Well, yesterday's series finale was, like its three predecessors, won by the Sox. The final score was 6-1 and, as in game three, the Hose gave some early hope to the 'Stros that this was to be their day. However, as my father used to say, "Live in hope. Die in despair." The Astros certainly did that. After falling behind one zip, the hose began their takeover of the game in their half of the inning, tying it and leaving another three runners on base as they were closed out for the moment with sacks jammed. However, as things wore on, the Sox demonstrated it was just a matter of time. Papi picked up another two ribbies, and now has 11 in the eight games he's played in since coming off the DL. He's also in the midst of a 20 game hitting streak, going back to last year. His two hits yesterday took care of that extension. Of the 11 hits the Sox accumulated, five were for extra bases, four of them two-baggers and the fifth a triple by Drew. The attack was fairly well spread through the lineup with Nava, Papi and Carp each getting a pair of hits, and only two in the lineup going for the collar for the day.
As for pitching, the game marked the second return from injury this year for Lackey. After missing all of last season for Tommy John surgery, he left his first start due to bicep pain and went straight to the DL. Yesterday, he looked like what the Hose have been hoping for for the past couple of years. In six innings, he allowed just five scattered hits, a lone first inning run and struck out four. He did get the W. The pen did its part to keep things calm, allowing just a pair of hits over the final three innings and no runs at all.
One other significant item comes from yesterday's game as well. The team tied the club record for wins in April at 18 and has one game remaining in the month to break it. They're off today and playing north of the border tomorrow against the Jays in their attempt to break the record.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Another Glide Through the Astros
Well, last night's game was more or less a repeat of Thursday's. Sox won, 7-3, backing new staff member Dempster's first Sox W. Boy, did they back it! Seventeen hits (not a misprint), including a pair of homers by Ross and Papi's second to dead center in two games (like the previous one, this was out of there as soon as it left the bat). Dempster also picked another 10 K's in his 6 2/3 innings and the pen was solid enough to hold onto the win. Jake got a hit, and immediately added his 11th swipe of the year, still the leader in all of MLB. Speaking of MLB leaders, Nap added to his leads in both doubles and ribbies, once again making his presence strongly felt. The game went along with the Hose leading early, 5-1, then, after the 'Stros picked up a couple of runs, Papi reminded them whose town it was in the most emphatic way, his shot to center landing solidly in the cheaps. The Sox later added one more run for the hell of it and stayed home the winner.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Sox Astroglide Houston
I know about the middle of the title above. But the Sox dismantling tonight of the 'Stros was that smooth and easy. Scoring in the 1st, 3d and 5th innings, the game was essentially over at the end of the 1st. The number of runs wasn't huge, but the clear effect of the Sox 1st inning barrage was just as overwhelming for the Astros. Eight Sox players came to the plate, five reached (four on hits) and the score was four-zip, Sox before the 2d inning began. Included along the way was the fifth steal of the year by the Dustman, and the first of 3 hits by Papi. Although the 'Stros got one back in the top of the 2d, and another in the 3d, the Hose were not deterred. In their half of the 3d, they tacked on another run--Papi's first homer of the young season. This was a monster shot, landing deep in the cheaps in dead center. It was a true no-doubter--gone the second it left Papi's bat. Houston wasn't scoring any more in the game, but the Sox were not done yet. Skip forward a couple of innings and they added their final pair of runs. First Papi picked up his third knock in three at bats, followed by a hit by Carp. After that Salty drove home Papi with another hit and he was followed by an RBI double from Middlebrooks. Seven-two, Sox. Will is starting to show signs of his burst on his call up from last year, and if he gets really going, added into the rest of the Sox offense, it may be a very interesting offensive year in the Fens.
Papi ended up 3-4 with a pair of ribbies, including the aforementioned HR. Nap got his 11th two-bagger, top of the league, while both Carp and Salty each had a pair of hits. Of 11 Sox hits on the evening, five were for extra bases.
Defensively, Bucky's ERA rose a bit, but 1.19 is still pretty damn fancy, and he added another ten K's to his record for the year. He also leads the league in won-lost at 5-0. ESPN, in tonight's MLB show, revealed that of all Boston starters going back to 1917 with a 5-0 start, from Babe Ruth, Bucky has the best ERA of the four pitchers who are in that group. The babe was 2.20, and even Pedro, who was the only other one under 2.00, was higher than Bucky. Pretty good company to be mixing with. The pen covered the final inning and a third without giving up anything more than a single in the 9th off of the newly returned Bard. Bard looked more or less like the old Bard (pre-2012) and recorded his first K in the process.
Tomorrow's another game against the Astros, the second of four, and we would hope that the Sox would do more of the same to them that they did tonight.
Papi ended up 3-4 with a pair of ribbies, including the aforementioned HR. Nap got his 11th two-bagger, top of the league, while both Carp and Salty each had a pair of hits. Of 11 Sox hits on the evening, five were for extra bases.
Defensively, Bucky's ERA rose a bit, but 1.19 is still pretty damn fancy, and he added another ten K's to his record for the year. He also leads the league in won-lost at 5-0. ESPN, in tonight's MLB show, revealed that of all Boston starters going back to 1917 with a 5-0 start, from Babe Ruth, Bucky has the best ERA of the four pitchers who are in that group. The babe was 2.20, and even Pedro, who was the only other one under 2.00, was higher than Bucky. Pretty good company to be mixing with. The pen covered the final inning and a third without giving up anything more than a single in the 9th off of the newly returned Bard. Bard looked more or less like the old Bard (pre-2012) and recorded his first K in the process.
Tomorrow's another game against the Astros, the second of four, and we would hope that the Sox would do more of the same to them that they did tonight.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Another Series for the Sox
Well, since I posted after the Sox win over the A's a couple of days ago, the Hose have played the remaining pair with the A's, and won the series. Yesterday's game, played in an increasingly wet mist/drizzle/rain, is best forgotten. Getting just 3 hits over the seven innings before the game was called, the Sox got roasted 13 zip. Starting with a six spot in the 4th, things got progressively worse for the Hose. Aceves gave up the first 8 of the 13 runs, and, in recognition of that, was optioned today to the Pawsox. In his place Daniel Bard has returned to the Hub, hopefully looking more like the Bard of old than the Bard of 2012.
Which brings us to today's series finale. Lester was going for the Sox, and things figured to be better than yesterday. However, the portsider lasted just 5 2/3 innings, as he was good enough to win, which he did, now at 4-0, but not really equal to his previous four starts. He gave up 6 hits, one a 3 run shot that opened the scoring in the A's 4th, and an equal number of free passes. The combo left him with a game WHIP of over 2, never a good sign. He did pick up five K's, and his ERA is still a great 2.27 even after tonight's three earned runs. Fortunately, the Hos didn't wait long to turn things around. In their half of the same inning, they matched the A's three spot with one of their own. This began with Papi and Nap getting back-to-back two baggers, followed by a walk to Gomes and then capped by Middlebrooks clearing the bases with a triple. Not being satisfied leaving things there, the Hose continued their onslaught in the very next inning, adding another three runs to the total. Sending nine to the plate, Jake led off with an infield hit, immediately swiping 2d for his 10th steal of the year. Now in scoring position, he put the Sox in the lead on Victorino's two base hit. But it wasn't over yet. The Dustman and Papi each got singles, scoring Victorino, and still no outs. Nap strode to the dish and was promptly hit by a pitch for his troubles. Danny Nava pinch hit for Gomes and brought in the Dustman, making it 6-3, Sox, and still no outs, and the sacks jammed. The only discomfort with all of this was what more might have been except for the next three Sox batters going down in order. From there on, it was mostly a game of attrition (how's that for a word in a sports blog?), as the Sox didn't score again in the game and the Green and Gold hung up two more runs to draw to 6-5, Sox, and making it interesting or uncomfortable, depending, of course, on which side of the diamond your seats were. The near untouchable pen gave a little as the evening wore on, but, in the end got out with the W. Both Tazawa and Uehara gave up single runs, the latter being Young's second homer of the day. He personally accounted for four of the A's five runs. However, when it counted, the pen finally shut things down. Bailey, he formerly of the A's, took over in the 9th and struck out the side. Game over, and with it any delusions the A's may have had about taking the series. This is the only series vs the A's all season at the Fens, and the Sox only visit Oakland once all year as well. Got my tix already in hand. Other than not being Fenway (what other place could be?), going to watch the Sox play in Oakland is very much like being at a Sox home game. The Sox fans who pour out of the woodwork seriously outnumber the local Oakland fans, and simply drown them out with the cheers. So, it's a good atmosphere for all of us who are transplanted members of Red Sox Nation.
Final notes on tonight: Sox had fully half of their ten hits for extra bases, Dusty and Papi getting a pair apiece of that sawbuck. Papi has yet to homer since his return, but, as he notes, he's not quite 100% and doesn't want to push things and jeopardize a full recovery. He's staying within himself and taking what ever the opposing hurlers are giving him and staying satisfied for now with getting hits and driving in runs as he builds toward full Papi condition. When that's done, AL look out! Jake, as already noted, extended his league lead in steals, while Nap added a ribbie to his MLB lead in that category. So, I guess picking him up in the off season not only precluded his continuing to torment the Hose for the Rangers, but also has added some solid punch in the middle of the Bosox lineup to take it out on anyone the Hose play. Sox also picked up a game each against the Stripes and the O's, both of whom lost today.
Which brings us to today's series finale. Lester was going for the Sox, and things figured to be better than yesterday. However, the portsider lasted just 5 2/3 innings, as he was good enough to win, which he did, now at 4-0, but not really equal to his previous four starts. He gave up 6 hits, one a 3 run shot that opened the scoring in the A's 4th, and an equal number of free passes. The combo left him with a game WHIP of over 2, never a good sign. He did pick up five K's, and his ERA is still a great 2.27 even after tonight's three earned runs. Fortunately, the Hos didn't wait long to turn things around. In their half of the same inning, they matched the A's three spot with one of their own. This began with Papi and Nap getting back-to-back two baggers, followed by a walk to Gomes and then capped by Middlebrooks clearing the bases with a triple. Not being satisfied leaving things there, the Hose continued their onslaught in the very next inning, adding another three runs to the total. Sending nine to the plate, Jake led off with an infield hit, immediately swiping 2d for his 10th steal of the year. Now in scoring position, he put the Sox in the lead on Victorino's two base hit. But it wasn't over yet. The Dustman and Papi each got singles, scoring Victorino, and still no outs. Nap strode to the dish and was promptly hit by a pitch for his troubles. Danny Nava pinch hit for Gomes and brought in the Dustman, making it 6-3, Sox, and still no outs, and the sacks jammed. The only discomfort with all of this was what more might have been except for the next three Sox batters going down in order. From there on, it was mostly a game of attrition (how's that for a word in a sports blog?), as the Sox didn't score again in the game and the Green and Gold hung up two more runs to draw to 6-5, Sox, and making it interesting or uncomfortable, depending, of course, on which side of the diamond your seats were. The near untouchable pen gave a little as the evening wore on, but, in the end got out with the W. Both Tazawa and Uehara gave up single runs, the latter being Young's second homer of the day. He personally accounted for four of the A's five runs. However, when it counted, the pen finally shut things down. Bailey, he formerly of the A's, took over in the 9th and struck out the side. Game over, and with it any delusions the A's may have had about taking the series. This is the only series vs the A's all season at the Fens, and the Sox only visit Oakland once all year as well. Got my tix already in hand. Other than not being Fenway (what other place could be?), going to watch the Sox play in Oakland is very much like being at a Sox home game. The Sox fans who pour out of the woodwork seriously outnumber the local Oakland fans, and simply drown them out with the cheers. So, it's a good atmosphere for all of us who are transplanted members of Red Sox Nation.
Final notes on tonight: Sox had fully half of their ten hits for extra bases, Dusty and Papi getting a pair apiece of that sawbuck. Papi has yet to homer since his return, but, as he notes, he's not quite 100% and doesn't want to push things and jeopardize a full recovery. He's staying within himself and taking what ever the opposing hurlers are giving him and staying satisfied for now with getting hits and driving in runs as he builds toward full Papi condition. When that's done, AL look out! Jake, as already noted, extended his league lead in steals, while Nap added a ribbie to his MLB lead in that category. So, I guess picking him up in the off season not only precluded his continuing to torment the Hose for the Rangers, but also has added some solid punch in the middle of the Bosox lineup to take it out on anyone the Hose play. Sox also picked up a game each against the Stripes and the O's, both of whom lost today.
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Streak Ends--And a New one Begins
Well, since my last post, the Hose extended their win streak to seven with a bottom of the 8th 3 run blast by Danny Nava, aided by the live appearance of Neil Diamond to sing "Sweet Caroline", and then narrowly lost both ends of yesterday's twin-bill to the Royals. It was very emotional to see not only the Sox wearing the B Strong patch on their uni's, but to see also KC donning the same patch while it seemed every fan in the stands had a posterized copy. I can tell you, there's a computer printed version over my desk right now!
Tonight, they played host to the A's, one of last year's surprise teams--much of that surprise generated by former recent Sox players--Crisp, Reddick, and Moss, to whom Lowrie has been added. Trailing 2-1 in the 4th, the Sox took over the lead when Middlebrooks, who's been invisible since his three shot night vs the Jays, rifled one into the cheaps with two men aboard, making the score 4-2, Sox. After the A's got one of those back in their half of the next frame, the Sox basically put it out of reach in the bottom half. With ten players going to the plate and Napoli parking his shot deep to center with the sacks jammed, the Sox took off. Nap's shot was soon followed by Salty's double for an additional run, and the score was suddenly 9-3, Sox, and for all practical purposes, the game was over. True, the A's did make it interesting in the 8th, picking up a trey, two of those involving two of the previously mentioned ex-Sox, the outcome was never really in doubt after the Sox' five spot.
It took Nap a few games to get the hang of playing for the Sox instead of ruining them for the Rangers, but for the past week or two, he has been a monster. Tonight, he got ribbies 21-25, leaving him with the MLB lead in that category. These came on his slam and an early run producing two bagger. Other Sox heroes, names all recognizable for the Hose, included Papi (double and another RBI) and Jake (double and his league leading 9th swipe of the year). On the pitching side, although Doubront was a it wild (a pair of WP's), he was solid enough to win, particularly with continued strong support from the Sox pen. Wilson, Tazawa and Bailey all had hitless stints, Tazawa's being perfect. Bailey ended up with his foutrth save and these three now have ERA's, respectively of nothing. 0.93, and 1.74. Pretty impressive by any standard.
Tonight, they played host to the A's, one of last year's surprise teams--much of that surprise generated by former recent Sox players--Crisp, Reddick, and Moss, to whom Lowrie has been added. Trailing 2-1 in the 4th, the Sox took over the lead when Middlebrooks, who's been invisible since his three shot night vs the Jays, rifled one into the cheaps with two men aboard, making the score 4-2, Sox. After the A's got one of those back in their half of the next frame, the Sox basically put it out of reach in the bottom half. With ten players going to the plate and Napoli parking his shot deep to center with the sacks jammed, the Sox took off. Nap's shot was soon followed by Salty's double for an additional run, and the score was suddenly 9-3, Sox, and for all practical purposes, the game was over. True, the A's did make it interesting in the 8th, picking up a trey, two of those involving two of the previously mentioned ex-Sox, the outcome was never really in doubt after the Sox' five spot.
It took Nap a few games to get the hang of playing for the Sox instead of ruining them for the Rangers, but for the past week or two, he has been a monster. Tonight, he got ribbies 21-25, leaving him with the MLB lead in that category. These came on his slam and an early run producing two bagger. Other Sox heroes, names all recognizable for the Hose, included Papi (double and another RBI) and Jake (double and his league leading 9th swipe of the year). On the pitching side, although Doubront was a it wild (a pair of WP's), he was solid enough to win, particularly with continued strong support from the Sox pen. Wilson, Tazawa and Bailey all had hitless stints, Tazawa's being perfect. Bailey ended up with his foutrth save and these three now have ERA's, respectively of nothing. 0.93, and 1.74. Pretty impressive by any standard.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Once Again--It's The Jersey
Well, for the third consecutive game, the Sox dugout had The Jersey hanging prominently in honor of those killed or wounded in Monday's senseless atrocity at the Marathon. Once again, the Hose took matters into their own hands and, playing both for the team and for the citizens of the Hub, they won their sixth in a row, this time 6-3. Lester picked up his third W of the season, marking the third time in his career he has started the season 3-0. This time, he went seven innings, allowing just four hits and a single freebie. He allowed two runs, but was never really in any danger. His WHIP for both game and season continues to be sub-1.0 After he left, Miller started to make it interesting by allowing a run in 2/w3 of an inning, but was unhooked by Uehara, who closed out the inning with a quick K. The new Sox closer, Bailey, then pitched a perfect inning and the game was in the books as a W for the Hose.
Offensively, Napoli started things rolling in the 2d with a triple, crossing the plate with the Sox' first run a moment later on Nava's single. After the Tribe tied it at 1 in their half of the inning, Salty put the Sox ahead again with his third shot of the year in the 4th and the Dustman stretched that lead by one driving in Jake, 3-1 Sox. In their half of the 5th, the Tribe again made it closer, scoring their 2d run. But, with the score, 3-2 Sox, the Hose opened the game up once and for all in the 7th, scoring their final three runs. These came on singles by Napoli and Carp, artfully sandwiched around a sacfly from Nava. Jake and Nap each had a pair of hits, one of them a two-bagger for Jake to complement his 7th steal of the young season. He still leads that category in the league. Nap, on the other hand, now has 17 ribbies and is among the league leaders in that stat.
Sox return to the Fens for tomorrow's game with Bucky going for his 4th W of the year against the Royals. It should be a very emotional game as it will be the first Sox game at the Fens since the horror of last Monday. Also, Papi is set to rejoin the team in time for the game, his sore achilles apparently improved enough to get his bat back in the lineup. Word going around is that his return means a ticket to Pawtucket for Jackie Bradley, Jr. While he was incandescent in the spring, he's mired in a slump in the Bigs and could probably use the drop to regain his eye. It says here, though, it won't be for long. The kid has too much talent to stay down for long.
Offensively, Napoli started things rolling in the 2d with a triple, crossing the plate with the Sox' first run a moment later on Nava's single. After the Tribe tied it at 1 in their half of the inning, Salty put the Sox ahead again with his third shot of the year in the 4th and the Dustman stretched that lead by one driving in Jake, 3-1 Sox. In their half of the 5th, the Tribe again made it closer, scoring their 2d run. But, with the score, 3-2 Sox, the Hose opened the game up once and for all in the 7th, scoring their final three runs. These came on singles by Napoli and Carp, artfully sandwiched around a sacfly from Nava. Jake and Nap each had a pair of hits, one of them a two-bagger for Jake to complement his 7th steal of the young season. He still leads that category in the league. Nap, on the other hand, now has 17 ribbies and is among the league leaders in that stat.
Sox return to the Fens for tomorrow's game with Bucky going for his 4th W of the year against the Royals. It should be a very emotional game as it will be the first Sox game at the Fens since the horror of last Monday. Also, Papi is set to rejoin the team in time for the game, his sore achilles apparently improved enough to get his bat back in the lineup. Word going around is that his return means a ticket to Pawtucket for Jackie Bradley, Jr. While he was incandescent in the spring, he's mired in a slump in the Bigs and could probably use the drop to regain his eye. It says here, though, it won't be for long. The kid has too much talent to stay down for long.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Keep The Jersey!!
Well, here we are two days post-Marathon and one thing is now staying in the Sox dugout--"The Jersey". Not just any jersey, but the one that is a Sox game jersey with Boston on the front and 617 with"Boston Strong" beneath it on the back. This Sox team is and always has been, except last year under Valentine, a very closely knit group, and The Jersey has bonded them even further.
Tonight's game they came into against a pitcher who has been all but untouchable so far this season. The Hose put a quick end to 'untouchable'. Before the 1st inning was over, the Hose were up three zip, in fact before there was even a single out. Jake started it off with a hit, followed by Victorino getting hit, after which Dusty singled to load the sacks. Napoli came up, and ,continuing his torrid hitting of late, produced a 2 run single, after which Nava kept the party going with a single to drive home the third run of the inning. Keeping Masterson on the ropes for the next few innings, the Hose loaded the bases again in both the 2d and 4th innings, but couldn't quite complete the crush in each case, scoring no runs. However, they were just setting the table, as it were. In the 5th, Drew took a freebie and was driven in by Carp on a solid triple (going with his two doubles for the day) --four zip, Sox. If that weren't enough, in their half of the 6th, the Bosox continued to add to the total. Victorino got another hit and was promptly doubled to third by Napoli, after which Nava plated the run with a single. Five zip, Sox. The next half inning things got a bit closer as a long time thorn in the Sox side (this is the third team now for him) got a 2 run shot, followed by Giambi's 430th career shot to make it 5-3. Exit Aceves and enter the Hose pen. The pen continues to amaze. Today the three guys who followed Aceves put up four perfect innings, and, if that's not good enough for you, included were 8 K's in the four innings, half of those by Tazawa in two innings! Bailey closed out the game for his first Bosox save.
Offensively, the Hose rang up 15 hits, four of them for extra bases. Jake, Victo and Carp each had three hits and Napoli joined the Dustman and Nava with a pair of hits each. Napoli also picked up his 7th two-bagger of the young season and his 17th ribbie. Better than having him doing all the damage to the Sox as he did the past couple of years with Texas.
Keep that jersey hanging!
Tonight's game they came into against a pitcher who has been all but untouchable so far this season. The Hose put a quick end to 'untouchable'. Before the 1st inning was over, the Hose were up three zip, in fact before there was even a single out. Jake started it off with a hit, followed by Victorino getting hit, after which Dusty singled to load the sacks. Napoli came up, and ,continuing his torrid hitting of late, produced a 2 run single, after which Nava kept the party going with a single to drive home the third run of the inning. Keeping Masterson on the ropes for the next few innings, the Hose loaded the bases again in both the 2d and 4th innings, but couldn't quite complete the crush in each case, scoring no runs. However, they were just setting the table, as it were. In the 5th, Drew took a freebie and was driven in by Carp on a solid triple (going with his two doubles for the day) --four zip, Sox. If that weren't enough, in their half of the 6th, the Bosox continued to add to the total. Victorino got another hit and was promptly doubled to third by Napoli, after which Nava plated the run with a single. Five zip, Sox. The next half inning things got a bit closer as a long time thorn in the Sox side (this is the third team now for him) got a 2 run shot, followed by Giambi's 430th career shot to make it 5-3. Exit Aceves and enter the Hose pen. The pen continues to amaze. Today the three guys who followed Aceves put up four perfect innings, and, if that's not good enough for you, included were 8 K's in the four innings, half of those by Tazawa in two innings! Bailey closed out the game for his first Bosox save.
Offensively, the Hose rang up 15 hits, four of them for extra bases. Jake, Victo and Carp each had three hits and Napoli joined the Dustman and Nava with a pair of hits each. Napoli also picked up his 7th two-bagger of the young season and his 17th ribbie. Better than having him doing all the damage to the Sox as he did the past couple of years with Texas.
Keep that jersey hanging!
Sox Win--Help Ease the Grief
Well, last night's game was a difficult one, to say the least. It was the first sporting event involving a Boston pro sports team since the horror of Patriots Day. Even though it was being played in Cleveland, it still was important. It was the Sox best way to show that they could set an example for the grieving city to move forward no matter what the situation or circumstances. They did so in an inspiring way.
Facing former manager Terry Francona, who'll always be a Beantown favorite for his mostly wonderful 8 years in town, the Hose put up seven in the 3d inning and rode that to a final of 7-2. The individual performances that I/we usually dwell on in this site are not important this time. No, there was something bigger at hand here--the idea of showing whoever is responsible for Monday's atrocity that it will take more than the killing of three innocents and the maiming, some for life, of nearly 200 others to stop a great city like Boston from going about its business, from living life in its chosen way. They don't call it the Hub for nothing. What is striking is that, like the aftermath of 9-11, the whole country came together. It was not surprising to see a Sox uniform with the local Area Code, 617, as its number and the slogan Boston Strong replacing a player's name prominently hanging in the dugout for the game. What was striking was hearing Sweet Caroline played and sung at--Yankee Stadium and a scoreboard display of both teams' logos with the note that New York stands with Boston. What was striking was hearing that same song played and sung at a number of other ball yards as well. Surprising? Not really when you think about it. The other teams were confirming their intent to show that some nut case with explosives was not going to stop people in this country, Boston this time, from living their lives the way they want. Not now; not EVER! The Sox-Yankee rivalry will continue, but, for today, we're all Bostonians! Thanks to everyone for making that point eminently clear.
Facing former manager Terry Francona, who'll always be a Beantown favorite for his mostly wonderful 8 years in town, the Hose put up seven in the 3d inning and rode that to a final of 7-2. The individual performances that I/we usually dwell on in this site are not important this time. No, there was something bigger at hand here--the idea of showing whoever is responsible for Monday's atrocity that it will take more than the killing of three innocents and the maiming, some for life, of nearly 200 others to stop a great city like Boston from going about its business, from living life in its chosen way. They don't call it the Hub for nothing. What is striking is that, like the aftermath of 9-11, the whole country came together. It was not surprising to see a Sox uniform with the local Area Code, 617, as its number and the slogan Boston Strong replacing a player's name prominently hanging in the dugout for the game. What was striking was hearing Sweet Caroline played and sung at--Yankee Stadium and a scoreboard display of both teams' logos with the note that New York stands with Boston. What was striking was hearing that same song played and sung at a number of other ball yards as well. Surprising? Not really when you think about it. The other teams were confirming their intent to show that some nut case with explosives was not going to stop people in this country, Boston this time, from living their lives the way they want. Not now; not EVER! The Sox-Yankee rivalry will continue, but, for today, we're all Bostonians! Thanks to everyone for making that point eminently clear.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Bucky Almost Gets No-No!
Well, today Bucky was really on! Helping the Sox to their second consecutive win over the Rays, he went seven hitless innings, finally giving up a couple of hits in the 8th. He finished with eight shutout innings, including 11 K's, with Miller finishing up the shutout for the Sox five zip victory. The Sox picked up their first four runs in the 3d on Napoli's two run double, followed by Drew's FC grounder, coupled with an error by the Rays. From that point on, things stayed scoreless for both teams until the Hose added the final run in their half of the 8th. This came via a leadoff two-bagger by The Dustman that was followed by his moving to 3d on a Napoli grounder, capped off by a SacFly from Middlebrooks. Dusty also picked up his first swipe of the year. The win leaves the Sox alone in first in the Division.
Coming for a minute to the subject of Bucky's near no-no, I have to get on my soapbox. There was a time, for over a century, when the tradition was that if a pitcher was in progress on a no-hitter, it wasn't to be talked about. No exceptions. All that was regarded as permissible was when giving the line score, you could say such and such team had no runs, no hits and however many errors to that point. But under no circumstances did you say that the team not hitting was being no-hit or the pitcher tossing the gem had a no-hitter (or perfecto) underway. Just wasn't done! Somewhere along the way in the last several years, the folks at both ESPN and Fox Sports have taken it upon themselves to loudly and frequently broadcast the fact of an in progress no-hitter, and tradition be damned! I don't know why they have decided by themselves to end this long standing tradition, but I sure wish to hell they'd stop it immediately! Call me old fashioned, but baseball has much of its charm due to these many various traditions. There are other traditions that have been eaten away by the 'modern' game as well, brawls over a pitcher hitting or coming close to a batter as opposed to a just missed batter taking it out on the pitcher by driving the ball into the seats or such, for example, and I'll deal with those at some other time as they are just as ridiculous, but for now, I just want to express my displeasure over the traditional unmentionability of the no-hitter being disregarded. It should cease immediately!
Coming for a minute to the subject of Bucky's near no-no, I have to get on my soapbox. There was a time, for over a century, when the tradition was that if a pitcher was in progress on a no-hitter, it wasn't to be talked about. No exceptions. All that was regarded as permissible was when giving the line score, you could say such and such team had no runs, no hits and however many errors to that point. But under no circumstances did you say that the team not hitting was being no-hit or the pitcher tossing the gem had a no-hitter (or perfecto) underway. Just wasn't done! Somewhere along the way in the last several years, the folks at both ESPN and Fox Sports have taken it upon themselves to loudly and frequently broadcast the fact of an in progress no-hitter, and tradition be damned! I don't know why they have decided by themselves to end this long standing tradition, but I sure wish to hell they'd stop it immediately! Call me old fashioned, but baseball has much of its charm due to these many various traditions. There are other traditions that have been eaten away by the 'modern' game as well, brawls over a pitcher hitting or coming close to a batter as opposed to a just missed batter taking it out on the pitcher by driving the ball into the seats or such, for example, and I'll deal with those at some other time as they are just as ridiculous, but for now, I just want to express my displeasure over the traditional unmentionability of the no-hitter being disregarded. It should cease immediately!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Catching Up: Sellout Streak Ends; Sox Stay in 1st!
Well, the last couple of days the Sox had a streak end and another begin and end. The former is their all sports record number of consecutive sellouts. Including playoffs, the Hose ran their "sorry, no seats available" streak to 820 consecutive games, the finale being Opening Day at the Fens. It covered quite a few years, starting with a W by Pedro against the Tribe. At least the final game was also a W, this one vs the O's. The next two games are best forgotten, especially the first of them. After battling back and forth into the 9th, and having the front end of the pen produce some outstanding innings, the Hose entered the 9th up 5-3. On comes the nominal new closer for the Sox, Hanrahan, he late of the Pirates. Already holding a pair of saves so far, he immediately gives up a shot to the cheaps by Chris Davis, the AL's leading HR hitter so far--5-4. Hmmm. Next two batters end up on base complements of a couple of freebies, one a 4-pitch. Next guy gets on, but soon after there are only two on--because a wild pitch has tied the game. Next guy comes up and plants one in the Monster seats, O's 8-5, which quickly becomes the final. Following day, a close, well fought low scoring game ends up going to the O's as well, 3-2. Overall, however, the Sox staff is looking pretty good. Even in Hanrahan's meltdown, he could have been out of the inning but for a couple of close calls on Balls & strikes by the ump. Even the guys on ESPN were saying that the final pitch on one walk should have been the inning ending 3d strike.
Which brings us to today (last night was rained out and will be played as part of a doubleheader in June) against the Rays. Lester vs Shields. Starts out and goes through seven as a classic 1-1 pitcher's duel. Sox tied it at one on Ross' solo shot. The game then goes on and on, running through both teams' pens with no scoring through the end of the top of the 10th. Sox half, with one out, Jake singles and then steals 2d, after which he keeps on going to 3d when the throw to 2d not only doesn't get him,, but rolls into short right. Next man up, new Sox member Victorino gets an infield single. If it's anyone but Jake, the runner stays on 3d on an infield hit. Not Jake. He's gone on the crack of the bat and crosses home with room to spare. Sox win, 2-1, Tazawa getting the W. Once again, the Hose staff of moundsmen are terrific (except Hanrahan)! Bailey, Uehara and Tazawa all pitch scoreless ball, two of them being perfect. Only Hanrahan is non so hot. He faces a pair of batters, walks them both and is gone before things get too far out of hand. The only other baserunner from the Sox pen is a leadoff 10th inning double off of Tazawa. He rears up and simply leaves the guy standing there, closing down the next three O's hitters-zip, Zip, ZIP! Game over. Tomorrow's is live on ESPN.
Which brings us to today (last night was rained out and will be played as part of a doubleheader in June) against the Rays. Lester vs Shields. Starts out and goes through seven as a classic 1-1 pitcher's duel. Sox tied it at one on Ross' solo shot. The game then goes on and on, running through both teams' pens with no scoring through the end of the top of the 10th. Sox half, with one out, Jake singles and then steals 2d, after which he keeps on going to 3d when the throw to 2d not only doesn't get him,, but rolls into short right. Next man up, new Sox member Victorino gets an infield single. If it's anyone but Jake, the runner stays on 3d on an infield hit. Not Jake. He's gone on the crack of the bat and crosses home with room to spare. Sox win, 2-1, Tazawa getting the W. Once again, the Hose staff of moundsmen are terrific (except Hanrahan)! Bailey, Uehara and Tazawa all pitch scoreless ball, two of them being perfect. Only Hanrahan is non so hot. He faces a pair of batters, walks them both and is gone before things get too far out of hand. The only other baserunner from the Sox pen is a leadoff 10th inning double off of Tazawa. He rears up and simply leaves the guy standing there, closing down the next three O's hitters-zip, Zip, ZIP! Game over. Tomorrow's is live on ESPN.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Home Opener--Another W!
Well, after the disappointing five zip loss to the Jays day before yesterday, made even more so by Lackey's arm injury (more on that later), followed by yesterday's total explosion by the Sox against those same Jays with Lester's 7 SO innings and six Sox shots to the cheaps (including three by Middlebrooks), the Hose came home to the cozy confoines of the Fens to face the O's, last season's surprise East Division team. The O's arrived with Chris Davis leading their team, having home runs in his first four games from the season opener, tying a record, and accumulating RBI's like penny candy to lead the league in that stat.
Today's game was a pitcher's duel in the classic sense, with the O's starter holding the Sox to just a pair of hits through six. On the home side Bucky was just as good. Although giving up three hits and four walks through seven, he also showed he knew how to pitch, a term I've covered many times here before. He got 8 K's and allowed no Baltimore runner to come close to the plate, in spite of giving up leadoff runners in four innings. So, net, net, net Bucky had a game WHIP of 1.0, very good and a K-freebie ratio of 2-1, also very good. His season ERA so far is a minuscule 0.64, complementing his two zip record.
Everything was zip-zip after six and a half, and then the cream, rose to the top. Sox put on a pair of baserunners in the Dustman and Napoli and, after yesterday's hero, Middlebrooks, was erased, Nava stepped into a pitch and put it where no-one was going to throw anyone out. Matching his shot of yesterday vs the Jays, Nava's drive today gave the Hose all they'd need for another W. The pen closed things out, with Bailey going one perfect inning, including a pair of K's, and Hanrahan getting his third save, in spite of giving up a solo shot to the O's center fielder, Jones. Even after that, Hanrahan's ERA is 2.25.
Sox rookie phenom Jackie Bailey got to sit this one out to help his adjustment to the Bigs, and will likely be back in left tomorrow.
Back to Lackey's arm for a sec: he apparently injured his right bicep, not the replaced ligament, but there's no definite time set for his rotation return. Farrell only says it's day-to-day and they think it's minor enough to not want to put Lack on the DL for now.
Today's game was a pitcher's duel in the classic sense, with the O's starter holding the Sox to just a pair of hits through six. On the home side Bucky was just as good. Although giving up three hits and four walks through seven, he also showed he knew how to pitch, a term I've covered many times here before. He got 8 K's and allowed no Baltimore runner to come close to the plate, in spite of giving up leadoff runners in four innings. So, net, net, net Bucky had a game WHIP of 1.0, very good and a K-freebie ratio of 2-1, also very good. His season ERA so far is a minuscule 0.64, complementing his two zip record.
Everything was zip-zip after six and a half, and then the cream, rose to the top. Sox put on a pair of baserunners in the Dustman and Napoli and, after yesterday's hero, Middlebrooks, was erased, Nava stepped into a pitch and put it where no-one was going to throw anyone out. Matching his shot of yesterday vs the Jays, Nava's drive today gave the Hose all they'd need for another W. The pen closed things out, with Bailey going one perfect inning, including a pair of K's, and Hanrahan getting his third save, in spite of giving up a solo shot to the O's center fielder, Jones. Even after that, Hanrahan's ERA is 2.25.
Sox rookie phenom Jackie Bailey got to sit this one out to help his adjustment to the Bigs, and will likely be back in left tomorrow.
Back to Lackey's arm for a sec: he apparently injured his right bicep, not the replaced ligament, but there's no definite time set for his rotation return. Farrell only says it's day-to-day and they think it's minor enough to not want to put Lack on the DL for now.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Farrell's Return A Happy One!
Well, tonight was John Farrell's return to Toronto, where he managed for a year while waiting for his chance to run the Red Sox, for whom he'd spent a number of years as Terry's pitching coach and heir apparent. While it had some hairy moments, overall it was a success, as the Hose took the game, 6-4. Dubront as a starter was just good enough to keep the Sox in the game, actually leading when he finished, 4-3. Tazawa looked good again, although he did get a blown save on a HR he gave up, and got the win. The finishers were shutout--both of them, as had Uehara before Tazawa's appearance. Hanrahan got his 2d save in two tries in the young season.
Offensively, it was nicely spread across the lineup, led by three doubles and the first two Sox shots to the cheaps of the year, one each by Napoli and Middlebrooks. The two-baggers were from the Dustman, Middlebrooks and Ciriaco, the last coming in after Iglesias left in the 4th with soreness in the elbow that got clipped by a pitch earlier in the game. Sox also swiped their first three of the year, the thieves being Jake (who else), Jackie Bradley and Ciriaco. Bradley keeps showing why he's in the Show and not back in AA or AAA ball. He's not quite matching his spring, but everything he does shows why he had that spring and what's very possibly hanging within reach ready to erupt soon. Here's hoping the season continues as it has gone so far.
Offensively, it was nicely spread across the lineup, led by three doubles and the first two Sox shots to the cheaps of the year, one each by Napoli and Middlebrooks. The two-baggers were from the Dustman, Middlebrooks and Ciriaco, the last coming in after Iglesias left in the 4th with soreness in the elbow that got clipped by a pitch earlier in the game. Sox also swiped their first three of the year, the thieves being Jake (who else), Jackie Bradley and Ciriaco. Bradley keeps showing why he's in the Show and not back in AA or AAA ball. He's not quite matching his spring, but everything he does shows why he had that spring and what's very possibly hanging within reach ready to erupt soon. Here's hoping the season continues as it has gone so far.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Close But No Cigar!
Well, the Sox were going for their first season start sweep against the Stripes since 1912, when the Evil Empire had yet to even contend for a championship, was called the Highlanders and played in a place called the Hilltop Stadium. Anyway, the Sox nemesis of all Stripes starters, Pettite, was on the mound, and even though he is 40, he showed he still has it. He barely cleared 90 pitches for 8 innings, leaving with a 4-1 lead. Big Mo relieved him, and although he did get his 609th save, gave up a hit, a freebie and a run to make it close at the end. Sox out hit the Stripes by one hit, getting a pair of two-baggers in the process. However, the Yanks matched those and added a pair of solo shots, which, in the end, were the difference.
Dempster made his first start for the Bosox, getting 8 K's. However, he also gave up five hits, one of them a HR, and four walks in 5 innings. The Sox relievers looked very good (Tazawa) to just OK (Mortenson: 2 hits in 2 innings, one of those the other HR by the Stripes). Offensively, Bradley got another hit, a double, and another RBI. Middlebrooks and Iglesias each had 2 hits and Gomes picked up a double while DH'ing tonight. A win would have been better, but, given the Hose' overall performance this week, we're at least better off than last year, and things look good from here.
Dempster made his first start for the Bosox, getting 8 K's. However, he also gave up five hits, one of them a HR, and four walks in 5 innings. The Sox relievers looked very good (Tazawa) to just OK (Mortenson: 2 hits in 2 innings, one of those the other HR by the Stripes). Offensively, Bradley got another hit, a double, and another RBI. Middlebrooks and Iglesias each had 2 hits and Gomes picked up a double while DH'ing tonight. A win would have been better, but, given the Hose' overall performance this week, we're at least better off than last year, and things look good from here.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Now It's Two In A Row Over Stripes!
Well, what a difference a year--and a much better manager--makes! Sox took the Stripes again today in Yankee Stadium, this time 7-4. Farrell's looking great as manager, as we always knew he would, and the blend of old and new players is looking just fine, thank you. With today's win, it's the first time in 14 years the Hose have opened a season by winning at least the first two. In 1999, the last time it happened, they opened 5-0. Hell, they didn't even open with wins in the first two games in either World Series Championship year! Bucky looked real good in his first start, going seven and gibing up a single run on a Hafner solo shot. He allowed 8 hits and kept them well scattered. On the few occasions he had multiple base runners, he pitched and got out of it unscathed. Farrell's apparently got him taking less time between pitches than he formerly did, and it's resulting in better results. He's looking (all spring and after one regular game) more like the guy who came up a few years ago. He also picked four K's and threw only 92 pitches. The first two relievers who succeeded looked a bit shaky and gave up a total of three runs between them, Aceves allowing a 3-run shot by long time Sox thorn, Vernon Wells (one of those runs was Youk, now wearing Stripes and getting a pair of singles tonight). But the new Sox closer, shut things down before they got out of hand, throwing an inning of shutout ball. Jake had two ribbies again tonight, while Nava, the Dustman, Victorino, Salty and Iglesias each picked up a pair of base hits. Jackie Bradley, Jr. also had another great catch in the field, got his first major league hit, scored two runs and added another ribbie. Tomorrow it's Ryan Dempster for the Sox against the old Yankee starter, Pettite. Should be a good one--even better if we get the same result as the first two games of the series.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Sox Start Season w/Win Over Yankees!
Well, it's now not only Spring; it's BASEBALL!! SOX BASEBALL!! The Hose opened the 2013 campaign today in Steinbrenner's replication of the House That Ruth Built, and won going away against the Stripes' ace, Sabathia! Final score was 8-2, although the Sox sent CC to an early shower after just five innings, having already gotten more than they needed to win. The win was crafted by a well oiled combination of Sox vets, new free agents and one very good rookie. The Hose had a total of 13 hits, of which five players each had multihit days, starting at the top of the order with Jake (3 hits including a ringing triple and a pair of ribbies), and continuing down the lineup. Free agent signee Shane Victorino had a pair of hits and three ribbies; the Dustman had a pair of hits, as did Gomer, while Iglesias had a trey. Finally, we get to the sensation of the Spring. Jackie Bradley, JR., who before today never played above Double A ball, didn't get a hit, but showed excellent plate discipline by working three walks and picking up what it is hoped will be just the first of a very many RBI's. He also made a great catch early in the game, going back on a well hit drive ball to rob the Stripes of at least one run, possibly more.
The Sox pitching also looked a lot different from a year ago's start with Lester pitching a sharp five innings, getting 7 K's, while only surrendering a pair of runs on 5 hits. The pen took over from there, shutting down the Evil Empire for just a lone hit and a pair of freebies over the final four innings.
Most experts are picking the Sox to finish in the lower reaches of the division, but, if today's effort indicates anything, it points to a possible solid season with who knows what results in September or, wouldn't it be nice, October?
Papi didn't play as his achilles is still sore, but he said he's feeling well enough to try running in the next few days, and, if that works out, possibly a rehab assignment in a week. Great start! GO SOX!!
The Sox pitching also looked a lot different from a year ago's start with Lester pitching a sharp five innings, getting 7 K's, while only surrendering a pair of runs on 5 hits. The pen took over from there, shutting down the Evil Empire for just a lone hit and a pair of freebies over the final four innings.
Most experts are picking the Sox to finish in the lower reaches of the division, but, if today's effort indicates anything, it points to a possible solid season with who knows what results in September or, wouldn't it be nice, October?
Papi didn't play as his achilles is still sore, but he said he's feeling well enough to try running in the next few days, and, if that works out, possibly a rehab assignment in a week. Great start! GO SOX!!
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