Sele, Sox Sweep Angels (4/24/94)

Former Boston Red Sox general manager Lou Gorman took a lot of heat for having an "old" starting rotation which included Frank Viola (34), Danny Darwin (38), Joe Hesketh (35) and even Roger Clemens (31). However Gorman did make one good move before he left, he drafted a potential future ace in 23 year old Aaron Sele (2-0, 2.81 ERA). Sele won his second consecutive game despite giving up 4 runs in the third inning. The red hot Boston bats picked him up as they scored three first inning runs against Phil Leftwich then Scott Cooper hit a home run to tie the game in the fourth. Cooper hit another homer in the bottom of the sixth and Sele finally left in the seventh inning. Greg Harris and Jeff Russell held the fort and the Sox had swept the California Angels 5-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                                Angels get swept

Sele got the ball in the top of the first and Damion Easley grounded back to the mound to start. Dwight Smith flied out to left and Tim Salmon grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Leftwich in the bottom of the first as Otis Nixon walked to start. Billy Hatcher doubled off the Monster to score Nixon and Mike Greenwell walked. Tim Naehring was hit with a pitch but Mo Vaughn struck out swinging. John Valentin got a base hit up the middle to score Hatcher and Greenwell. Scott Cooper and Dave Valle both struck out swinging to end the inning with the Red Sox up 3-0.

 

                                                             Valentin drives in a pair

Chili Davis flied out to left to start the top of the second but Eduardo Perez flied out to center. Jim Edmonds singled to left but Chris Turner forced him at second to end the inning. Scott Fletcher lined out to second to start the bottom of the second but Nixon dropped down a bunt to second for a single. Greenwell grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Angels exploded in the top of the third as Harold Reynolds walked to start. Gary Disarcina singled to center but Easley doubled off the Monster to score Reynolds. Smith got a base hit to right to score both runners to tie the game. Salmon took strike three but Smith stole second. Davis doubled to center to score Smith and put California on top. Perez grounded out to third and Edmonds struck out swinging to end the inning with the Angels up 4-3.

                                                             Davis puts the Angels on top

Greenwell flied out to left to start the bottom of the third before Naehring grounded out to short. Vaughn doubled to right but Valentin flied out to center to end the inning.

Turner was hit with a pitch to start the top of the fourth and Reynolds drew a walk. Disarcina grounded into a double play and Easley lined out to second to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Cooper smacked his fourth home run of the season to tie the game instantly. Valle flied out to center and Fletcher singled to right, but Nixon grounded back to the mound to move Scott to second. A wild pitch moved Fletcher to third but Hatcher flied out to right to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                            Home run Cooper

Smith walked to start the top of the fifth before moving to second on the grounder to third by Salmon. Davis was intentionally walked and the gamble worked as Perez banged into a double play to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Greenwell popped up to second to start. Naehring struck out swinging but Vaughn walked. Valentin forced Vaughn to end the inning.

Edmonds struck out swinging to open the top of the sixth before Turner also went down hacking. Reynolds flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the sixth as Cooper hit his second home run of the game to put the Sox on top. Valle doubled to left and Fletcher dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Dave to third, but Nixon lined out to first. Hatcher flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-4

                                                             Cooper puts Boston on top

Disarcina grounded out to second to start the top of the seventh but Easley walked to chase Sele. Aaron went 6 1/3 innings allowing 4 runs, all in one inning to put the Sox in line for the win. Greg Harris came in and Easley moved to second on a grounder back to the mound by Smith. Salmon grounded out to third to end the inning.

                                                               Not great but it'll do

Ken Patterson came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Greenwell popped up to third to start. Naehring struck out swinging and that was it for Ken Patterson. Bob Patterson got Vaughn to fly out to center to end the inning.

The Angels threatened in the top of the eighth as David popped up to third to start. Perez singled to left and Reynolds walked before Bo Jackson pinch hit for Turner. A wild pitch moved both runners over but Jackson struck out swinging. Reynolds flied out to right to end the inning. Jorge Fabregas came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Valentin hit one up the elevator shaft to start. Cooper struck out swinging and Valle also hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning.

Jeff Russell came in to close out the top of the ninth and Disarcina popped up to second to start. Easley lined out to second and Smith took strike three to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-4.

Hero of The Night is Scott Cooper. He hit two home runs, one tying the game and the other to put the Sox up for good.

                                                                 Hero Cooper

The Good:

Otis Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Mo Vaughn was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Scott Fletcher was 1 for 2.

Greg Harris tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Jeff Russell earned his sixth save with a scoreless ninth.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Billy Hatcher was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run and scored a run.

Mike Greenwell was 0 for 3 but walked and scored a run.

Tim Naehring was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch.

John Valentin was just 1 for 4 but drove in 2 runs.

Dave Valle was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Aaron Sele got the win by allowing 4 runs in just 6 1/3 innings off 5 hits and 5 walks.

Final Thoughts:

Sele might not have pitched great but considering how he's supposed to be the ace of the future, a good win is a good win. Cooper was an All-Star last year and he's definitely trying to make the team this year as well with those big home runs. The Sox did well to not let the game slip away after the four run inning Sele allowed and Cooper tying the game then putting the Sox on top with home runs was just what the doctor ordered. The rest of the offense contributed at least something in this one, whether it was a walk, a sacrifice or a hit. This kind of balanced attack is going to be tough to beat as well as everyone stays healthy. The Sox have now won 6 in a row and now start their west coast trip against the AL West. Tomorrow night the Sox start a two game tilt with the Seattle Mariners with a monster match between Mariners ace Randy Johnson and Sox ace Roger Clemens (2-0) the game begins at 10:00 PM Eastern time at the Kingdome.

Darwin, Naehring Drop Angels (4/23/94)

The bad news was the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their first round NHL playoff series but the good news was the Boston Red Sox defeated the California Angels. For the first couple weeks of the season Danny Darwin (3-1, 6.20 ERA) has looked every bit of 38 years old but today he turned back the clock for a vintage performance. He dazzled the Angels for 7 innings, allowing 3 runs and putting the Sox in position to win. Tim Naehring was the offensive star, driving in two runs including breaking a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the fifth. Mike Greenwell hit a home run and Mo Vaughn knocked in a run as well and Darwin gave way to the returning Ken Ryan. Jeff Russell closed out the Angels in the ninth and the Sox had won the game 5-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                 The Duke of Paducah approves of the win

Darwin got the ball in the top of the first and old friend Spike Owen flied out to right to start. Dwight Smith grounded out to second and Tim Salmon flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to old pal John Dopson in the bottom of the first as Otis Nixon got a base hit to left to start. Billy Hatcher forced Otis at second but Mike Greenwell grounded out to second to move Billy to second. Tim Naehring ripped a base hit to center to score Hatcher but Mo Vaughn grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                             Another rbi for Naehring'

Chili Davis singled to left to start the top of the second but was doubled off first on a line drive to Scott Cooper by Eduardo Perez. Chad Curtis took strike three to end the inning. Damon Berryhill grounded out to first to start the bottom of the second before John Valentin singled in the hole at short. Scott Cooper got a base hit to left but Valentin was thrown out at third. Dave Valle struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Angels struck back in the top of the third although Greg Myers took strike three to start. Harold Reynolds got a base hit to right but Gary Disarcina flied out to center. Owen doubled to right to score Reynolds and Smith grounded out to second to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                                   Look familiar?

The Sox answered in the bottom of the third as Nixon grounded out to short to start but Hatcher doubled to left. Greenwell then struck his fifth home run of the season to increase the lead. Naehring grounded out to third but Vaughn ripped a base hit to right. Berryhill grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                              Home run Greenwell

The Angels got another run in the top of the fourth as Salmon singled to left to start. Davis walked and Perez moved Salmon to third with a fly ball to center. Chad Curtis beat out a double play ball to score Salmon but Myers flied out to left to end the inning with the Angels down 3-2.

                                                         RBI for Curtis

Valentin singled to left to start the bottom of the fourth but took second on an error by the left fielder. Cooper moved Valentin to third with a grounder to second but Valle grounded back to the mound. Nixon took strike three to end the inning.

The Angels tied it in the top of the fifth as Reynolds lined out to second to start. Disarcina singled to right but Hatcher booted the ball for an error to move Gary to second. Owen hit a line drive to center for a hit to score Disarcina but Smith forced Spike at second. Salmon singled to right to move Smith to third but Davis flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.

                                                                 Another rbi for Owen

The Sox broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth as Hatcher walked to start. Greenwell got a base hit to right and Naehring got a base hit to center to score Billy. That was it for Dopson as Craig Lefferts came in to pitch to Vaughn. Mo hit a fly ball to center and Myers dropped the throw home when Greenwell cleaned him out for another run. Myers had to leave the game and Chris Turner took over behind the plate. Berryhill hit a fly ball to center to move Naehring to third and Valentin took strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-3.

                                                              This guy's dangerous

Perez popped up to second to start the top of the sixth before Curtis lined out to second. Turner popped up to first to end the inning. Cooper grounded out to short to start the bottom of the sixth but Valle doubled to center. Nixon grounded out to second to move Valle to third but Hatcher flied out to center to end the inning.

Darwin returned for one last inning in the top of the seventh as Reynolds grounded out to first to start. Disarcina flied out to center and Owen flied out to left to send the inning. Darwin pitched well, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings off 7 hits and a walk.

                                                                 Good work Darwin

Greenwell flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Naehring drew a walk. Vaughn flied out to center and Berryhill took strike three to end the inning.

Ken Ryan made his season debut in the top of the eighth and Smith grounded out to short to start. Salmon and Davis both struck out swinging to end the inning. Joe Grahe came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Valentin took strike three. Cooper struck out swinging and Valle grounded out to second to end the inning.

Jeff Russell came in to close out the top of the ninth and Perez walked to start. Curtis forced Perez at second and Turner struck out swinging. Bo Jackson pinch hit for Reynolds and he too struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-3.

Hero of The Night is Tim Naehring. He knocked in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth and the Sox held on the rest of the way.

                                                       Hero Naehring

The Good:

Billy Hatcher was 1 for 3 with a walk and 3 runs scored.

Mike Greenwell was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run and 2 total runs scored.

Mo Vaughn was 1 for 3 with an rbi.

John Valentin was 2 for 4.

Danny Darwin tossed 7 innings while allowing just 3 runs off 7 hits and a walk.

Ken Ryan tossed a scoreless inning.

Jeff Russell earned his fifth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Damon Berryhill was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Scott Cooper was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Dave Valle was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Final Thoughts:

Another good win for the Sox and Tim Naehring is batting .400. Can he stay healthy for a season just once? This offense is absolutely rolling with the blend of youth and veteran mix and the pitching has held up so far. This was Darwin's best start this season and hopefully he's shaken off the early season jitters. Getting Ken Ryan back was also big as he was one of their best relievers last year for a team destined to go nowhere. To have a trio of Ryan, Russell and Paul Quantrill is going to shorten a lot of games this year. Apart from the catching situation, there's really not much to complain about this season so far. Hopefully health can hold up and the starting pitching improves. The Sox look to sweep California tomorrow afternoon when Aaron Sele (1-0) takes on Phil Leftwich of the Angels. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Red Sox Walkoff Angels (4/22/94)

One day after the Boston Red Sox came back in dramatic fashion to walkoff the Oakland Athletics, the Red Sox did the same thing against the California Angels. The red hot Boston offense scored four early runs off Chuck Finley but the Angels rallied for 5 runs against Sox starter Frank Viola in the top of the fourth. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Finley casually walked Mo Vaughn but Billy Hatcher made a mad dash home to tie the game on a straight steal. Then in the bottom of the ninth, the Sox loaded the bases against Craig Lefferts and Mo Vaughn did the honors with a walkoff rbi single to bring home Otis Nixon. The Sox had won the game 6-5 at Fenway Park.

                                           Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat approves of the win

Viola got the ball in the top of the first as Damion Easley singled to center to start. Chas Curtis hit into a double play and Tim Salmon flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Finley in the bottom of the first as Otis Nixon's bunt attempt to first was snuffed out. Billy Hatcher flied out to right but Mike Greenwell lashed a base hit to center. Tim Naehring walked and Mo Vaughn got a base hit to left to score Greenwell. John Valentin popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                               Vaughn drives in a run

Chili Davis flied out to right to start the top of the second inning but Bo Jackson walked. Eduardo Perez grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the second as Cooper belted his third home run of the season to start. Rich Rowland grounded out to short and Scot Fletcher walked. Fletcher stole second and Nixon drove a base hit to center to score Scott. Nixon was thrown out at second trying to steal which was important because Hatcher doubled off the Monster. Greenwell flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                              Home run Cooper

Greg Myers grounded out to first to start the top of the third but Rex Hudler singled to center. Gary DiScarcina grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Sox kept coming in the bottom of the third as Naehring doubled off the Monster to start. Vaughn popped up to short and Naehring moved to third on the fly ball to center by Valentin. Cooper walked and Rowland hit a seeing eye single into left to score Naehring with another run. Fletcher flied out to left to end the inning with Boston up 4-0.

                                                            RBI for Rowland

The Angels sprang to life in the top of the fourth as Easley singled to left to start. Curtis doubled to center but Salmon took strike three. Davis singled to right to score both runners and Jackson doubled to right. Perez doubled to right to score both runners to tie the game before Eduardo moved to third on a grounder to second by Myers. Hudler doubled off the top of the Monster to score Perez to give the Angels the lead. Disarcina flied out to center to end the inning with the Angels roaring back to lead 5-4.

                                                           Hudler puts California on top

Nixon struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth but Hatcher singled to right. Greenwell popped up to short and Hatcher was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning. 

Rowland threw a bunt attempt by Easley away for an error to start the top of the fifth but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Curtis walked and he too was thrown out at second trying to steal. Salmon singled to left but Davis grounded out to second to end the inning. Naehring blooped a single to left to start the bottom of the fifth but Vaughn grounded into a double play. Valentin struck out swinging to end the inning.

Jackson grounded out to short to start the top of the sixth before Perez grounded out to second. Myers flied out to left to end the inning. That was it for Viola who had one bad inning but allowed 5 runs in it over 6 full innings of work.

                                                            One bad inning for Frank     

Cooper flied out to right to start the bottom of the sixth but Rowland walked. Fletcher forced Rowland at second and Nixon forced Scott at second to end the inning.

Greg Harris came in to pitch the top of the seventh inning with Harold Reynolds pinch hitting for Hudler. Reynolds got a single to right before being sacrificed to second by Disarcina. Reynolds moved to third on a grounder to short by Easley but Curtis flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the seventh as Hatcher walked to start. A wild pitch moved Billy to second and he went to third on the Greenwell grounder to short. Naehring struck out swinging and Vaughn took ball four.....with Hatcher making a mad dash home for a legitimate stolen base to tie the game. Valentin hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning with the game tied 5-5.

                                                              One of the few to steal home

Salmon took strike three to start the top of the eighth before Davis went down hacking. Jackson grounded out to second to end the inning. Jim Edmonds took over in left for Jackson with Bob Patterson now on the mound. Cooper grounded out to short before Rowland grounded out to first. Fletcher popped up to second to end the inning.

Harris returned for the top of the ninth and Perez struck out swinging to start. Myers and Reynolds both grounded out to second to end the inning. Bill Sampen came in to close out the bottom of the ninth but Nixon walked to start. Hatcher dropped down a bunt to move Nixon to second and that was it for Sampen. Craig Lefferts came in to face Greenwell and Mike lashed a base hit past second to put runners at the corners. Naehring was intentionally walked to set up a double play but Vaughn did the honors with a base hit to right to score Nixon with the winning run. The Sox had walked off the Angels 6-5.

Hero of The Night is Billy Hatcher. Yes, Vaughn got the game winner but it wouldn't have been possible without Hatcher's steal of home to tie the game in the seventh.

                                                         Billy Hero-tcher

The Good:

Mike Greenwell was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Tim Naehring was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 rbis.

Scott Cooper was 1 for 3 with a walk and a home run.

Rich Rowland was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Greg Harris earned the win with 3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

John Valentin was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Frank Viola got lit up for 5 runs in 6 innings of work. He allowed 9 hits and 2 walks.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked, drove in a run and scored a run.

Scott Fletcher was 0 for 3 but walked, stole a base and scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

Two nights in a row the Sox pulled off late inning heroics to win a game. Once again the speed of the Sox came into play with Fletcher stealing a bag and Hatcher stole home for a key run. Vaughn is quickly becoming the Sox best hitter after struggling in 1992 but the real stars are Cooper, Valentin and Naehring. Cooper gets a lot of flack for not being Jeff Bagwell but he doesn't have to be him, just himself. His home run in this one was also crucial. The Sox now have won four in a row and they look like a wagon offensively. The problem is the pitching although Greg Harris came back strong in this one. The "old" pros Danny Darwin, Frank Viola and Joe Hesketh have looked awful so far this season but there's plenty of time to turn it around. Things are looking up for the Sox if the pitching can hold up and hopefully it does. The Sox look to make it five wins in a row and two straight over the Angels tomorrow afternoon when Danny Darwin (2-1) takes on old pal John Dopson. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Walkoff A's in Ninth, Sweep Series (4/21/94)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. The struggling Greg Blosser was sent down to Pawtucket and super utility man Bob Zupcic was called up to replace him. Blosser was 1 for 11 and the plan was to get the 22 year old more playing time in Pawtucket before bringing him back another time.

                                                                   OUT

                                                                     IN

It was a good day for Boston sports as the Boston Bruins defeated the Patrick Roy-less Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of their first round NHL playoff series. As for baseball, woah, who saw THIS coming for the Boston Red Sox? A day after Roger Clemens beats the Oakland A's with a 2 hit shutout, the Red Sox offense comes alive and beats one of the best closers in the game. Sox starter Joe Hesketh got lit up for 5 runs and got knocked out in the fourth inning thanks to some pretty lousy defense. Trailing 4-0, the Sox mounted a comeback by getting four runs in the sixth thanks to John Valentin and Tim Naehring. With one out in the bottom of the ninth against old friend Dennis Eckersley, Andre Dawson smacked a pinch hit rbi double to tie the game and Otis Nixon knocked him in with a double of his own to win the game 6-5 at Fenway Park.

                                                  Neriah Davis approves of the win

Hesketh got the ball in the top of the first inning and Rickey Henderson led off by grounding out to third. John Wathan was shown to be the acting manager today as Butch Hobson was home mourning a death in the family. Stan Javier grounded back to the mound but Geronimo Berroa doubled to the left field wall. Mark McGwire walked but Ruben Sierra struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                    No Hobson today

Bobby Witt got the start for Oakland and Otis Nixon led off the top of the first by grounding out to short. Billy Hatcher grounded out to third and Mike Greenwell flied out to center to end the inning.

Terry Steinbach grounded out to short to start the top of the second and Scott Brosius struck out swinging. Mo Vaughn dropped a pop up by Mike Bordick for an error but Hesketh struck him out swinging to end the inning anyway. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the second as Mo Vaughn got a base hit to right field to start. Tim Naehring walked but Damon Berryhill flied out to center. John Valentin popped up to third but Scott Cooper walked to load the bases. Dave Valle grounded into a force to end the inning.

The A's struck first in the top of the third as Scott Hemond hit a bullet to Valentin to start. Henderson walked but was forced at second by Javier. Sox analyst Bob Kurtz told fans that Sox pitching prospect Frankie Rodriguez was no-hitting the Columbus Clippers through six innings, good for him. Javier took off for second and Valle turned around and threw the ball into the net behind the plate for an error to advance Stan to third. Naturally Javier scored on the base hit by Berroa to give the A's the lead. McGwire took strike three to end the inning but it was 1-0 A's.

                                                       Javier scores.

Nixon tried to bunt his way on but Witt snuffed it out to start the bottom of the third. Hatcher was plunked and hobbled around in pain. John Wathan sprinted out of the dugout and asked if Billy was okay and Hatcher said he's good. Hatcher was thrown out trying to steal and Greenwell struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                 Hatcher "Owwowowowowwwwwww!!!"

The A's struck back in the top of the fourth as Kurtz reported Columbus Clippers catcher Jorge Posada broke up Rodriguez' no hitter down in Pawtucket. Sierra flied out to center but Steinbach slapped a single to right. Brosius flied out to left but Nixon dropped a blooper by Bordick that counted as an rbi "double". Hemond hit a routine grounder to Cooper who threw his glove on the ball and dropped an elbow on it for an error to put runners at the corners. Henderson singled Hemond to third and stole second before both runners scored on the double down the left field line by Javier. That was it for Hesketh who got no help from his defense but was out after allowing 5 runs in 3 2/3 innings. Paul Quantrill came in and Berroa popped up to second to end the inning with the A's ahead 5-0.

                                                              Not Joe's best outing

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the fourth as Vaughn struck out swinging to start. Naehring took strike three but Berryhill walked. Valentin took strike three to end the inning.

McGwire walked to start the top of the fifth but Sierra flied out to left. Steinbach singled to center but Brosius banged into a double play to end the inning. Cooper flied out to center to start the bottom of the fifth and Valle struck out swinging. Nixon doubled to left but Hatcher flied out to center to end the inning.

Bordick singled to left to begin the top of the sixth and took second on a passed ball, but Hemond grounded out to short. Henderson struck out swinging and Javier took strike three to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the sixth as Greenwell walked to start. Vaughn dumped a base hit to center and Greenwell motored around to third, Vaughn taking second on the throw. Naehring hit a bullet off the Monster to score both runners to put the Sox on the board. Berryhill flied out to left but Valentin singled to left to chase Witt. Steve Ontiveros came in and Cooper hit a shot into the right field corner. Naehring and Valentin scored but Cooper was thrown out at third trying to stretch a triple. Valle took strike three to end the inning but the Sox were back in it 5-4.

                                                             Yerrrrr out!

Berroa grounded out to short to begin the top of the seventh and McGwire took strike three. Sierra flied out to center to end the inning. Nixon singled to left to start the bottom of the seventh and A's manager Tony La Russa took Ontiveros out. John Briscoe came in and Hatcher flied out to right. Greenwell banged into a double play to end the inning.

Scott Bankhead came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning and Steinbach flied out to right to start. Brosius grounded out to second but Bordick singled to center. Hemond flied out to center to end the inning. Vaughn flied out to center to begin the bottom of the eighth but Naehring walked. Berryhill banged into a double play to end the inning.

Bankhead returned for the top of the ninth and Henderson flied out to left to start. Javier blooped a single past a diving Naehring and Berroa walked. Old buddy Mike Brumley pinch ran for Berroa but McGwire struck out swinging. Sierra grounded out to short to end the inning.

                                                         Good work Bankhead

Dennis Eckersley came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Valentin flied out to center to start. Cooper grounded a base hit to right that was bobbled by Sierra, Cooper taking second on the error. Lee Tinsley pinch ran for Cooper and Roger Clemens gave Cooper an interesting look in the dugout.

                                                    Insane Roger Clemens

Andre Dawson pinch hit for Valle and doubled off the right field barrier on the first pitch to tie the game. Scott Fletcher pinch ran for Dawson and Nixon doubled just inside the first base bag to score Fletcher with the winning run. The Sox had beaten Eckersley and the A's 6-5.

                                                         Sox win, Eck can't believe it

The Co-Heroes of the Night are Andre Dawson and Otis Nixon. Dawson came off the bench ice cold to tie the game and Nixon won it one at-bat later.

                                                      Hero 1: Dawson

                                                     Hero 2: Nixon

The Good:

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Tim Naehring was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, 2 rbis and a run scored.

Scott Cooper was 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 rbis.

Lee Tinsley scored the tying run as a pinch runner

Scott Fletcher scored the winning run as a pinch runner.

Paul Quantrill tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

Scott Bankhead got the win with 2 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Dave Valle was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Joe Hesketh got lit up by allowing 5 runs in 3 2/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Billy Hatcher was 0 for 3 but was hit with a pitch.

Mike Greenwell was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored.

Damon Berryhill was 0 for 3 but walked.

John Valentin was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

Not much was expected of the Boston Red Sox this year considering their misery the last two seasons, but at least they're starting April pretty well so far. Clemens looked great last night and knocking off Dennis Eckersley tonight is nothing to sneeze at. The defense needs to be cleaned up but there shouldn't be too many games with 3 errors. Kudos to Quantrill and Bankhead for holding the fort after Hesketh was knocked out. They tossed a combined 5 1/3 shutout innings and kept Oakland off the scoreboard the rest of the way. Dawson's got a pretty bad knee so for him to contribute like that deserves a lot of credit. The hardest job in baseball is to come off the bench ice cold and hit one of the best closers in the game. Nixon carried the offense today with all his hits and the Sox are going be in good shape if he can get back to where he was with the Atlanta Braves. Sweeping the A's out of Fenway was fun but the California Angels come to town next for a set. Frank Viola goes for the Sox against Chuck Finley of the Angels tomorrow night at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Clemens Pitches Gem, Shuts Out A's (4/20/94)

Looks like The Rocket is back. After a sub-standard 1993 season, Roger Clemens (2-0, 4.23 ERA) looked like himself in tonight's game against the Oakland A's. Clemens was masterful, tossing a complete game 2 hit shutout against the A's while Scott Cooper and John Valentin knocked in the only runs needed. It was a brilliant pitcher's duel between Clemens and Steve Karsay with the Sox coming out on top 2-0 at Fenway Park.

                                                Simon Phoenix approves of the win

Clemens took the ball in the top of the first and Rickey Henderson led the game off with a full count walk. Stan Javier struck out swinging as Sox broadcaster Bob Kurtz pointed out the last time Clemens beat the A's. Ruben Sierra popped up to Tim Naehring in foul territory before Troy Neel lined out to a running Lee Tinsley to end the inning. Karsay took the mound in the bottom of the first and Otis Nixon swung and missed for strike three to begin. Billy Hatcher singled down the left field line but was called out at second trying to steal. Replays showed Hatcher was safe but the call stood as Greenwell grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Clemens turned up the heat in the top of the second and Mike Aldrete swung halfheartedly for strike three to begin. Terry Steinbach went down swinging and Mike Brumley was frozen for strike three to end the inning. Mo Vaughn walked to begin the bottom of the second but Tim Naehring flied out to center. Scott Cooper and John Valentin both struck out swinging to end the inning.

Mike Bordick led off the top of the third by grounding out to second to start. Scott Hemond was rung up for strike three on the inside corner before Henderson grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the third as Lee Tinsley grounded out to second to start. Dave Valle fell down while striking out swinging before Nixon popped up to left to end the inning.

                                                      Down goes Valle

Javier led off the top of the fourth by dumping a base hit to right but Tinsley ran down a Sierra liner. Javier took second on a grounder to Naehring by Neel before Aldrete grounded out to Vaughn to end the inning with Clemens at 69 pitches. Hatcher grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the fourth before Greenwell grounded out to second. Vaughn was rung up on a nasty pitch on the corner to end the inning.

Steinbach led off the top of the fifth by popping up to Vaughn in foul territory to start. Brumley poked a base hit to center before Hatcher ran down a liner by Bordick, losing his hat and exposing his bald head in the process. Hemond was so distracted by Hatcher's head that he took strike three to end the inning.

                                                  Hatcher's head

Karsay stayed tough in the bottom of the fifth as Naehring was thrown out by Bordick on a bang bang play at first to start. Cooper flied out to left but Valentin broke his bat on a bloop single to center. Tinsley whiffed to end the inning.

Henderson accidently check swinged a liner to Vaughn to start the top of the sixth before Javier damn near beat out a routine grounder to Naehring. Sierra was rung up for strike three to end the inning. Javier robbed Valle of a hit with a great running catch to start the bottom of the sixth before Nixon was called out on strikes. Hatcher motored around for a scintillating triple but Greenwell grounded out to first to end the inning.

Clemens remained strong in the top of the seventh as Neel whiffed to begin. Aldrete grounded out to second but Steinbach drew a walk. Brumley grounded into a force to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the seventh as Vaughn doubled off the ladder hanging from the Monster to start. Naehring dropped down a bunt to move Vaughn to third and he scored on the sac fly by Cooper. Valentin then cracked his second home run of the year into the screen in left to increase the lead. Tinsley grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                  Valentin goes yard

Could Clemens pitch with the lead in the top of the eighth? YES! Bordick grounded out to short on a nice pick by Vaughn before Geronimo Berroa pinch hit for Hermond. Berroa grounded out to second before Henderson took his sweet time getting in the batter's box. Clemens let him know by buzzing him high and inside before Rickey grounded out to third to end the inning. Junior Noboa took over at second for the bottom of the eighth as Valle beat out an infield single to start. Nixon popped up a bunt attempt but Hatcher singled to left. Greenwell popped up to short before Vaughn whiffed to end the inning. Karsay pitched well but just wasn't good enough.

Clemens returned to finish his masterpiece in the top of the ninth as Javier was rung up for strike three much to Stan's chagrin. Sierra grounded out to short and Neel was called out on strikes to end the game. That was the 55th time Clemens struck out at least ten batters and the Sox had won the game 2-0.

                                                    Another shutout for Roger


Hero of the Night is Roger Clemens. He tossed a complete game 2 hit shutout while walking two and striking out 10 batters.

                                                         Rocket Hero


The Good:

Billy Hatcher was 3 for 4.

Mo Vaughn was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

John Valentin was 2 for 3 with a solo home run.

Dave Valle was 1 for 3.



The Bad:

Otis Nixon was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Mike Greenwell was 0 for 4.

Tim Naehring was 0 for 2.

Lee Tinsley was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.



The Ugly:

Scott Cooper was 0 for 2 but drove in a run.




Final Thoughts:

Lousy offense today but a wonderful pitcher's duel with some good catches thrown in. Clemens looked like himself for the first time all season and that's a good thing considering what the rest of the rotation looks like. Unless Aaron Sele is the next stud, it doesn't look good for this year moving forward. One thing for sure is the Sox need to draft a catcher or something because they haven't had much out of that spot once Tony Pena deteriorated. As for this game, not much to say other than Clemens looked great. A win is a win and it was a good one. Tomorrow afternoon Joe Hesketh goes for the Sox against Bobby Witt of the A's as the Sox look to sweep the series at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Boston Bats Bash A's (4/19/94)

Welcome back the Boston Red Sox offense. After being held to one run by the Chicago White Sox in the previous game, the bats exploded against the Oakland Athletics in today's tilt. Aaron Sele (1-0, 1.86 ERA) pitched well, holding the A's to 3 runs in seven strong innings before giving way to Greg Harris. Meanwhile the bats pounded out 16 hits and 13 runs against Bob Welch and the Oakland bullpen. Scott Cooper went 4 for 5 with 4 runs batted in and a grand slam while both Tim Naehring and Mo Vaughn each clubbed two home runs. Mike Greenwell also went yard as the Sox pounded the A's 13-5 at Fenway Park.

                                                   Bret Hart approves of the win

Sele got the ball in the top of the first inning and Rickey Henderson flied out to center to start. Stan Javier grounded out to first and Ruben Sierra grounded out to second to end the inning. Welch got the ball in the bottom of the first and Otis Nixon's bunt attempt was snuffed out at first to start. Billy Hatcher grounded back to the mound and Mike Greenwell flied out to right to end the inning.

Mark McGwire walked to start the top of the second and Troy Neel took strike three. Terry Steinbach struck out swinging and old pal Mike Brumley flied out to left to end the inning. Mo Vaughn led off the bottom of the second with a towering home run to put Boston on top then Tim Naehring went yard for back to back jacks. Damon Berryhill singled to right and John Valentin looked to have hit a double play balll....if Brumley didn't throw the relay throw away for an error. Scott Cooper singled to center and Dave Valle walked to load the bases, but Cooper was doubled off second on a bullet hit to short by Nixon to end the inning. The Sox now led 2-0.

                                                                  Back to back jacks

Scott Brosius hit one up the elevator shaft to start the top of the third and Mike Bordick flied out to center. Henderson grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox exploded in the bottom of the third as Hatcher singled to left to start. Greenwell walked but Vaughn struck out swinging. Naehring walked and Berryhill walked with the bases loaded to score Hatcher. Valentin popped up to third but Cooper slugged a grand slam to ice the game early. That was it for Welch as Carlos Reyes came in to pitch to Valle. Dave grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 7-0.

                                                          Grand slam Cooper

Sele's only bad inning was the top of the fourth as Javier's bunt attempt was snuffed out by Aaron to start. Sierra hit a home run all the way to Pluto to cut the lead and McGwire singled to center. Neel also singled to center and both runners moved over on a wild pitch. Steinbach struck out swinging but Brumley got a base hit to right to score both runners. Brosius got a base hit to left but Bordick flied out to left to end the inning with the A's down 7-3.

                                                                Home run by Sierra

The Sox answered in the bottom of the fourth although Nixon flied out to left to start. Hatcher lined out to left but McGwire muffed a ball by Greenwell for an error. Vaughn singled to center and Naehring singled to left to score Greenwell. Berryhill grounded out to second to end the inning.

                                                               Rbi by Naehring

Henderson flied out to center to start the top of the fifth but Javier singled in the hole at second. Sierra struck out swinging and McGwire forced Sierra at second to end the inning. Valentin grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the fifth but Cooper singled to right. Valle struck out swinging but Nixon doubled to center. Hatcher took strike three to end the inning.

Neel struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth and Steinbach grounded out to second. Brumley blooped a base hit over Valentin's head but Brosius took strike three to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the sixth as Greenwell grounded out to second to start. Once again Vaughn and Naehring struck back to back home runs to increase the lead. That was it for Reyes as Ed Nunez came in to pitch to Berryhill and Damon flied out to right. Valentin took strike three to end the inning with the Sox ahead 10-3.

                                                            Back to back jacks....again

Sele returned for one final inning in the top of the seventh and Bordick lined out to right to start. Henderson walked but Javier and Sierra both struck out swinging to end the inning. That was it for Sele who allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks.

                                                           Good work by Sele

Cooper grounded out to first to start the bottom of the seventh and Valle struck out swinging. Nixon lined out to left to end the inning.

Greg Harris came in to pitch the top of the eighth and McGwire walked to start. Neel then hit a home run all the way to Norway to cut the lead. Steinbach struck out swinging, Brumley took strike three and Brosius flied out to left to end the inning.

                                                             Home run Neel

Old foe Dave Righetti came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Hatcher singled to right to start. Greenwell then clubbed his fourth home run of the year to increase the lead. Vaughn walked and Naehring singled to left before Berryhill's fly ball to right moved Mo to third. Valentin hit a sac fly to center to score Vaughn and Cooper got a base hit to right to move Tim to third. Valle grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 13-5.

                                                            Home run Greenwell

Harris returned to mop up the top of the ninth and Mike Aldrete pinch hit for Bordick. Aldrete lined out to left and Geronimo Berroa pinch hit for Henderson. Berroa struck out swinging and Junior Noboa pinch hit for Javier. Noboa popped up to left to end the game. The Sox had won it 13-5.

Hero of The Night is Scott Cooper. His grand slam was essentially the difference in the game.

                                                                     Hero Cooper

The Good:

Billy Hatcher was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Mo Vaughn was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs, a walk and 3 total runs scored.

Tim Naehring was 4 for 4 with 2 home runs, a walk and 3 total runs scored.

Aaron Sele got the win with 7 strong innings allowing just 3 runs off 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8 batters.

The Bad:

Greg Harris allowed 2 runs in 2 innings.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was just 1 for 5.

Mike Greenwell was just 1 for 4 but hit a 2 run homer, walked and scored three runs.

Damon Berryhill was just 1 for 4 but walked, drove in a run and scored a run.

John Valentin was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Dave Valle was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked.

Final Thoughts:

That was a great team win and the Boston offense is really gelling. The veterans Nixon, Greenwell and Hatcher are mixing with the youth movement of Cooper, Vaughn, Naehring and Valentin big time. Andre Dawson didn't play but add him to the veteran's list as eight players out of nine have been producing in different ways day in and out. Cooper's grand slam pretty much ended the game early but Naehring and Vaughn have been on fire to start the season. The quartet of Cooper, Vaughn, Valentin and Naehring might be Lou Gorman's finest work when all is said and done even if Lou is no longer here. Add Sele to the list as well who pitched well today. Not much to complain about in this one apart from Greg Harris being ineffective again. Oh well, he'll figure it out. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the A's tomorrow evening when Roger Clemens (1-0) takes on Steve Karsay of the A's. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.