Friday Links: New York’s 9th inning rally sinks Sox

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

With the series tied at two games a piece, the Red Sox and Yankees played the rubber match of the 3-game set on Thursday night. David Ortiz gave the Red Sox an early one-run advantage after he cranked his 31st home run of the season off New York’s starter Chris Capuano. An inning later, with a runner on first, it was Ortiz again getting the best of Capuano, as he collected his second home run of the game. Pitching with a 3-run advantage, things quickly came unraveled for Brandon Workman in the bottom of the third. After retiring the first batter of the inning, the 24-year old allow a single to Ichiro Suzuki, and a walk to Jacoby Ellsbury. Derek Jeter then stepped to the plate and grooved a fastball over the head of Mookie Betts for a 2 RBI double. A batter later, Carlos Beltran whacked a single into right and chased home Jeter from second, knotting the score at 3. The game didn’t remain tied for very long though, as Brock Holt lead off the fifth inning with a home run that just cleared the right field fence. Meanwhile, Brandon Workman kept the Yankees offense at bay for 6 innings, limiting them to just the three runs he surrendered in the third inning. Left-hander Tommy Layne and set-up man Junichi Tazawa followed Workman, and tossed back-to-back clean innings. In the ninth inning, Boston called upon struggling closer Koji Uehara to preserve a slim one-run advantage. Mark Teixeira greeted the veteran reliever with a game tying solo home run to right field. A batter later, Yankees third baseman Chase Headley slammed a hanging sinker well over the fence for a walk-off home run.

• When the Red Sox moved a plethora of players at the deadline, they weren’t just departing with some of their best assets, they were also breaking up their highly publicized clubhouse chemistry. Last season, Boston thrived off their clubhouse energy and played like a group of 25 best friends. Now after dismantling the roster earlier this summer, the Red Sox won’t only need to rebuild their team, but also rebuild their chemistry this winter. (Roster shakeup requires rebuilding talent and chemistry for Red Sox)

• Prior to Thursday night’s game, John Farrell pushed aside the idea that Boston should consider shutting down Koji Uehara for the rest of the year. However, after the veteran closer surrendered two ninth inning home runs on Thursday, the Red Sox manager is reconsidering the possibility of putting Uehara on the shelf for the remainder of the 2014 season. (Red Sox to consider potential shut-down of Koji Uehara)

• David Ortiz has had many multi home run games throughout his career — 46 to be exact. But after his most recent 2 home run performance against the Yankees, the slugging DH now holds the record for most multiple homer contests without amassing 3 home runs. Believe it or not, Will Middlebrooks was the last Red Sox to collect 3 bombs in a single game, while the likes of Mo Vaughn Jim Rice, and Nomar Garciaparra also accomplished the feat for Boston. (Ortiz homers twice, adds to odd record)

• The Red Sox have a ton of roster decisions to make between now and April of next season. Perhaps the most interesting storyline to watch unfold will be how the Red Sox deal with their glut of outfielders. Currently, Boston has 6 viable outfield options, but only 3 spots in which to play them. Determining the fate of young players like Will Middlebrooks, and veterans like David Ross, is also on the docket for this winter. (Where do these seven players fit in for the 2015 Red Sox?)

• Five days have gone by since Dustin Pedroia sustained a concussion after getting clocked on the head by Ray infielder Logan Forsythe. In the days following the collision, the second baseman experienced dizziness and had trouble sleeping; both tell-tale signs of a concussion. But after running though his normal pre-game routine normally, Pedroia is scheduled to rejoin Boston’s line-up on Friday. (Dustin Pedroia making progress from concussion, expected to return Friday)

• Tweet of the day: Papi being Papi