to right before Bench hit a double play ball to short. Burleson flipped to second but Doyle threw the relay throw away for an error that allowed Bench to reach second. Perez hit Lee's infamous eephus pitch onto Landsdowne Street to cut the lead. Foster flied out to right to end the inning but the Reds were back in it 3-2.

                                                       Perez goes yard

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the sixth as Carbo grounded out to first to start. Doyle flied out to left and Yaz grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Reds tied it in the bottom of the seventh with Rick Miller now in left. Concepcion grounded out to first to start but Griffey drew a walk to chase Lee after Bill developed a blister. Lee ended up giving up 3 runs in 6 1/3 innings.

                                                       Bye Bye Lee

Roger Moret came in and got Geronimo to pop up to short before Ed Armbrister pinch hit for Billingham. Griffey swiped second and Armbrister walked before Rose dumped a base hit to center to score Griffey with the tying run. Morgan walked to chase Moret who just didn't have it tonight. Jim Willoughby came in and got Bench to pop up to Fisk reaching into the stands to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.

                                                     The Reds tie it up

Clay Carroll came in for the bottom of the seventh inning but the Sox offense was done for the night. Fisk whiffed to start before Lynn grounded out to first. Petrocelli grounded out to short to end the inning.

Willoughby came back for the top of the eighth inning and Perez popped up to third to begin. Foster grounded out to short and Concepcion grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox looked to rally when Evans walked to start the bottom of the eighth but Burleson banged into a double play. Sox manager Darrell Johnson sealed the fate of the season when he sent the slumping 1 for 18 Cecil Cooper in to pinch hit for Willoughby. Cooper popped up to Rose in foul territory to end the inning.

Darrell Johnson decided it was best for the team to send rookie Jim Burton to the mound rather than Rick Wise, Reggie Cleveland or Dick Drago for the top of the ninth inning. Griffey drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on the bunt by Geronimo. Dan Driessen pinch hit for Carroll and grounded out to second but Griffey moved to third. Rose drew a full count walk and Darrel Johnson let Burton pitch to Morgan. The lefty on lefty matchup failed as Morgan hit a broken bat single to center that scored Griffey and sent Rose to third. That was it for Burton as Johnson brought in Reggie Cleveland one batter too late. Bench walked but Perez flied out to right to end the inning with the Reds ahead 4-3.

                                                      Rose is safe and the Reds lead

Will McEnaney came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Juan Beniquez pinch hit for Miller to start. Beniquez flied out to right and Darrell Johnson sent Bob Montgomery in to pinch hit for Doyle. Montgomery wasn't even wearing a batting helmet as he grounded out to short on the first pitch. Representing the last out, Yaz popped up to center to end the game. The Cincinatti Reds won the 1975 World Series with a 4-3 comeback win in Game 7.

                                                     Dammit


Jackass of the Night is Jim Burton. He allowed the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth.

                                                               Game 7 Jackass


The Good:

Bernie Carbo was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Fred Lynn walked twice in four plate appearances.

Rico Petrocelli was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Dwight Evans walked twice in four plate appearances and drove in a run.

Bill Lee tossed 6 1/3 innings of 3 run ball allowing 7 hits while striking out 2. He was also 1 for 3 at the plate.

Jim Willoughby tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Reggie Cleveland got the final out of the 9th inning.



The Bad:

Juan Beniquez was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Bob Montgomery was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Cecil Cooper was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Roger Moret allowed the tying run to score in the 7th inning.



The Ugly:

Denny Doyle was just 1 for 4 with 2 errors in the field but scored a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was just 1 for 5 and made the final out of the game, but drove in a run.

Carlton Fisk was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked.

Rick Burleson was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.



Honorable Mention:

Rick Miller played left field for a few innings.



Final Thoughts:

What a shame. Just like the 1967 World Series the Red Sox lost to the better team. Also like in 1967 they were missing a key cog. Back then it was Tony Conigliaro and this time it was Jim Rice. Not to make excuses but nearly every game was decided by one run and Jim Rice's bat was sorely missed in those games. Still, this game and every game really was hard fought and decided by the smallest of margins. Lee pitched well but Perez was sitting on that damn eephus pitch and Moret didn't have it. Having a rookie like Burton come in to pitch the 9th inning of a winner take all Game 7 probably wasn't the best idea but if the offense didn't squander 3 big chances during the game, it probably doesn't come to that. Still, the Sox crushed the 3-peat Oakland A's to get to the World Series and fell 7 outs short of winning it. If the Sox bring the same energy they had this year, there's no reason not to believe they won't be in contention again in 1976. Congratulations to the Reds for a well earned victory and a hell of a 1975 season.

Sox Win Greatest Game of All Time, Force Game 7 (10/21/75)

In what was arguably the greatest baseball game ever played, the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds put on a clinic for 12 innings. The Red Sox forced a Game 7 in the World Series by winning an instant classic. The Sox took a 3-0 lead in the first inning but the Reds fought back to take a 6-3 lead going into the eighth. Bernie Carbo cracked a pinch hit 3 run homer to tie the game and Carlton Fisk walked it off in the 12th inning. The Big Red Machine may win the World Series after all but the Sox took it to them tonight with a 7-6 Game 6 win at Fenway Park.

                                                   One more win to the championship

Tiant took the ball in the top of the first inning and Pete Rose lined out to a sliding Carl Yastrzemski to start. Ken Griffey drew a full count walk but Joe Morgan hit one up the elevator shaft. Johnny Bench whiffed to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the first against Reds starter Gary Nolan. Cecil Cooper popped up to center to begin but Denny Doyle almost beat out a grounder to first that Tony Perez bobbled. Yaz started the rally with a base hit to right before Carlton Fisk lashed a base hit to left. Fred Lynn lit the crowd up with a 3 run home run over the bullpens to put the Sox on top. Rico Petrocelli flied out to the centerfield warning track to end the inning but it was 3-0 Sox.

                                                        Sox on top

Tiant held the lead in the bottom of the second as Perez waived at strike three in the other batters box to start. George Foster popped up to Cooper in foul territory before Dave Concepcion popped up to center to end the inning. Dwight Evans took strike three on a curveball on the outside corner before Rick Burleson grounded out to first. Tiant hilariously struck out to end the inning.

Cesar Geronimo led off the top of the third by waiving at strike three before Darryl Chaney pinch hit for Nolan. Chaney flied out to the left field warning track but Rose blooped a single to center. Griffey grounded out to second to end the inning. Fred Norman took over for the bottom of the third and Cooper popped up to Concepcion to start. Doyle doubled down the right field line but Yaz popped up to second. Fisk was intentionally walked to get to Lynn and he walked to load the bases. Reds manager Sparky Anderson brought in Jack Billingham to pitch to Petrocelli and the gamble worked as Petrocelli chased strike three to end the inning. One more hit and the game would have been a rout.

Morgan led off the top of the fourth by grounding out to second to begin. Bench struck out on a slow curve but Perez stroked a line drive past the diving Doyle for a base hit. Foster hit a routine grounder to short but Doyle dropped the throw from Burleson for an error. Tiant recovered by getting Concepcion to pop up to first in foul territory to end the inning.  The Sox blew a huge chance to ice the game as Evans led off the bottom of the fourth with a ground rule double into the right field bleachers to start. Burleson walked and Tiant popped up a bunt over the head of Perez, but Tony got the out at first. With runners in scoring position, Cooper grounded out to first to strand the runners. Doyle grounded out to second to end the inning.

Right on cue the Reds started the comeback in the top of the fifth inning although Geronimo flied out to right to start. Game 3's villain Ed Armbrister started the rally by pinch hitting for Billingham, drawing a walk. Rose singled to center to move Armbrister to third and Griffey lined a ball to the centerfield wall. Lynn crashed into it and the ball caromed into right. Both runners scored, Griffey made it to third with a triple and Lynn was knocked goofy. Lynn eventually got up and remained in the game as Morgan popped up to third. Bench then hit a rocket off the Monster for a single that scored Griffey and tied the game. Perez struck out to end the inning but the Reds tied it up 3-3.

                                                          Down goes Lynn

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the fifth with Clay Carroll on the mound. Yaz tried to start a rally with a base hit to left but was erased on the Fisk force. Lynn popped up to left and Petrocelli grounded into a force to end the inning.

Tiant held the fort in the top of the sixth as Foster check swing grounded back to the mound to start. Concepcion flied out to right but Geronimo singled down the left field line off the barrier. Terry Crowley pinch hit for Carroll and hit a routine grounder to Burleson but nobody was at second base and everyone was safe. Rose grounded out to second to end the inning. Pedro Borbon came in for the bottom of the sixth and Evans grounded out to second to start. Burleson drew a walk and Sox manager Darrell Johnson rolled the dice by letting Tiant hit. Tiant bunted foul for strike three and Cooper grounded out to second to end the inning.

The gamble to let Tiant hit backfired in the top of the seventh as the Reds took the lead. Griffey led off with a seeing eye single into right before Morgan dumped a single to left. Tiant managed to get Bench to line out to Yaz at the wall before Perez moved Griffey to third with a fly out to right. Foster doubled off the centerfield wall to score both runners and give the Reds the lead. Concepcion grounded out to short to end the inning but it was 5-3 Reds.

                                                     Foster doubles in a pair

Borbon returned for the bottom of the seventh and Doyle popped up to short to start. Yaz grounded out to second and Fisk grounded out to short to end the inning.

The end of Tiant came quickly in the top of the eighth when Geronimo pounded a home run just inside the Pesky Pole to start the inning. That was it for Tiant who ran out of gas after carrying the Sox on his back all year. Done after 7 innings and allowing 6 runs to one of the best offenses in baseball. Roger Moret came in and Sparky made the same mistake Johnson did by letting Borbon hit. Borbon grounded out to first before Rose grounded back to the mound. Griffey lined out to center to end the inning with the Reds 6 outs from the title, leading 6-3.

                                                  Didn't look good for the Sox

Borbon returned for the bottom of the eighth and the Sox pulled off a dramatic rally. Lynn lined one off the leg of Borbon for a base hit before Petrocelli drew a walk to chase Borbon. Rawly Eastwick came in and struck Evans out swinging on a full count. Burleson lined out to right and Sox manager Darrell Johnson sent Bernie Carbo to pinch hit for Moret. After swinging at two bad pitches, Carbo pounded a clutch 3 run home run into the centerfield bleachers to tie the game. Cooper whiffed badly but the Sox had tied it 6-6.

                                                   Carbo ties it up

Carbo stayed in left field with Yaz moving to first to replace Cooper and Dick Drago on the mound for the top of the ninth. Morgan popped up to first to start before Bench grounded out to third. Perez also popped up to first to end the inning. The Sox blew their first chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth when Doyle walked and Yaz singled him to third to chase Eastwick. Wil McEnaney came in and intentionally walked Fisk to load the bases with nobody out. Lynn hit a pop up to left but for some reason Doyle took off for home where he was thrown out by Foster. Petrocelli grouned out to short to end the inning.

                                                      YERRRR OUT!

On to extras we go as Drago returned for the top of the tenth inning. Foster grounded out to short to start but Concepcion singled up the middle. Concepcion swiped second but Geronimo struck out swinging on a pitch out of the zone. Dan Driessen pinch hit for McEnaney and popped up to Carbo to end the inning. Pat Darcy came in for the bottom of the tenth and got Evans on a squibber back to him to start. Doyle popped up to short and Carbo went down swinging to end the inning.

The Reds blew their chance in the top of the eleventh inning as Rose was plunked to start. The alert Fisk gunned down Rose at second on a bunt attempt by Griffey before Evans made the defensive play of the game. Morgan hit a bullet headed to the right field corner when Evans jumped to catch it. Griffey had no idea the ball was caught and was headed home when he was doubled off to end the inning.

                                                     What a catch

Rick Miller pinch hit for Drago to open the bottom of the eleventh by flying out to left to start. Doyle grounded out to short before Yaz also grounded out to short to end the inning.

Rick Wise came on for the top of the 12th inning for his first relief appearance all season. Bench led off by popping up to Fisk who fell down making the catch. Perez singled to center and Foster dumped a single to left. Concepcion flied out to right and Geronimo took strike three to end the inning. Darcy returned for the bottom of the 12th and Fisk led off by taking the first pitch high and inside. The second pitch Fisk launched toward the left field pole. Fisk frantically waived his arms to will the ball fair and it worked, the ball caromed off the pole for a walkoff home run to win the game. Dick Stockton announced "We will have a seventh game in the 1975 World Series." as the Sox celebrated their 7-6 Game 6 victory.

                                                      What a win

The Co-Heroes of the Night are Bernie Carbo and Carlton Fisk. Without the clutch, 2 out three run bomb by Carbo, the game never makes it to the 12th inning.

                                                Hero 1: Carbo

Hero Number 2 is Carlton Fisk for the walkoff home run to send the series to Game 7

                                                  Hero 2: Fisk


The Good:

Carl Yastrzemski was 3 for 6 with a run scored.

Fred Lynn was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 runs scored and a 3 run home run.

Roger Moret pitched a scoreless 8th inning.

Dick Drago tossed 3 scoreless innings.

Rick Wise got the win with a scoreless 12th inning.



The Bad:

Cecil Cooper was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

Rick Miller was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Luis Tiant got lit up for 6 runs in 7 innings and was 0 for 2 at the plate.



The Ugly:

Denny Doyle was just 1 for 5 and got himself thrown out at the plate, but walked.

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 4 but walked and scored a run.

Dwight Evans was just 1 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

Rick Burleson was 0 for 3 with an error but walked twice.




Final Thoughts:

If that wasn't the greatest World Series game of all time then I don't know what is. The Sox essentially kept their season alive with 3 swings of the bat. The Lynn home run put them in the driver seat, the Carbo home run saved their asses and Fisk's homer sent the series to Game 7. Along the way Lynn nearly killed himself, Evans made one of the best catches since Willie Mays and Doyle made the biggest blunder of the night by trying to score on a pop up in the ninth. Pete Rose at one point during the game turned to Fisk and said "This is some kind of game huh?" The Sox missed Jim Rice big time in this series but they're still one win away from ending their 57 year drought. No matter what happens in Game 7, the Sox should be proud of themselves for getting this far. They crushed the 3-peat champion Oakland A's and are one win away from knocking off the Big Red Machine. Tomorrow night its winner take all as Don Gullet of the Reds goes up against Bill Lee at 8:00 PM at Fenway Park.