No, the Red Sox haven't won thirteen in a row, but with tonight's 5-1 win over the Mariners in Seattle, they clinched a winning record, and for the 13th consecutive year will have a record over .500. (The last non-winning season was the very forgettable year of 1997. Doesn't that seem like about 50 years ago?)
Adrian Beltre hit another knee-on-the-ground home run, a blast into the left field seats that tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning. Clay Buchholz had given up a homer to Russell Branyan in the first inning. But Clay settled in after that.
He was the polar opposite of his last start in Oakland, when he went just one inning and allowed the A's five runs. He went seven innings tonight, allowing just the one run in getting his 16th win. Hideki Okajima and Scott Atchison pitched the final two innings in preserving the W.
Victor Martinez drove in two runs with an RBI double (he's now hitting over .400 against lefties this season). David Ortiz scored the tie-breaking run on Chone (Don't Call Me Chone) Figgins' error with two outs in the sixth. Ryan Kalish drove in the final run with an RBI triple in the 8th.
New York lost to Tampa Bay tonight on Dan Johnson's two two-run homers (nice to see him terrorize some pitchers not wearing Red Sox uniforms), 4-3. The Rays are back in first by a half-game, and the Sox trail New York by 6 in the Wild Card.
The Sox keep gaining ground every day, slowly but surely. But the calendar's running out with just 16 games to play. The Red Sox now return home, with a weekend series with the Blue Jays beginning Friday night.
BTW, here's an interesting article from the New York Times about how criminals love wearing Yankee caps. Draw your own conclusions.
3 comments:
That clout HR by Beltre was enjoyable to watch. I've seen it three times this morning. I hope the Sox have him at the hot corner next year but I'm sure he'll test his value as a free agent. He does seem to REALLY want to stay, though. Open the wallet, Mr. Henry. Thanks John.
It will come down to the number of years both sides can agree on. And always remember who Beltre's agent is: Dr. Evil.
I know. Another dilemma...VMart, who will reportedly seek a four year deal. And 'Tek will also be a free agent. But we have to keep Victor. Maybe he'll compromise and suffer through a three year deal. He's 31 and the Sox have concerns about that.
Have a great weekend. A great new HBO series premieres Sunday night at 9pm EDT. See my today post if you can for more details. I already programed my DVR for the twelve week series and I can't wait.
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