Ex-NFL color commentator John Madden — not to be confused with Rays Manager Joe Maddon — always said speed kills. He wasn’t joking.
Carl Crawford stole six bases against Boston tying the modern Major League record. He is the fourth player to accomplish this since 1900.
Crawford was 4-for-4 with one walk, two runs and one RBI in addition to the six stolen bases. The last player to steal that many bases was Eric Young (Rockies) in 1996.
Otis Nixon did so in 1991 for the Braves and Eddie Collins stole six bases twice in 1912 for the Athletics.
Brad Penny actually did go six innings this outing yielding six hits, three runs (all earned), two walks and eight strikeouts.
Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer in the loss in the eighth inning to cut the lead to 4-3. Tampa would tack on an insurance run in the bottom of the frame on Crawford’s lone RBI – an infield single to score Jason Bartlett.
Star of the Game – Crawford
This doesn’t happen often when an opposing player gets the nod for Star of the Game but how can Crawford not be. The man stole six bases in one game.
Next Game – Mon. 5/04 vs. New York Yankees – Jon Lester/Phil Hughes
New ballpark, same old rivalry. It will be great to see the rivalry kick off in the new Yankee Stadium.