Photo courtesy of Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com.
Have the Red Sox found the momentum to resurrect a dead season? Probably not, but the team did win their second consecutive walk-off contest on Thursday. Jon Lester toed the rubber for the Red Sox and was superb, allowing just one run while striking out 11 over 7 innings of work. Meanwhile, Chicago White Sox starter Jose Quintana was also solid, and even had a perfect game through 5 innings. However, in the sixth inning, after Stephen Drew and David Ross reached on lead-off walks, Jackie Bradley put the Red Sox on the board with an RBI single. Two batters later, David Ortiz jolted a 2 RBI double into left-center field and gave the Red Sox a 3-1 advantage. The Red Sox bullpen held onto the 2 run lead until the ninth inning, when Alexei Ramirez reached on an infield single to bring the tying run to the plate. Two batters later, Conor Gillaspie drilled a pinch hit 2 run home down the right field line to knot the score at 3 aside. In the 10th, Daniel Nava lead off the frame with a walk, and advanced to second on a Mookie Betts swinging bunt. With first base open, Chicago elected to intentionally walk Stephen Drew to set up the double play. However, Mike Carp had other plans, as he lined a single into left field to score Nava and give the Red Sox a 4-3 win.
- Signing A.J. Pierzynski may have looked like a bad idea right from the get-go, but in actuality it was the smartest move for the Red Sox future. Instead of shelling out a 2 or 3 year offer for a backstop in the offseason, Boston elected to ink Pierzynski to a one-year pact with their young catchers in mind. (How signing – and DFA’ing – AJ Pierzynski fit in the long term Red Sox plan)
- The Red Sox are only on a two game winning streak, but since the team cut ties with A.J. Pierzynski it seems like they’re playing with more gusto. In a season that’s been turned over to the rookies, perhaps a sip from the fountain of youth can jettison the Red Sox back into the still wide open playoff race. (It was just one win, and one roster move, but Red Sox are feeling rejuvenated)
- The Red Sox 10 game home stand was a roller coaster ride. After sustaining a 1-7 record through the first 8 games, the Red Sox basically conceded defeat on the 2014 season. However, after a pair of walk-off wins to wrap up the series with the White Sox, Boston has lowered it’s white flag this year. (Lester, Red Sox won’t give up hope)
- A once productive bench bat a year ago, Mike Carp hadn’t been able to help his struggling team this season due to a broken foot. But on Thursday, the first baseman/outfielder finally got the chance he longed for while on the disabled list, and took full advantage of it. (Finally: Mike Carp takes advantage of long-awaited opportunity with walk-off)
- Shane Victorino will be the first one to admit that his injuries have played a large factor in the Red Sox under performance this season. After a extremely productive 2013 campaign, a plethora of injuries have kept the right fielder side lined. Now, on yet another rehab assignment, Victorino is still holding out hope that he can consistently contribute to the team in the second half. (Back on the rehab trail, Shane Victorino keeping faith)
- Tweet of the day: Gotta love Mookie