Martinez Makes History

Victor Martinez put his name in the history books last night, as he tied the MLB record for doubles with four, as the Sox came from behind and whipped the Oakland A's, 9-4.

He also had five hits for the fourth time in his career, and had two RBI. The Red Sox fell behind 4-0, as John Lackey had yet another subpar outing. Lackey gave up 12 hits and 2 walks along with the 4 runs, but the offense came to his rescue. The Red Sox left runners everywhere early, including the bases loaded in the second inning. It appeared to be another night the Red Sox would rue not getting the early clutch hit, as they had Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez on the ropes each of the first three innings, but got nothing.

It was 4-0 in the fifth when Adrian hit a three-run homer into the Monster seats, and the Red Sox got rolling. Dustin Pedroia hit into a DP with the bases loaded in the sixth to tie it, and then Martinez hit a ground rule double into the Triangle to put the Red Sox ahead.

The Red Sox put it away in the 8th with three more insurance runs. The bullpen did a nice job after Lackey left, as Manny Delcarmen, Daniel Bard and Joe Nelson shut down the A's on one hit the remainder of the way to preserve the victory.

Tampa Bay and New York both won, so the Red Sox remain 5 1/2 games back in the AL East.