Darwin, Sox Beat A's (4/28/94)

A week ago Boston Red Sox fans were complaining that the Red Sox were relying on aging starting pitching and it would come back to haunt them. Well the last two days Frank Viola and Danny Darwin (4-1, 5.17 ERA) have combined for 12 2/3 innings and 1 run allowed. Darwin held the Oakland A's to just one measly run in 6 2/3 gutty innings as the Sox tagged Todd Van Poppel for four runs in this one. Scott Cooper was the offensive star in this one, driving in all four of the Sox runs while the only run Darwin allowed was a home run by Mike Aldrete. The Sox bullpen held the A's scoreless the rest of the way as the Sox knocked off the A's 4-1 at Oakland Coliseum.

                                                       Lorna Luft approves of the win

Van Poppel got the ball in the top of the first inning as Otis Nixon grounded out to short to start. Billy Hatcher struck out swinging and Mike Greenwell grounded out to second to end the inning. Darwin got the ball in the bottom of the first as Stan Javier flied out to center to begin. Hatcher dropped a pop up by Mike Aldrete for an error and Aldrete moved to third on a grounder to second by Troy Neel. Geronimo Berroa struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as Mo Vaughn walked to start. Andre Dawson doubled to center and Scott Cooper doubled to left to score both runners. Tim Naehring struck out swinging, Damon Berryhill took strike three and John Valentin popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                              Cooper drives in a pair

Ruben Sierra flied out to center to start the bottom of the second and Terry Steinbach also flied out to center. Mike Brumley struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the third as Nixon singled to left to start. Nixon stole second and Hatcher walked before Greenwell took strike three. Vaughn got a base hit to right but Nixon stopped and had to turn back to third, causing Naehring to go back to second. Vaughn got thrown out at first on the play. Dawson grounded out to third to end the inning. Scott Brosius grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the third and Mike Bordick flied out to center. Javier grounded out to second to end the inning.

Cooper grounded out to second to start the top of the fourth before Naehring flied out to right. Berryhill popped up to short to end the inning. The A's struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Aldtrete hit a home run all the home run to South Carolina to cut the lead. Neel flied out to left, Berroa watched strike three go by and Sierra hit a double to left....but was thrown out at third trying to stretch a triple to end the inning with the A's down 2-1.

                                                                 Aldrete tags Darwin

Valentin flied out to right to start the top of the fifth before Nixon grounded out to short. Hatcher flied out to left to end the inning. Steinbach singled to center to start the bottom of the fifth but Brumley struck out swinging. Brosius went down hacking but Bordick caught Cooper asleep with a bunt single. Javier flied out to right to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the sixth as Greenwell popped up to third to start. Vaughn singled to center but Dawson popped up to short. Cooper struck his sixth home run of the season to double the lead. Naehring was hit with a pitch but Berryhill struck out swinging. Valentin popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                       Another home run by Cooper

Aldrete was frozen for strike three to start the bottom of the sixth before Neel doubled to right. Berroa flied out to right and Sierra lined out to center to end the inning. 

Valentin popped up to second to begin the top of the seventh before Nixon flied out to center. Hatcher also flied out to center to end the inning. Steinbach flied out to center to start the bottom of the seventh before Brumley struck out swinging. Brosius got a base hit to center and Bordick got a base hit to right to chase Darwin. Danny did well, allowing just 1 run in 6 2/3 innings off 7 hits. Ken Ryan came in and got Javier to fly out to center to end the inning.

                                                               Good work Darwin

Vince Horsman came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Greenwell flied out to center to start. Vaughn struck out swinging but Dawson singled to center. Bob Zupcic pinch ran for Dawson and was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning. Lee Tinsley came in to play right with Tony Fossas now on the mound to start the bottom of the eighth. A's manager Tony La Russa pinch hit Ricky Henderson for Aldrete but he took strike three. Neel singled to right to chase Fossas. Greg Harris came in and Berroa singled to right, but Sierra grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Junior Noboa came in for Henderson with old buddy Dennis Eckersley now on the mound for the top of the ninth. Cooper grounded out to first before Naehring grounded out to short. Berryhill grounded out to first to end the inning. Jeff Russell came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Steinbach grounded out to second to start. Brumley walked then took second on defensive indifference. Brosius flied out to center but Bordick walked. Javier walked to load the bases and Mark McGwire pinch hit for Noboa. McGwire struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-1.

Hero of The Night is Scott Cooper. He drove in all four of the Sox runs including a two run home run.

                                                                   Hero Cooper

The Good:

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Andre Dawson was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Danny Darwin tossed 6 2/3 innings of 1 run ball to earn the win. He allowed 7 hits and struck out 7.

Ken Ryan got the final out of the seventh inning.

Tony Fossas got the first out of the eighth inning.

Greg Harris got the final two outs of the eighth inning.

Jeff Russell earned his 8th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Bob Zupcic got thrown out at second trying to steal as a pinch runner.

Mike Greenwell was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Damon Berryhill was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

John Valentin was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was just 1 for 4 but stole a base.

Billy Hatcher was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and an error but walked.

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

Honorable Mention:

Lee Tinsley played right field in the final innings.

Final Thoughts:

Turns out the old pro's aren't washed up yet. Frank Viola pitched a shutout yesterday and Darwin allowed just 1 run in this one. The Sox bats have somewhat cooled off since their hot streak last week but the pitching has held up big time. The lefty/righty combo with Fossas and Harris is working and Russell had one bad game this month, otherwise he's been fine. Cooper made the all-star team last year and so far he's trying to do it again with six home runs already. If it wasn't for the equally red hot New York Yankees, the Sox would be leaving April with a commanding lead in the AL East. As it is, they just have to keep on winning. The Sox look to continue their winning ways in Anaheim as they travel there to play a three game set with the California Angels. Aaron Sele (2-0) gets the start for the Sox against Phil Leftwich of the Angels. The game begins tomorrow night at 10:00 PM at Anaheim Stadium.

Viola Outduels Darling, Sox Win (4/27/94)

It was good news all around as the Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens in Game 6 of their first round NHL playoff series and the Boston Red Sox defeated the Oakland A's. 13 years ago in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Ron Darling of Yale University tossed 11 no-hit innings but lost in 12 innings to St. John's University. The opposing pitcher? Frank Viola (1-1, 4.45) took the mound for St. John's. 13 years later the two old horses hooked up one more time with a similar final score. Darling pitched a complete game 5 hitter allowing just 1 run in a brilliant start....and lost. Viola stepped up with 6 shutout innings but needed help from the bullpen. Scott Bankhead pitched two scoreless innings and Jeff Russell slammed the door in the ninth inning. Scott Cooper scored the only run of the game for Boston as they defeated the A's 1-0 at Oakland Coliseum.

                                                      The Bruins approve of the win

Darling got the ball in the top of the first inning and Otis Nixon flied out to center to start. Billy Hatcher took strike three and Mike Greenwell flied out to right to end the inning. Viola got the ball in the bottom of the first and Stan Javier flied out to right to start. Mike Bordick popped up to right and Geronimo Berroa struck out swinging to end the inning.

Andre Dawson popped up to second to start the top of the second and Mo Vaughn flied out to left. Tim Naehring lined out to left to end the inning. Ruben Sierra walked to start the bottom of the second before Troy Neel grounded into a double play. Terry Steinbach walked but Scott Brosius popped up to second to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the third as Scott Cooper got a base hit to left to start. John Valentin took strike three but Dave Valle was hit with a pitch. Nixon walked to load the bases and Hatcher grounded out to third, but Cooper scored to put the Sox ahead. Greenwell grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                          Hatcher drives in a run

Junior Noboa grounded out to third to begin the bottom of the third and Scott Hemond flied out to left. Javier walked and Bordick popped up to short to end the inning. 

Dawson grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth but Vaughn drew a walk. Naehring grounded into a double play to end the inning. Berroa walked to start the bottom of the fourth and Sierra popped up to first. Neel doubled to center and Steinbach hit a ball to right, Hatcher throwing out Berroa at the plate to end the inning.

Cooper singled to right to start the top of the fifth before Valentin lined out to center. Valle took strike three but Nixon singled to right. Hatcher flied out to center to end the inning. Brosius grounded out to third to start the bottom of the fifth before Noboa got a base hit to left. Hemond grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Greenwell popped up to short to open the top of the sixth and Dawson grounded out to short. Vaughn whiffed to end the inning. Viola came back for one final inning in the bottom of the sixth and Javier walked to start. Bordick grounded into a double play and Berroa lined out to short to end the inning. Viola tossed six shutout innings allowing 2 hits and 5 walks.

                                                               Good work Frank

Naehring singled to center to start the top of the seventh but Cooper flied out to left. Valentin grounded into a double play to end the inning. Scott Bankhead came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Sierra struck out swinging to begin. Neel flied out to center and Steinbach flied out to right to end the inning.

Valle struck out swinging to start the top of the eighth and Nixon flied out to left. Hatcher grounded out to short to end the inning. Mike Brumley pinch hit for Brosius to start the bottom of the eighth and popped up to short to start. Noboa struck out swinging and Hemond flied out to right to end the inning.

Greenwell beat out a roller to short to start the top of the ninth and promptly stole second. Dawson took strike three and Vaughn was intentionally walked to get to Naehring. Tim grounded into a double play to end the inning. Jeff Russell came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Javier grounded out to third to start. Mike Aldrete pinch hit for Bordick and walked, but Berroa flied out to left. John Briscoe pinch ran for Aldrete but Sierra flied out to center to end the game. The Sox had won it 1-0.

Hero of The Night is Frank Viola. He held the A's scoreless for six innings to earn the win. He allowed 2 hits and 5 walks.

                                                                 Hero Viola

The Good:

Otis Nixon was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Mo Vaughn walked twice in four plate appearances.

Scott Cooper was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Scott Bankhead tossed two scoreless innings.

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

The Bad:

Andre Dawson was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

John Valentin was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Billy Hatcher was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in the only run.

Mike Greenwell was just 1 for 4 but stole a base.

Tim Naehring was just 1 for 4.

Dave Valle was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch.

Final Thoughts:

The bats didn't really do much in this one but Viola and the bullpen bailed them out this time. That was one of Darling's best games he ever pitched and the Sox survived. The Sox are slumping a bit offensively in the last week but they were on a hot streak for a while. Still, the pitching has held up with a big win by Viola in the rematch of the 81 NCAA playoff game. Scott Bankhead is having a hell of an April and Russell was solid again. Cooper got a couple of hits and that's about it for highlights for this one. The Sox are winning games with offense and pitching this month and hopefully this will continue throughout the season. Relying on aging starters is a big risk but so far it has been working. The Sox look to make it two in a row against Oakland tomorrow afternoon when Danny Darwin (2-1) goes for Boston against Todd Van Poppel of the A's. The game begins at 4:00 PM Eastern time at Oakland Coliseum.

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.

Royals Walkoff Red Sox (4/13/94)

For eight innings it looked like the Boston Red Sox were headed for their seventh victory in nine games and a three game sweep of the Kansas City Royals. Aaron Sele had tossed a seven inning gem allowing no runs while an Andre Dawson sac fly scored Mike Greenwell. The Sox blew a chance for another run in the top of the ninth and then came the fateful bottom of the ninth. Jeff Russell (0-1, 10.80 ERA) got the first out but John Valentin threw a grounder by Dave Henderson away and Bob Hamelin hit a backbreaking two run home run to win the game. The Royals stole one 2-1 at Kauffman Stadium.

                                                       Barnaby hates blown saves

Tom Gordon got the start for Kansas City in the top of the first and Otis Nixon grounded out to short to start. Billy Hatcher grounded out to short and Mike Greenwell flied out to left to end the inning. Sele got the ball in the bottom of the first and Vince Coleman grounded out to second to start. Brian McRae grounded out to third and Wally Joyner singled to center. Dave Henderson forced Joyner at second to end the inning.

Mo Vaughn grounded out to first to start the top of the second but Andre Dawson drew a walk. Tim Naehring flied out to right but Dawson stole second. Scott Cooper took strike three to end the inning. Bob Hamelin grounded out to first to start the bottom of the second before Cooper threw a ball by Gary Gaetti away for an error. Brent Mayne grounded into a double play to end the inning.

John Valentin struck out swinging to start the top of the third before Dave Valle grounded out to third. Nixon singled to left but was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning. Jose Lind grounded out to third to start the bottom of the third before David Howard caught Vaughn asleep with a bunt single. Coleman forced Howard at second but McRae grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the fourth as Hatcher grounded out to second to start. Greenwell doubled to center then Vaughn swung and missed for strike three....only for the ball to get away, allowing Mo to reach first. Greenwell took third on the passed ball and scored on the Dawson sac fly to put the Sox on top. Naehring flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                                Dawson drives in a run

Joyner walked to begin the bottom of the fourth before Henderson flied out to right. Joyner was thrown out trying to steal second and Hamelin grounded out to second to end the inning.

Cooper took strike three to start the top of the fifth before Valentin lined out to short. Valle grounded out to third to end the inning. Gaetti struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth but Mayne singled to left. Lind forced Mayne at second and Howard flied out to center to end the inning.

Nixon grounded back to the mound to begin the top of the sixth before Hatcher walked. Greenwell took strike three but Hatcher stole second. Vaughn struck out swinging to end the inning. Coleman grounded out to short to begin the bottom of the sixth but McRae walked. Joyner flied out to right and Henderson popped up to second to end the inning.

Dawson flied out to left to start the top of the seventh but Naehring singled to center. Naehring moved to second on a grounder to first by Cooper and Valentin grounded out to third to end the inning. Hamelin walked to start the bottom of the seventh but Gaetti grounded into a double play. Mayne struck out swinging to end the inning.

Valle walked to open the top of the eighth but Nixon struck out swinging. Hatcher forced Valle at second and that was it for Gordon. Billy Brewer came in to face Greenwell and Mike grounded out to second to end the inning. Hubie Brooks pinch hit for Lind to start the bottom of the eighth and struck out swinging to start. Mike Macfarlane pinch hit for Howard and got a base hit to left. Greg Gagne pinch ran for Macfarlane and that was it for Sele. He pitched a gem, allowing no runs in 7 1/3 innings. Greg Harris came in to pitch and Coleman popped up to second. McRae struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                               Good work Sele

Terry Shumpert took over at second for the top of the ninth and Vaughn walked to start. Dawson flied out to right and two straight wild pitches moved Vaughn to third. With a chance for an insurance run....Naehring lined out to short and Cooper grounded out to second to end the inning. Sox manager Butch Hobson started the bottom of the ninth with lefty Tony Fossas in to face Joyner. Wally grounded out to second and Hobson then went to the closer Jeff Russell. Henderson hit a routine grounder to Valentin....who threw the ball away for an error. Naturally Hamelin hit a home run all the way to Neptune to win the game. The Royals had walked off the Sox 2-1.

                                                                  Royals win

Jackass of the Night is Jeff Russell. The error didn't help but Jeff allowed the two run home run to lose the game.

                                                                Jackass Russell

The Good:

Aaron Sele pitched great, tossing 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball allowing four hits and 3 walks while striking out three.

Greg Harris got the final two outs of the eighth inning.

Tony Fossas got the first out of the ninth inning.

The Bad:

Scott Cooper was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts and an error.

John Valentin was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and an error.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Billy Hatcher was 0 for 3 but walked and stole a base.

Mike Greenwell was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Mo Vaughn was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked.

Andre Dawson was 0 for 2 but walked, stole a base and drove in a run.

Tim Naehring was just 1 for 4.

Dave Valle was 0 for 2 but walked.

Final Thoughts:

Hopefully by the end of the season this game doesn't come back to haunt the Red Sox. They have been playing well to start the season and were two outs away from a sweep of Kansas City and then this happens. Valentin's error was big but Russell can't give up a big fly in that situation. Still, the problem all game was the offense failing to score runs apart from the one they scratched out against Gordon. Cooper and Valentin had bad games but they'll bounce back another day, its a shame things ended the way they did. Hats off to Aaron Sele who pitched a gem, just deserved a win for his effort. Harris and Fossas did his job but Russell didn't. Oh well, hopefully the Sox can shake this one off and not turn it into a losing streak. After an off day, the Sox now come home to take on the Chicago White Sox with Roger Clemens looking for his first win of the season. Roger is set to take on Alex Fernandez of the White Sox on Friday night at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Deck Royals in 10 Innings (4/11/94)

What an ending to tonight's game between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals. The Sox and Royals battled to a 2-2 tie through seven innings when the Sox rallied against Hipolito Pichardo and Mike Magnante for three runs in the top of the eighth. In the bottom of the ninth, the Royals rallied against closer Jeff Russell for two runs before Paul Quantrill allowed a game tying double to Brian McRae. In the top of the tenth, Otis Nixon and Tim Naehring both tripled and the Sox scored three runs to take a commanding lead. Quantrill returned to slam the door in the bottom of the tenth and the Sox had won it 8-5 in 10 innings at Kauffman Stadium

                                          Lawler "Sox blew the lead"  Luger "Still won"

The Sox wasted no time getting to Royals starter Mark Gubicza in the top of the first inning as Otis Nixon struck out swinging to start. Billy Hatcher singled to left and stole second but Mike Greenwell flied out to center. Mo Vaughn doubled to right to score Nixon with the game's first run. Andre Dawson flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                                  Vaughn drives in a run

The Royals answered against Boston starter Frank Viola in the bottom of the first as Vince Coleman caught everyone asleep with a bunt single. Coleman stole second but Wally Joyner popped up the bunt to Dave Valle. Brian McRae singled to center to score Coleman to tie the game but Mike Macfarlane popped up to second. Gary Gaetti flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                                 McRae ties it up

The Sox struck again in the top of the second as Tim Naehring doubled to left to start. Nahering reached third on the Scott Cooper single to right and John Valentin ripped a base hit to center to score Tim. Dave Valle banged into a double play and Nixon lined out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-1.

                                                                   Valentin drives in a run

Hubie Brooks took strike three to start the bottom of the second before old pal Dave Henderson grounded out to short. Jose Lind walked but David Howard popped up to first in foul territory to end the inning.

Hatcher popped up to second to start the top of the third before Greenwell grounded back to the mound. Vaughn grounded out to first to end the inning. Coleman grounded out to third to start the bottom of the third before Joyner flied out to center. McRae grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Dawson grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth before Naehring grounded back to the mound. Cooper flied out to right to end the inning. Macfarlane popped up to second to start the bottom of the fourth and Gaetti grounded out to short. Brooks flied out to center to end the inning.

Valentin doubled to left to start the top of the fifth before taking third on a wild pitch. Valentin got doubled off third on a liner to short by Valle and Nixon flied out to left to end the inning. The Royals tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Henderson doubled to center to start. Dave moved to third on the Lind grounder to first and Howard scored Henderson with a sac fly to right. Coleman singled to left and stole second, but Joyner flied out to right to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                                Henderson scores

Hatcher flied out to right to start the top of the sixth before Greenwell grounded out to first. Vaughn struck out swinging to end the inning. McRae grounded out to second to start the bottom of the sixth but Macfarlane struck out swinging. Gaetti grounded out to second to end the inning.

Hipolito Pichardo came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Dawson popped up to second to start. Naehring lined out to first and Cooper grounded out to short to end the inning. Brooks grounded out to short to start the bottom of the seventh before Henderson flied out to right. Lind tripled into the right field corner and Howard walked to chase Viola. Frank hung in there to toss 6 2/3 innings of 2 run ball while allowing5 hits and two walks. Scott Bankhead came in and got Coleman to pop up to short to end the inning.

                                                                     Viola pitched well

The Sox rallied in the top of the eighth as Valentin singled to center to start. Valle hit a routine grounder to Gaetti who booted it for an error to move Valentin to third. Nixon hit a sac fly to left to score John and Hatcher singled to right to chase Pichardo. Mike Magnante came in and Lee Tinsley pinch ran for Valle. Greenwell singled to right to load the bases and Vaughn singled to left to score Tinsley and Hatcher. Greenwell moved to third on the play and Dawson struck out swinging. Vaughn stole second but Naehring flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-2.

                                                                      Nixon with a sac fly

Greg Harris took over on the mound with Damon Berryhill behind the plate to start the bottom of the eighth. Joyner grounded out to second but McRae walked. Macfarlane walked but Gaetti beat out a double play ball. Brooks popped up to first to end the inning.

Cooper flied out to left to start the top of the ninth but Valentin popped up to second. Berryhill grounded out to third to end the inning. Jeff Russell came in to close out the bottom of the ninth but Henderson doubled to right to start. Lind singled to right and the ball went under Hatcher's glove to score Dave, moving Jose all the way to third. Howard struck out swinging but Coleman doubled to left to score Lind. Sox manager Butch Hobson had enough of Russell and brought in Tony Fossas to face Joyner. Fossas did strike Wally out but Hobson brought in Paul Quantrill to face McRae. This time Brian doubled to left to score Coleman with the tying run. Macfarlane grounded out to third to end the inning with the game tied 5-5.

                                                           Russell couldn't get it done

The Sox took their frustrations out on Magnante in the top of the 10th as Nixon tripled to right to start the inning. Hatcher scored Nixon with a sac fly to give the Sox the lead back. Greenwell singled to center and moved to second on the grounder to first by Vaughn. Dawson was intentionally walked and Scott Fletcher came in to run for him. Naehring stepped up with another triple to right to clear the bases. Cooper and Valentin both walked to load the bases but Berryhill force Valentin at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 8-5.

                                                           Naehring with a big triple

Quantrill came back for the bottom of the tenth and Gaetti grounded out to short to start. Brooks grounded out to first and Henderson flied out to center to end the game. The Sox had won it 8-5 in 10 innings.

Hero of the Night is Otis Nixon. His leadoff triple and run scored in the top of the tenth was all the Sox needed to win in extras.

                                                                Hero Nixon

The Good:

Billy Hatcher was 2 for 4 with an rbi, stolen base and 2 runs scored.

Mike Greenwell was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 5 with 3 rbis and a stolen base.

Scott Fletcher scored a run as a pinch runner.

Tim Naehring was 2 for 5 with 2 rbis and a run scored.

John Valentin was 3 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.

Lee Tinsley scored a run as a pinch runner.

Frank Viola allowed just 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed 5 hits and 2 walks.

Scott Bankhead retired the only man he faced.

Greg Harris pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Tony Fossas retired the only man he faced.

The Bad:

Dave Valle was 0 for 3.

Damon Berryhill was 0 for 2.

Jeff Russell blew the save in the ninth by getting charged with 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Andre Dawson was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but walked.

Scott Cooper was just 1 for 4 but walked.

Paul Quantrill allowed the game tying run to score but slammed the door in the 10th inning for the win.

Final Thoughts:

Blowing a 3 run lead in the ninth sucks but a win is a win. Jeff Russell getting pounded put Paul Quantril in an impossible situation but he redeemed it all in the tenth. Hats off to the Sox for not losing focus despite Russell's meltdown. Viola pitched a good game while he was there but the offense is starting to gel. Valentin, Naehring, Cooper and Vaughn are all 26-27 while Nixon, Hatcher and Greenwell look to still have gas left in the tank. The Sox do have a catcher in the minors named Scott Hatteberg but he's going to need time to develop. Hopefully the pitching can match the offense as the season goes on. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Royals tomorrow night when Danny Darwin (2-0) takes on Kevin Appier of Kansas City. The game begins at 8:05 PM Eastern time at Kauffman Stadium.

Naehring, Sox Rally Past Chicago (4/8/94)

Everything's coming up Boston Red Sox so far this season. The Sox have won their fourth straight game to start the season and their latest victims were the Chicago White Sox. BoSox starter Aaron Sele only lasted 5 innings but allowed just 1 run. The BoSox bolted out to a 4-0 lead before the White Sox rallied for 6 unanswered runs including a 3 run homer by Julio Franco. Down 6-4 with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth, Tim Naehring cleared the bases and scored on an error for a little league home run to give the BoSox the lead. Tony Fossas, Scott Bankhead and Jeff Russell slammed the door in the later innings and the BoSox stunned the White Sox 8-6 at Commiskey Park.

                                                        Ron McGovney approves of the win

The BoSox wasted no time getting to Chicago starter Jason Bere in the top of the first inning. Otis Nixon walked and immediately stole second. Billy Hatcher hit a routine grounder to short and Ozzie Guillen airmailed Frank Thomas at first to score Nixon on the error, Hatcher taking third. Mike Greenwell grounded out to second to score Hatcher and Mo Vaughn singled to center. Andre Dawson forced Vaughn at second and Tim Naehring flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                                Nixon scores a run

Sele got the ball in the bottom of the first and Tim Raines singled to center to start. Joey Cora popped up to short and Frank Thomas forced Raines at second. Julio Franco grounded out to short to end the inning.

Scott Cooper grounded out to second to start the top of the second and John Valentin doubled to center. Dave Valle lined out to third and Nixon grounded out to second to end the inning. Robin Ventura struck out swinging to open the bottom of the second before Darrin Jackson singled to center. Lance Johnson popped up to third but Ron Karkovice singled to left. Guillen grounded out to second to end the inning.

Hatcher flied out to left to start the top of the third before Greenwell walked. Vaughn banged into a double play to end the inning. Raines took strike three to start the bottom of the third but Cora walked. Thomas walked but Franco struck out swinging. Ventura took strike three to end the inning.

Dawson lined out to short to open the top of the fourth but Naehring drew a walk. Naehring was thrown out at second trying to steal and Cooper took strike three to end the inning. Sele got Jackson to ground out to short to start the bottom of the fourth and Johnson popped up to left in foul territory. Karkovice walked but Guillen lined out to left to end the inning/

The BoSox struck again in the top of the fifth as Vallentin and Valle dropped back to back base hits to start. Nixon dropped down a bunt to move the runners over and Hatcher scored Valentin with a sac fly. Greenwell blooped a single to right to score Valle and increase the lead, but Vaughn watched strike three go by to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-0.

                                                      Greenwell drives in a run

The White Sox struck back in the bottom of the fifth as Raines hit a home run all the way to Wrigley Field to start. Cora singled to left but Thomas struck out swinging. Franco hit into a double play to end the inning with the White Sox down 4-1. Sox manager Butch Hobson felt at 97 pitches, Sele had done enough and Aaron did well, allowing just 1 run in 5 innings.

                                                        Good work Sele

Jose DeLeon came in to pitch the top of the sixth inning and Dawson popped up to first to start. Naehring struck out swinging and Cooper took strike three to end the inning. Hobson brought in Paul Quantrill to pitch the bottom of the sixth and he immediately served up a home run to Mercury by Ventura to cut the lead. Jackson flied out to center, Johnson popped up to short and Karkovice flied out to center to end the inning but the White Sox were down 4-2.

                                                            Ventura goes yard

Valentin flied out to left to start the top of the seventh before Valle grounded out to third. Nixon took strike three to end the inning. The wheels fell off in the bottom of the seventh although Guillen grounded out to short to start. Raines then smashed his second home run of the game to chase Quantrill. Ricky Trilicek came in and Cora singled to right. Thomas walked but Franco hit a home run all the way to Montreal, Canada to give the White Sox the lead. Ventura singled to left and Jackson flied out to center to chase Trilicek. Tony Fossas got Johnson to hit a routine grounder to Cooper....booted for an error. Karkovice grounded into a force to end the inning as the White Sox went from down 4-2 to up 6-4.

                                                           Franco puts Chicago on top

The BoSox rallied in the top of the eighth as Hatcher singled to right to chase DeLeon to start. Paul Assenmacher came in and Greenwell singled to center. Vaughn singled to right to load the bases and chase Assenmacher. Kirk McCaskill came in and got Dawson to pop up to second. Naehring then hit a bullet into the gap to right. Hatcher and Greenwell scored easily and the ball got away from Karkovice. Vaughn scored and Naehring scored on the error for a little league home run to put the BoSox back on top. Cooper flied out to center and Valentin took strike three to end the inning with Boston ahead 8-6.

                                                      Naehring comes up big

Guillen singled to right to start the bottom of the eighth but Raines popped up to short. Cora flied out to center and that was it for Fossas. Scott Bankhead came in to pitch to Thomas and Frank grounded into a force to end the inning.

Valle took strike three to start the top of the ninth but Cora threw a grounder by Nixon away for an error. Nixon was thrown out trying to steal and Hatcher struck out swinging to end the inning. Jeff Russell came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Franco grounded out to second to start. Ventura flied out to center and Jackson popped up to second to end the game. The BoSox had won it 8-6.

Hero of the Night is Tim Naehring. He ripped the game winning 3 run double to put Boston up for good.

                                                                Naehring the Hero

The Good:

Mike Greenwell was 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.

Mo Vaughn was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

John Valentin was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Aaron Sele tossed 5 innings of 1 run ball.

Tony Fossas tossed a full scoreless innings to get the win.

Scott Bankhead retired the only man he faced.

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

The Bad:

Andre Dawson was 0 for 4.

Scott Cooper was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Paul Quantrill was charged with 2 runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Ricky Trilicek allowed the 3 run homer to Franco.

The Ugly:

Otis Nixon was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked, stole a base and scored a run.

Billy Hatcher was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run and scored two runs.

Dave Valle was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

That was another good come from behind win but there are warts starting to develop. The offense has been fine but the pitching hasn't been there so far. Aaron Sele looked good but could go only 5 innings which led to the White Sox making their comeback. Jeff Russell is as good as any closer in the league but getting to him is going to be tricky this season. The Sox starters should be able to get on track as the season progresses so any time the BoSox can steal a win, it'll be beneficial down the road. Winning four straight games to start the season is fun and its almost the opposite of last year. Last April the Sox got some outstanding starting pitching but not much offense, this year its the other way around. Still a win is a win whether its 3-0 or 9-8 and this was four in a row. Boston looks to make it five in a row and two straight over Chicago tomorrow when Roger Clemens looks to rebound from his Opening Day dud against Jack McDowell of the ChiSox. The game begins at 3:30 PM at Commiskey Park.