Four Real? Four at bats that changed the Game. Red Sox vs White Sox 5-22-13

Pete Lepak RedSoxLife Contributing Writer

Game 47: Sox bats roll, win 6-2

Boston had key hits from David Ortiz and Daniel Nava, as well as a great pitching performance from Clay Buchholz to overpower the Chicago White Sox and Hector Santiago on Wednesday night. Buchholz went 7 strong, giving up only five hits white striking out four. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Top of the first inning, and Boston has two men on from a hit by pitch to Jonny Gomes and a double from Dustin Pedroia. David Ortiz hits a curveball for a looping single to left field to plate both men and put the Sox up 2-0. Later in the inning, Papi steals third base and doesn't even draw a throw. Great work by the speedster.

2) Bottom of the third inning, and Tyler Flowers singles off of Clay Buchholz. He ends up scoring without the benefit of a hit. He is forced to second on an Alejandro de Aza walk, forced to third on a ground out, and then scores on an Alex Rios groundout. Small ball gets the White Sox within one run. 2-1 Red Sox.

3) Top of the eighth inning, and smart baserunning gives the Red Sox some breathing room. Ortiz and Mike Napoli single, then Daniel Nava walks to load the bases versus Brian Omogrosso. Ortiz scores on a Will Middlebrooks flyout, and Napoli hustles to third on the same play. With Napoli on third, catcher Tyler Flowers lets a passed ball get past him and Napoli reads the play perfectly, scoring just ahead of the tag to give the Sox another run. 4-1 Red Sox.

4) Top of the ninth inning, and the Red Sox put this one away. With men on second and third base versus Donnie Veal, Daniel Nava swings at the fourth straight fastball he sees to left field to plate both runners. Sox now lead 6-1.

Andrew Bailey came on in the ninth and gave up a homerun to Paul Konerko, but it was harmless, and the Red Sox end their nine game road trip with a 6-3 record. Tomorrow, Boston faces Tito Francona and the Cleveland Indians at 7:10pm. Ryan Dempster will face Zach McAllister.

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