Sox Pound Astros, Take Game 3 (10/18/21)

Don't look now but the Boston Red Sox are halfway to the 2021 World Series after laying waste to the bungholes of the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. Kyle Schwarber capped off a six run second inning rally with a grand slam and the Sox bats were relentless the rest of the night. JD Martinez, Christian Arroyo and Rafael Devers all went yard as the Sox pounded out 12 runs off 11 hits. On the other side of the ball Eduardo Rodriguez pitched his best post-season game of his career. Rodriguez stepped up his velocity and survived a three run home run by Kyle Tucker to hold the high powered Astros to just three runs. The Sox bullpen tossed shutout ball the rest of the way and the Sox cruised to an easy 12-3 victory in Game 3 at Fenway Park.

                                                      Halfway to the World Series

Rodriguez got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jose Altuve flied out to the centerfield wall to start. Michael Brantley struck out swinging on a 95 mph fastball and Rafael Devers made a great diving place to rob Alex Bregman of a single to end the inning. Jose Urquidy got the ball in the bottom of the first and Kyle Schwarber flied out to right to begin. Kike Hernandez popped up to first and Devers popped up to Bregman to end the inning.

Rodriguez turned up the heat in the top of the second as Yordan Alvarez swung and missed at a nasty slider for strike three to start. Carlos Correa took a sick cutter for strike three and Kyle Tucker whiffed to end the inning. The Sox blew rallied in the bottom of the second as Xander Bogaerts struck out swinging to start. Alex Verudgo walked, JD Martinez doubled off the Monster and Hunter Renfroe walked to load the bases. Christian Vazquez dumped a base hit to right to score Verdugo to put the Sox on top and Jose Altuve bobbled a Christian Arroyo double play ball to score Martinez on the error. Schwarber made Urquidy pay with a grand slam to right to put the Astros in a huge hole. Hernandez followed with a base hit to left but Devers popped up to center. Bogaerts ripped a base hit to center and FINALLY Astros manager Dusty Baker pulled Uquidy. Yimi Garcia came in to pitch and uncorked a wild pitch to move both runners over. Verdugo flied out to center to end the inning but the Sox led 6-0.

                                                        Party time at Fenway

Rodriguez stayed tough in the top of the third although Yuli Gurriel ripped a base hit to center to start. Hernandez made a diving catch to rob Jose Siri of a base hit and Martin Maldonado struck out swinging on a 92 mph fastball. Altuve grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Sox poured it on in the bottom of the third as Martinez struck out swinging to start. Renfroe walked and took off for second, moving to third when Maldonado threw the ball away. Vazquez singled to left to score Renfroe and Arroyo smashed a two run home run to add to the lead. Schwarber grounded out to first but Hernandez ripped a base hit to left. Devers flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 9-0.

                                           Arroyo crushes one into the Monster Seats

The Astros roared back as Rodriguez' velocity faded in the top of the fourth. Brantley effortlessly singled to right but Bregman somehow popped up to second. Alvarez singled high off the Monster but somehow Correa popped up to short. Tucker then hit a 3 rub home run into the Atlantic Ocean to put the Astros back in it. Gurriel singled over the head of Arroyo but Devers made a great play to rob Siri of a hit to end the inning. The Astros had rallied but still trailed 9-3.

                                                           Tucker inches the Astros closer

Blake Taylor came in to pitch the bottom of the fourth and Bogaerts flied out to center to start. Verdugo ripped a base hit to left and Martinez walked, but Renfroe struck out swinging. Vazquez flied out to right to end the inning.

Rodriguez had a huge bounce back inning in the top of the fifth as Maldonado took strike three to start. Altuve flied out to right and Brantley hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Brooks Raley came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth and Arroyo grounded out to third to start. Schwarber flied out to left and Hernandez popped up to first to end the inning.

Rodriguez would not be denied in the top of the sixth as Bregman hit a bullet to Hernandez to start. Alvarez went down hacking and Correa grounded out to second to end the inning. Rodriguez then turned and looked at Correa while pointing at his wrist as a bit of an F--- You. Sox manager Alex Cora was caught on camera telling E-Rod never to do that again but internally was happy. Rodriguez pitched his best postseason game of his career, holding the Astros to 3 runs in 6 innings. He struck out 7 and walked nobody, good stuff.

                                              "Nooooo! Noooooo!!!"

Moved by E-Rod's effort, the Sox added to the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Devers walked to start. Bogaerts struck out swinging and Verdugo flied out to center to chase Raley. Astros manager Dusty Baker brought in Phil Maton to pitch to Martinez and JD hit a no doubt two run bomb into the Monster Seats to ice the game. Renfroe grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 11-3.

                                                      Martinez launches another one

Danny Santana came in for Hernandez and Hansel Robles came in to pitch the top of the seventh inning. Tucker walked on four straight pitches not even close but Gurriel banged into a double play. Siri popped up to first to end the inning. Aledmys Diaz came in for Gurriel and Jason Castro came in to catch the bottom of the seventh. Vazquez flied out to right and Arroyo grounded out to short before Bobby Dalbec pinch hit for Schwarber. Dalbec struck out swinging to end the inning.

Martin Perez came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning as Castro walked to start. Altuve banged into a double play and Chas McCormick pinch hit for Brantley. McCormick flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the eighth with Ryne Stanek now on the mound. Santana struck out swinging but Devers clobbered an opposite field home run into the Monster Seats to light up the crowd. Bogaerts struck out swinging and Verdugo grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox ahead 12-3.

                                                      Devers with one last home run

Hiro Sawamura came in to mop up the top of the ninth and Bregman struck out swinging to start. Alvarez hit a bullet but right to Arroyo in shallow right and Renfroe made a great sliding catch off a Correa line drive to end the game. The Sox had won it 12-3.

                                                           Sox win

Hero of the Night is Eduardo Rodriguez. He held the high powered Astros to just 3 runs in 6 innings to earn the win.

                                                      Rodriguez the TIMEly Hero

The Good:

Kike Hernandez was 2 for 4.

JD Martinez was 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 total runs scored and a 2 run home run.

Hunter Renfroe walked twice, stole a base and scored two runs.

Christian Vazquez was 2 for 4 with 2 rbis and 2 runs scored.

Hansel Robles pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Martin Perez pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Hiro Sawamura pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Bobby Dalbec struck out as a pinch hitter.

Danny Santana struck out in his only plate appearance.

The Ugly:

Kyle Schwarber was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a grand slam.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 but walked, hit a home run and scored 2 runs.

Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 5 but had a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run.

Christian Arroyo was just 1 for 4 but scored two runs, hit a two run homer and drove in 3 total runs.

Final Thoughts:

Three games into the ALCS and this has been the most prolific Red Sox offense in October EVER. Not even the 2003-05 Idiots, 2007 corporate champs, 2013 Bearded Brothers or the 2018 team had poured it on like this in eight post-season games. The Sox have already hit a record 20 home runs and no team has ever hit 3 grand slams in a single post-season series. The Astros are missing Lance McCullers but losing the likes of Justin Verlander and Gerritt Cole has crippled their starters. The Astros had the number 2 offense in baseball which carried them during the regular season but they've been held mostly in check the first three games this series. The Astros are reeling and going to the bullpen in the third inning three games in a row is going to take its toll as the series goes on. Tomorrow night the Sox have Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock, Adam Ottavino and Tanner Houck ready to roll if Nick Pivetta falters while the Astros have god knows what if Zack Greinke can't go. So far everything is coming up Red Sox but the series is far from over. Still, after the last two years Sox fans need something to cheer about so they'll be celebrating tonight. As if the game wasn't fun enough, David Ortiz on the FS1 postgame had the Fenway faithful partying throughout the half hour show. Chants of "Yankees suck" and "Papi! Papi! Papi!" were so loud you could barely hear Ortiz or A-Rod talk. As fun as tonight was, the Sox have two more wins to get to reach the Fall Classic Tomorrow night the Sox look to go for the jugular when they send Nick Pivetta to the mound against 37 year old Zack Greinke of the Astros. The game begins at 8:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Walkoff Rays Again in Game 4, Advance to ALCS (10/11/21)

For five innings it looked like the Boston Red Sox were going to cruise to the American League Championship Series in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Eduardo Rodriguez had held the 100 win Rays to 1 run while the Red Sox offense pounded out 5 runs, 3 of which on a Rafael Devers home run. Then the Sox committed one of the biggest post-season chokes since Game 7 against the New York Yankees. Tanner Houck allowed a two run jack to Wander Franco in the sixth and Ryan Brasier allowed three straight hits to tie the game. Then the momentum shifted as Garrett Whitlock dominated the Rays the final two innings to send the stage for the bottom of the ninth. Christian Vazquez drew a leadoff walk and Christian Arroyo dropped down a bunt to move him over. Pinch hitter Travis Shaw hit a roller to Yandy Diaz who threw low to Ji-Man Choi to put runners at the corners. Kike Hernandez did the honors with a sac fly to left to score pinch runner Danny Santana to send the underdog Red Sox to the American League Championship Series with a 6-5 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                     WE'RE GOING TO THE ALCS!!

Eduardo Rodriguez got the ball to start the top of the first inning and got some help from his defense when Hunter Renfroe snared a line drive by Randy Arozarena to start. Wander Franco was frozen for strike three and the ice cold Brandon Lowe struck out swinging to end the inning. Collin McHugh got the ball to start the bottom of the first and Kyle Schwarber grounded out to short to start. Arozarena made a great running catch on a Kike Hernandez line drive but Rafael Devers dropped a base hit to right. Xander Bogaerts looked to have beat out a ground ball to short but Rays manager Kevin Cash challenged the call to overturn it for the third out to end the inning.

Rodriguez cruised in the top of the second as Nelson Cruz took strike three to start. Jordan Luplow struck out swinging and Yandy Diaz grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox just missed in the bottom of the second as Alex Verdugo flied out to the centerfield wall to start. Kevin Kiermaier made a great diving catch to rob JD Martinez of a hit before Hunter Renfroe also flied out to the centerfield wall to end the inning.

Austin Meadows went down hacking to begin the top of the third before Mike Zunino popped up to second. Kiermaier grounded out to third to end the inning. Rays manager Kevin Cash made a fatal error by taking McHugh out and bringing in rookie Shane McClanahan to pitch the bottom of the third inning. Christian Vazquez got a base hit to center although Christian Arroyo flied out to right. Schwarber drew a walk but Hernandez flied out to left. Devers got the party started with a no doubt 3 run blast to center to put Boston on top. Bogaerts ripped a base hit to left and Verdugo belted a double off the Monster to score Xander. Martinez singled to left to score Verdugo and that was it for McClanahan. JT Chargois came in and Renfroe greeted him with a double to center. The game turned when Vazquez struck out to end the inning. The Sox led 5-0 but one more hit would have broke the Rays.

                                                             Devers hits a big bomb

Rodriguez did his part in the top of the fourth although Arozarena singled to right to start. Franco popped up to first, Lowe struck out swinging and Cruz popped up to second to end the inning. Andrew Kittredge came in for the bottom of the fourth and Arroyo grounded out to short to start. Schwarber popped up to second and Hernandez grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Rays struck back in the top of the fifth inning as Luplow doubled to left to start. Diaz moved Luplow to third with a flyout to center and Jordan scored on the grounder to first by Meadows. Zunino grounded out to first to end the inning but the Rays were down 5-1.

                                                   Rodriguez looked good after 5

The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Devers flied out to left to start. Bogaerts flied out to right and Verdugo flied out to left to end the inning.

Rodriguez returned to start the top of the sixth but Kiermaier led off with a double to left to chase him. He did his job but Tanner Houck did not when he came in. Arozarena flied out to center but Franco hit a ball all the way to Metlife Stadium in New Jersey to inch Tampa closer. Lowe struck out swinging again and Cruz flied out to right to end the inning but Tampa was down 5-3.

                                                         Arozarena with a bomb

Luis Patino came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Martinez dropped a base hit to left to start. Renfroe and Vazquez both struck out swinging before Arroyo grounded out to third to end the inning.

Ji-Man Choi was sent in to pinch hit for Luplow but Sox manager Alex Cora countered by bringing in lefty Josh Taylor. Taylor struck Choi out swinging before Diaz flied out to center. Meadows grounded out to second to end the inning. Josh Fleming came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and the Sox gagged. Schwarber grounded out to first to start before Hernandez singled to left. Devers ripped a base hit to center to put runners at the corners and chase Fleming. Pete Fairbanks came in and Bogaerts gagged by hitting into a double play to end the inning.

Cora then made the wrong move by sending in Ryan Brasier to pitch the top of the eighth. Bobby Dalbec came in to play first but Zunino doubled to right to start. Kiermaier got revenge for last night by doubling to right to score Zunino and Arozarena dumped a base hit to right. Renfroe threw home but missed Kiermaier scoring by a mile and Arozarena took second. That was it for Brasier as Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock was summoned to stop the bleeding with the game tied and a man on second with nobody out. Franco flied out to right but Renfroe's throw to third missed both Bogaerts and Devers, luckily Whitlock backed up the throw. Lowe grounded back to the mound and Cruz grounded out to third to end the inning with the game tied 5-5.

                                                            Rays tie it

Once again the Sox failed to score in the bottom of the eighth as Franco threw a ball hit by Verdugo away to start. Verdugo took second on the play but Martinez failed to advance him with a fly out to right. Renfroe then hit a ball to Kiermaier who gunned down Verdugo to end the inning....BUT WAIT! Sox manager Alex Cora challenged that Verdugo beat the tag. He did....but his hand came off the base and the call was upheld.

                                                     Yerrrrrr out!

Whitlock returned for the top of the ninth and Choi grounded out to first to start. Diaz grounded out to second and Meadows flied out to left to end the inning. JP Feyereisen came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Vazquez lined a base hit up the middle to start. Arroyo dropped down a perfect bunt to move Vazquez to second and Travis Shaw pinch hit for Dalbec. Shaw hit a little roller to third and Diaz threw low to Choi and both runners were safe. Danny Santana was sent in to run for Vazquez and Hernandez drove him in with a sac fly to left to win the game. The Sox had knocked out the Rays 3 games to 1 to head to the ALCS with a 6-5 Game 4 win.

                                                       RED SOX WIN!!!

Hero of the Night is Garrett Whitlock. It was a team effort to score the winning run but Whitlock getting out of the eighth inning without allowing the go-ahead run kept the Sox in the driver's seat. Not bad for a Rule 5 pick the Yankees gave up on.

                                               The Lock is your Game 4 Hero

The Good:

Travis Shaw got credited with a single as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

Rafael Devers was 3 for 4 with a 3 run home run.

JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Christian Vazquez was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Danny Santana scored the winning run as a pinch runner.

Eduardo Rodriguez allowed just 2 runs in 5 plus innings of work. He struck out 6 and walked nobody.

Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

The Bad:

Tanner Houck allowed a 2 run home run in the sixth inning.

Ryan Brasier allowed 2 runs in the top of the eighth on 3 hits.

The Ugly:

Kyle Schwarber was 0 for 3 but walked and scored a run.

Kike Hernandez was just 1 for 4 but drove in the winning run with a sac fly.

Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run and scored.

Hunter Renfroe was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Christian Arroyo was 0 for 3 but dropped down a key bunt in the ninth inning.

Honorable Mention:

Bobby Dalbec played first base in the last two innings.

Final Thoughts:

Say whatever you want about the faults and negatives of the Red Sox but they have balls of steel. Finishing the season 30-31 after July turned a lot of fans off and losing 5 of 6 to the Yankees and the 110 loss Baltimore Orioles to end September made things look bleak. Even after the Sox knocked the Yankees out of the Wild Card game, they got steamrolled in Game 1 in Tampa and were down 5-2 in the second inning of Game 2 with Chris Sale finished. Its been all Red Sox ever since and they showed poise and balls to win the series. This game had great and bad defense from both teams and it came down to who wanted it more. Chaim Bloom looks like a genius after trading for Nick Pivetta who saved their bacon in Game 3 and stealing Whitlock from the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft. Not to mention getting Schwarber for a low level prospect and Shaw for free bolstered this team's bench considerably. Before the season Cora was excited the Sox signed Hernandez and he was the difference maker in this series. The criticism of Cora was pulling starters too early all season and it ruined the bullpen by July, but now in the playoffs even the starters are in the bullpen. Cora can mix and match all he wants and he's been burned by that only once tonight. Hats off to Rodriguez, Taylor and Whitlock for pitching well, especially E-Rod after his Game 1 disaster. You can say all you want about how Chris Sale is broken, the other starters are bums and the bullpen is on fumes...but one thing you can't say is they don't have heart. The last three games were all gutsy wins by the Sox and this one sent them to the American League Championship series. The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox game got postponed to tomorrow due to rain so the Sox don't know who they'll be facing yet. Still, the Sox weren't expected to do anything this season after they tanked last year, they weren't supposed to beat the Yankees in a one game playoff and they sure as hell weren't expected to steamroll the Rays. Alex Cora deserves a lot of flack for essentially collapsing down the stretch but he's now 4-0 in playoff series for the Red Sox as manager. No matter what happens against Houston or Chicago, you can't deny how great this season has been. The Sox are going from last place at the end of 2020 to being four wins away from the World Series. Game 1 either in Chicago or Houston starts this Friday and nobody knows who's pitching yet. Until then its time to enjoy the ALDS victory.

On to the ALCS

Rays Blank Sox, Take Game 1 (10/7/21)

Well this sucks. After the emotional victory over the New York Yankees in the Wild Card one game playoff it seemed like the Boston Red Sox were heading to the playoffs with momentum. Instead they fell flat on their face as the 100 win Tampa Bay Rays showed why they dominated the Red Sox to win the AL East crown. Shane McClanahan tossed 5 shutout innings for the Rays and their vaunted bullpen held the Red Sox scoreless the rest of the way. Eduardo Rodriguez lasted just 1 2/3 innings while allowing 2 runs to put the Sox in a hole. Nick Pivetta was rocked for 3 runs in 4 2/3 innings as the Rays cruised. The Sox offense outhit the Rays 9 to 6 but not one of them in the clutch when it was desperately needed. Prognosticators and irate Yankee fans predict the Rays will win in three games and it looks like that may happen after the Sox dropped Game 1 by a score of 5-0 at Tropicana Field. How many runs did the Sox score Dean Wormer?

                                                         

McClanahan got the ball in the top of the first inning and Kike Hernandez struck out swinging to start. Kyle Schwarber got a base hit in the hole at second then took second on the strikeout swinging by Xander Bogaerts. Rafael Devers struck out swinging to end the inning. The Rays wasted no time getting to Rodriguez in the bottom of the first inning as Randy Arozarena walked to start. Wander Franco doubled home Arozarena to put the Rays up for good two batters into the game. Brandon Lowe flied out to right but Franco moved to third on the fly out to left by Nelson Cruz. Yandy Diaz singled home Franco but Jordan Luplow grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox down 2-0.

                                                            Rays take the lead

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the second as Hunter Renfroe singled to left to start. Lowe bobbled a routine grounder by Alex Verdugo and everyone was safe. The rally ended as Bobby Dalbec banged into a double play and Christian Vazquez lined out to center to end the inning. Old Sox prospect Manny Margot walked to start the bottom of the second but Mike Zunino flied out to center. Kevin Kiermaier struck out swinging and Sox manager Alex Cora decided that Rodriguez just didn't have it tonight. Rodriguez was falling behind on every batter and Cora felt Garrett Richards was a better option. Richards got Arozarena to ground out to short to end the inning.

                                                          Rodriguez doesn't last long

The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the third inning as Christian Arroyo grounded out to third to start. Hernandez grounded out to second and Schwarber also grounded out to second to end the inning. Nick Pivetta came in to get tagged in the bottom of the third although Franco struck out swinging to start. Lowe grounded out to second but Cruz hit a home run all the way to Jupiter to increase the lead. Diaz walked but Luplow struck out swinging to end the inning with the Rays up 3-0.

                                                         Cruz adds to the lead

Bogaerts grounded out to second to start the top of the fourth but Devers got a hit to left. Renfroe popped up to first but Verdugo singled to center. Needing a clutch hit...Dalbec grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Margot grounded back to the mound to start the top of the fourth but Zunino singled to right. Kiermaier grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox did nothing in the top of the fifth as Vazquez flied out to right to start. Arroyo singled to left but Hernandez popped up to first. Schwarber grounded into a force to end the inning. The Yankees struck back in the bottom of the fifth when Arozarena hit a home run all the way to Brazil to increase the lead. Franco flied out to left, Lowe grounded out to second and Cruz flied out to right to end the inning with the Rays up 4-0.

                                                        Arozarena hits one out

JT Chargois came in for the top of the sixth with Joey Wendle taking the place of Luplow to start. Bogaerts singled to center but Devers flied out to center and Renfroe banged into a double play to end the inning. Pivetta cruised in the bottom of the sixth as Diaz lined out to right to start. Wendle struck out swinging and Margo also went down hacking to end the inning.

David Robertson came in to pitch the the top of the seventh as Verdugo grounded out to third to start. Dalbec flied out to right and Vazquez grounded out to short to end the inning. The Rays embarrassed the Sox in the bottom of the seventh as Zunino flied out to left to start. Kiermaier flied out to center but Arozarena walked. Franco doubled to left to chase Pivetta from the mound. Josh Taylor came in and paid so little attention to Arozarena that Randy stole home to light up the crowd. popped up to second to end the inning but the Sox looked silly letting Arozarena steal home, trailing 5-0.

                                                          Arozarena steals home

J.P. Feyereisen came in to pitch the top of the eighth and the Sox blew another rally. Arroyo got a base hit to right but Hernandez flied out to right. Schwarber and Bogaerts ripped back to back singles to load the bases but Devers struck out swinging. Renfroe popped up to first to end the inning and Boston's final rally. Adam Ottavino came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Cruz grounded out to second to start. Diaz grounded out to short and Wendle lined out to left to end the inning.

Feyereisen came back for the top of the ninth and Verdugo struck out swinging to start. Dalbec hit one up the elevator shaft and Vazquez flied out to right to end the game. The Rays had shut out the Sox and took Game 1 by a score of 5-0.

                                                              Sad Devers

Jackass of the Night is Nick Pivetta. Not that the Sox were going to do anything offensively anyway, but Pivetta turning a 2-0 game into 5-0 put the Sox in a hole they couldn't get out of

                                         "Yeah you're out, Jackass. Now beat it!" - Cora

The Good:

Kyle Schwarber was 2 for 4.

Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4.

Christian Arroyo was 2 for 3.

Adam Ottavino pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Kike Hernandez was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 4.

Christian Vazquez was 0 for 4.

Eduardo Rodriguez allowed 2 runs in just 1 2/3 innings.

Josh Taylor allowed Arozarena to steal home.

The Ugly:

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Hunter Renfroe was just 1 for 4.

Alex Verdugo was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Final Thoughts:

Not the start the Red Sox were looking for, that's for sure. After their beat down of the Yankees, the Sox weren't given much of a chance in this series and this game proved why. The Sox couldn't even get one run off the Rays vaunted pitching and their offense made Eduardo Rodriguez look silly. Not only that but Arozarena stealing home made the Sox look like they don't belong out there with the 100 win Rays. This has been a season of redemption for the Sox after they fell from grace in 2019 and crashed last year. Still, if the bats don't wake up this season is going to end sooner rather than later. Still, this isn't a one game playoff so the Sox still have at least two more games to right the ship before its too late. The Sox need to make a statement in Game 2 and Chris Sale will be starting for them. If the Sox have any hope of extending this series, Sale needs to bring his A game. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz and Game 2 begins tomorrow night at 7:05 PM at Tropicana Field.

Sox Keep Season Alive, Beat Nationals (10/1/21)

The 2021 Boston Red Sox aren't dead yet! With the season hanging in the balance, the Sox managed to rally against the Washington Nationals and hold on to win the game. Eduardo Rodriguez (12-8, 4.77 ERA) capped off a trying year by tossing 5 shutout innings to keep the Sox in front. The Sox tagged Josh Rogers in the top of the sixth for four runs courtesy of back to back jacks by Hunter Renfroe and Bobby Dalbec. Things got closer with an Alcides Escobar home run off Matt Barnes and a Jordy Mercer home run against Adam Ottavino, but Hansel Robles saved the day in the ninth. With the tying run at first, Robles got Keibert Ruiz to fly out to end the game. Combined with a New York Yankees loss to Tampa Bay and a Seattle Mariners loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the Sox took a step toward the playoffs with a 4-2 victory over the Nationals at Nationals Park.

                                                          Karen Witter approves of the win

Kike Hernandez led off the top of the first against Rogers by striking out swinging. Kyle Schwarber popped up to first in foul territory but Xander Bogaerts drew a walk. Rafael Devers flied out to left to end the inning. Rodriguez got the ball in the bottom of the first and Lane Thomas doubled to left to start. Alcides Escobar struck out swinging but Juan Soto walked. Josh Bell flied out to right to move the runners over and Keibert Ruiz grounded out to second to end the inning.

JD Martinez got a base hit to left to begin the top of the second but Hunter Renfroe popped up to first in foul territory. Bobby Dalbec flied out to center and Christian Vazquez flied out to left to end the inning. Jordy Mercer struck out swinging to open the bottom of the second before Carter Kieboom grounded out to third. Andrew Stevenson took strike three to end the inning.

Rodriguez himself took strike three to start the top of the third before Hernandez popped up to first in foul territory. Schwarber walked but Bogaerts flied out to center to end the inning. Rogers himself grounded back to Rodriguez to start the bottom of the third before Thomas grounded out to third. Escobar was retired on a nubber in front of the plate to end the inning.

Devers got a base hit to right to start the top of the fourth but Martinez lined out to center. Renfroe popped up to second and Dalbec flied out to center to end the inning. The Nationals threatened in the bottom of the fourth as Soto walked to start. Bell and Ruiz stroked back to back base hits to load the bases with nobody out. With the season on the line, Rodriguez struck out Mercer swinging before getting Kieboom to pop up to first. Stevenson grounded out to second to end the inning and possibly save the season.

Vazquez got a base hit to center to start the top of the fifth but Rodriguez bunted into a double play. Hernandez walked but Schwarber struck out swinging to end the inning. Rogers' bunt attempt was snuffed out to start the bottom of the fifth by Rodriguez and Thomas struck out swinging. Escobar got a base hit to left and Schwarber struck out swinging to end the inning.

Suddenly the Sox exploded in the top of the sixth as Bogaerts singled to left to start. Devers flied out to right but Martinez singled to left. Renfroe blasted his 31st home run of the season to put the Sox on top and Dalbec followed with his 25th for back to back jacks. Vazquez flied out to right and Rodriguez grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                               Back to back home runs

Bell walked to start the bottom of the sixth and Ruiz singled to left.....and you know what that means. Once again Sox manager Alex Cora pulled the starter early causing the bullpen to throw four innings. Rodriguez allowed 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. Ryan Brasier came in and got mercer to force Bell at third. Kieboom and Stevenson both struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                "Gimmie that ball....AND...AND GET OUTTA HERE!" - Cora

Andres Machado came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Hernandez lined out to left to start. Schwarber and Bogaerts drew back to back walks to chase Machado. Alberto Baldonado got Devers to fly out to left and Martinez to fly out to right to end the inning. The Nationals struck back in the bottom of the seventh with Matt Barnes now on the mound. Yadiel Hernandez pinch hit for Baldonado and grounded out to second to start. Thomas popped up to second but Escobar hit a home run all the way to Japan to cut the lead. That was it for Barnes and Darwinzon Hernandez came in to walk Soto. Bell got a base hit to right but Soto was thrown out at third to end the inning.

                                                                  Home run Escobar

Patrick Murphy came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Renfroe reached on an error by Bell to start. Dalbec forced Renfroe at second and Vazquez struck out swinging. Travis Shaw pinch hit for Hernandez and lined out to left to end the inning. Adam Ottavino came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Ruiz flied out to left to start. Mercer then hit a home run all the way to Soviet Russia to cut the lead in half. Kieboom grounded out to third but Stevenson pounded a ground rule double into the bullpen. Ryan Zimmerman pinch hit for Murphy and struck out swinging to end the inning with the Nationals down 4-2.

                                                                Home run for Mercer

Sean Nolin came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Hernandez walked to start. Schwarber popped up to short and Hernandez just walked to second base, getting tagged out easily. Bogaerts walked and Devers flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox pulled a double switch to put Jose Iglesias in Schwarber's spot with Hansel Robles in to close out the bottom of the ninth. Thomas lined out to first to start and Escobar lined out to right. Soto and Bell drew back to back walks to put the tying runs on, but Ruiz flied out to right to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-2.

                                                                 Sox win

Hero of the Night is Hunter Renfroe. His 3 run homer was all the offense the Sox would need to win the game.

                                                              Hero Renfroe

The Good:

Xander Bogaerts was 1 for 2 with 3 walks and a run scored.

JD Martinez was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Eduardo Rodriguez earned the win by tossing 5 shutout innings. He was also 0 for 3 at the plate.

Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Darwinzon Hernandez got the final out of the seventh inning.

Hansel Robles earned his 13th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Travis Shaw was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Matt Barnes allowed a run in 2/3 of an inning.

Adam Ottavino allowed a run in the eighth inning.

The Ugly:

Kike Hernandez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked twice.

Kyle Schwarber was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked twice.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 5.

Bobby Dalbec was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a home run.

Christian Vazquez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Honorable Mention:

Jose Iglesias played second base in the bottom of the ninth.

Final Thoughts:

Don't look now but that was a huge win for the Red Sox considering the New York Yankees gagged against the Tampa Bay Rays. Seattle also lost so the Sox need to win the next two games to take the second wild card. They don't have to play the waiting game, win and you're in. Rodriguez getting yanked was business as usual for Cora and its just a matter of time before the quick hooks seal his fate. Still, the offense once again didn't do much apart from Renfroe and Dalbec in the sixth inning. Ottavino and Barnes are totally cooked and have nothing left it looks like. Thanks a lot Alex Cora for that. Still, can't do anything in the playoffs until you make it and the Sox are two wins away from making it. Hopefully the Sox can score some runs in the next two games to leave no doubt. The win improved the Sox to 90-70, 1 game behind the New York Yankees for the first Wild Card and 1 game in front of the Seattle Mariners for the second. The Sox look to win the second game of this series against Washington tomorrow afternoon. Tanner Houck goes for the Sox against Josiah Gray of the Nationals. The game begins at 4:05 PM at Nationals Park.

Yankees Sweep Sox out of Fenway (9/26/21)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Josh Taylor was placed on the Injured List with a lower back strain. This is not what the Sox needed with them stumbling toward the playoffs. The other relievers are going to have to step up with only a handful of games left.

                                                                   OUT

As for the game, what an unmitigated disaster this weekend was. The Red Sox could have eliminated the New York Yankees from playoff competition by sweeping or taking two of three. Instead they're the ones looking up from the bottom after getting swept by the Yankees. For the second straight game the Sox blew a winnable game in the top of the eighth. The Yankees had taken a 2-1 lead on Eduardo Rodriguez and the Sox when the Yankees stumbled and bumbled to allow 2 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Then Garrett Richards (7-8, 4.65 ERA) got rocked and Adam Ottavino got rolled as the Yankees scored four runs in the top of the eighth. Aroldis Chapman slammed the door and the Yankees had jumped in front of the Sox in the standings 6-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                              Exactly

Rodriguez got the ball in the top of the first inning and DJ LeMahieu got a base hit to center to start. Anthony Rizzo grounded into a double play and Aaron Judge struck out swinging to end the inning. Jordan Montgomery got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Kike Hernandez got a base hit to center. Hunter Renfroe flied out to right, Rafael Devers flied out to left and Xander Bogaerts struck out swinging to end the inning.

Giancarlo Stanton struck out swinging to start the top of the second and Joey Gallo popped up to second. Gleyber Torres popped up to first to end the inning. JD Martinez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the second before Bobby Dalbec struck out swinging. Christian Arroyo singled in the hole at second but Alex Verdugo lined out to right to end the inning.

Gary Sanchez took strike three to start the top of the third before Brett Gardner was also frozen for strike three. Gio Urshela got a base hit to center and LeMahieu was also caught looking to end the inning. Christian Vazquez lined out to left to start the bottom of the third before Hernandez grounded out to short. Renfroe grounded out to third to end the inning.

Rizzo grounded out to second to open the top of the fourth before Judge struck out swinging. Stanton singled in the hole at second but Gallo struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth as Devers ripped a base hit to left to start. Devers swiped second and Bogaerts also got a base hit to left to put runners at the corners. Martinez hit a sac fly to left to score Devers to put the Sox on top. Dalbec struck out swinging and Arroyo grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                         Devers scores the go-ahead run

All of a sudden Rodriguez lost it in the top of the fifth as Torres walked to start. Sanchez got a base hit to left and Gardner singled to center to load the bases. Urshela banged into a double play but Torres scored to tie the game. LeMahieu got a base hit to right to score Sanchez to put the Yankees on top. Rizzo struck out swinging to end the inning with the Yankees up 2-1. That was it for Rodriguez despite throwing 81 pitches because Alex Cora once again quick hooks someone. He allowed 2 runs in 5 innings on 6 hits and a walk.

                                                     Not good enough from Rodriguez

The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fifth as Verdugo singled to left to start. Vazquez grounded into a double play but Hernandez got a base hit to left. Renfroe singled to center but Devers flied out to right to end the inning.

Hansel Robles came in to pitch the top of the sixth inning and Judge lined out to left to start. Stanton struck out swinging and Gallo grounded out to first to end the inning. Clay Holmes came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Bogaerts struck out swinging to start. Martinez and Dalbec also went down hacking to end the inning.

Garrett Richards came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Torres grounded out to second to start. Sanchez struck out swinging and Gardner flied out to left to end the inning. Travis Shaw was going to pinch hit for Arroyo but Yankees manager Aaron Boone brought in Joely Rodriguez to pitch. Sox manager Alex Cora pulled back Shaw in favor of Jose Iglesias. Iglesias got a base hit to left to start and Verdugo beat out a bunt down to second. A wild pitch moved both runners over and Vazquez hit a sac fly to score Iglesias to tie the game. Chad Green came in to pitch to Hernandez and Kike took strike three. Kyle Schwarber pinch hit for Renfroe and LeMahieu dropped a pop up from Kyle for an error to continue the inning. Schwarber then popped up to Gallo....who dropped it for an error. Verdugo scored but Schwarber was thrown out at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-2.

                                                        Yerrrrrr out

Things fell apart in the top of the eighth as Urshela walked to start. Tyler Wade pinch ran for Urshela and ended up getting thrown out at second trying to steal. LeMahieu walked and Rizzo doubled to right to chase Richards. Adam Ottavino poured gas on the fire as Judge doubled to center to score both runners and Stanton hit a home run all the way to Neptune to ice the game just like that. Gallo was hit with a pitch and that was it for Ottavino. Ryan Brasier came in to pitch and Torres lined out to right. Sanchez grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees up for good 6-3.

                                                        Yankees are all smiles.

The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the eighth as Devers pounded a ground rule double down the right field line to start. Bogaerts flied out to right but Martinez lashed a base hit to left to put runners at the corners. Dalbec struck out swinging and Iglesias lined out to second to end the inning.

Gardner grounded out to short to start the top of the ninth before Wade got a base hit to right. Wade was once again thrown out at second trying to steal and LeMahieu grounded out to second to end the inning. Aroldis Chapman came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Verdugo popped up to short to start. Vazquez grounded out to second but Hernandez walked. Kike took second and third on defensive indifference but Schwarber took strike three to end the game. The Yankees completed the sweep with a 6-3 win.

                                                          Yankees win

Jackass of The Night is Adam Ottavino. He allowed 2 inherited runners to score and 2 of his own to put the game out of reach.

                                                               Jackass Ottavino

The Good:

Kike Hernandez was 2 for 4 with a walk.

Hunter Renfroe was 1 for 3.

Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

JD Martinez was 1 for 3 with an rbi.

Christian Arroyo was 1 for 2.

Jose Iglesias was 1 for 2 with a run scored.

Alex Verdugo was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Eduardo Rodriguez allowed just 2 runs in 5 innings. He gave up six hits and a walk while striking out eight.

Hansel Robles pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Ryan Brasier tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Kyle Schwarber was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 4 with the golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts.

Garrett Richards took the loss by allowing 2 runs in 1 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Xander Bogaerts was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Christian Vazquez was 0 for 3 with an rbi.

Honorable Mention:

Travis Shaw "pinch hit" in the bottom of the seventh

Final Thoughts:

That was totally embarrassing and another microcosm of the season. Alex Cora panicked and pulled Rodriguez after five innings only for the bullpen to blow it. The bullpen is out of gas after being overused all season but Cora keeps sticking to the "no third time through the order, pull the guy at first sign of trouble" mantra. If the Sox don't make the playoffs next week you can blame Cora for it. Ottavino and the A-Team were almost automatic in April, May and June but now he's toast. Why he put Garrett Richards in a big spot is another head scratcher and the Yankees practically laughed at them. The Sox went into this series looking to put the Yankees away and instead they might have just launched them into the playoffs. There's still four games left in the season but this was a huge opportunity lost. The loss dropped the Sox to 88-68, 1 game behind the Yankees for the first wild card. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox travel to Baltimore to face the hapless, 106 loss Orioles. If the Sox can't beat THEM then they have no business playing in October. The first game begins Tuesday night with Chris Sale (5-0) going for the Sox against Bruce Zimmermann of Baltimore at 7:05 PM at Camden Yards.

Sox Drop Mets, Streak At Six (9/21/21)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Jack Lopez was sent back down to Worcester and Garrett Whitlock was placed on the Injured List with a pectoral strain. It was bound to happen with how many innings The A-Team had to throw this year. The Sox activated Christian Arroyo from the Covid List and called up Ryan Brasier from Worcester to replace Lopez & Whitlock.

                                                                           OUT

                                                                         IN

As for the game, the streaking Red Sox have now won six games in row including tonight's game against the New York Mets. New York broke out to a 2-0 lead against Eduardo Rodriguez and knocked him out in the fifth inning. Ryan Brasier (1-1, 3.38 ERA) was called up from Worcester to put the fire out and the Sox bats responded. Kike Hernandez and Xander Bogaerts both hit home runs against Marcus Stroman in the bottom of the fifth. A two run knock by Bogaerts iced the game and the bullpen survived a Pete Alonso home run to win the game 6-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                Julie "The Cat' Gaffney approves of the win

E-Rod got the ball in the top of the first inning and Brandon Nimmo took strike three to start. Francisco Lindor grounded out to second and Javier Baez grounded out to short to end the inning. Stroman got the ball in the bottom of the first and Kike Hernandez grounded out to third to start. Kyle Schwarber grounded out to short but Xander Bogaerts walked. Rafael Devers lined out to right to end the inning.

Pete Alonso struck out swinging to open the top of the second before JD Davis also went down hacking. Michael Conforto grounded out to short to end the inning. JD Martinez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the second before Alex Verdugo was retired on a squibber in front of the plate. Bobby Dalbec got a base hit to left but Christian Vazquez grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Old pal Kevin Pillar flied out to left to start the top of the third before Dominic Smith took strike three. Tomas Nido got a base hit to left but Nimmo took strike three to end the inning. Jose Iglesias doubled to left to start the bottom of the third before Hernandez was hit with a pitch. Schwarber walked to load the bases but Bogaerts hit into a 5-2-3 double play. Devers popped up to left to end the inning.

Rodriguez lost his control in the top of the fourth as Lindor walked to start. Baez singled to left and Alonso walked to load the bases. Davis walked to score Lindor and Conforto got a base hit to center. Baez scored easily but Alonso was thrown out at home. Pillar flied out to center and Smith grounded out to first to end the inning with the Mets up 2-0.

                                                          Yerrrrrr out!

The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Martinez struck out swinging to start. Verdugo took strike three but Dalbec doubled to center. Vazquez doubled to left to score Dalbec but Iglesias forced Dalbec at third to end the inning with the Sox down 2-1.

                                                              Vazquez drives in a run

The Mets finished off Rodriguez in the top of the fifth as Nido grounded out to third to start. Nimmo singled to left and Lindor doubled to center to end E-Rod's day. The Sox can't afford a loss so Sox manager Alex Cora isn't playing around. Rodriguez allowed 2 runs in 4 1/3 innings allowing 5 hits and 3 walks. Ryan Brasier came in to pitch and got Baez to strike out swinging. Alonso grounded out to short to end the inning.

                                                         Not a good start for E-Rod

The Sox fought back in the bottom of the fifth inning as Hernandez belted his 18th home run of the season to tie the game. Schwarber doubled to left and Bogaerts crushed his 23rd home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Devers lined out to second, Martinez was retired on a squibber in front of the plate and Verdugo lined out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-2.

                                                         Bogaerts puts the Sox on top

Davis flied out to center to start the top of the sixth and here came Alex Cora for another pitching change. Austin Davis struck out Conforto swinging but Pillar singled to center. Smith forced Pillar at second to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the sixth against Miguel Castro although Dalbec struck out swinging to begin. Vazquez lined out to right but Iglesias got plunked. Hernandez walked and Brad Hand was brought in to pitch to Schwarber. Kyle walked to load the bases and Bogaerts lashed a base hit to center to score Iglesias and Hernandez. Devers popped up to second to end the inning with the Sox up 6-2.

                                                        Bogaerts gets it done

Hansel Robles came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Nido struck out swinging to start. Nimmo grounded out to short and Lindor struck out swinging to end the inning. Old buddy Heath Hembree came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Martinez popped up to second to start. Verdugo struck out swinging and Dalbec flied out to right to end the inning.

Garrett Richards came in to pitch the top of the eighth with Hunter Renfroe now in right. Baez popped up to second but Alonso clobbered a home run all the way into the Baltic Sea to cut the lead in half. Davis flied out to center and Conforto grounded out to second to end the inning with the Mets down 6-3.

                                               "Not tonight, Davis" - Hernandez

Hembree returned for the bottom of the eighth and Vazquez grounded back to the mound to start. Iglesias lined out to center and Hernandez popped up to second to end the inning. Jonathan Villar pinch hit for Pillar in the top of the ninth and Grounded out to first. James McCann came in to pinch hit for Smith and Sox manager Alex Cora countered with Darwinzon Hernandez. McCann got a base hit to left but Nido lined out to left. McCann stole second but Nimmo took strike three to end the game. The Sox had won 6-3.

                                                              Sox win

Hero of The Night is Xander Bogaerts. He was 2 for 3 with a home run and drove in 4 of the 6 runs scored by the Sox.

                                                           X Gonna Hero Ya

The Good:

Kike Hernandez was 1 for 3 with a walk, hit by pitch, home run and 2 total runs scored.

Kyle Schwarber was 1 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored.

Bobby Dalbec was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Jose Iglesias was 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch and a run scored.

Ryan Brasier got the win with a full scoreless inning.

Austin Davis tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning.

Hansel Robles pitched a scoreless inning.

Darwinzon Hernandez tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning.

The Bad:

Rafael Devers was 0 for 4.

JD Martinez was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Alex Verdugo was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Garrett Richards allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings of work.

The Ugly:

Christian Vazquez was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.

Eduardo Rodriguez allowed 2 runs in just 4 1/3 innings. He allowed 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5.

Honorable Mention:

Hunter Renfroe played right field in the top of the ninth.

Final Thoughts:

The good news was the Sox found a way to win, the bad news is Eduardo Rodriguez might be tipping his pitches. Eagle eyed analyst Lou Merloni noticed even the weakest of New York's hitters weren't biting on E-Rod's change-up and figured out his hands were too high. Still, to survive a game like that with the season hanging in the balance is a testament to the grit of this team. Cora may have ran the bullpen into the ground but they're going down swinging. They have a half game lead on Toronto for the wild card spot but still have an outside chance to win the division. The bats just have to keep plugging the last two weeks to get the job done, even if Dr. Quick Hook keeps pulling the starters early for whatever reason. The win improved the Sox to 87-65, 6 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East with 10 games to play. The Sox look to make it seven wins in a row tomorrow night against the Mets. Chris Sale (4-0) takes on Taijuan Walker of the Mets at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.