4 real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs Royals 4-20-13

Game 16: Red Sox win, 4-3. Seven in a row!

As a fan of Boston, and not just the Red Sox, this was one of those games you are excited for. On the heels of last night's manhunt, and having those all around Boston and the world hoping and praying for peace, the Red Sox played the Royals today in one of the most emotional baseball games I have ever witnessed. The Red Sox brought out many Policemen, the Massachusetts governor, the Hoyts, an injured Boston Marathon witness, and many more to celebrate the city of Boston and honor the job that was done by the Boston Police over the past week. Moreover, it was just a chance to celebrate being an American and to know that good will always triumph over evil. And oh yeah, there was also a Red Sox game to play, and despite two great pitching performances, both teams got to the opposing team's bullpen. When it was over ,The Red Sox playing "Dirty Water" and won 4-3 in dramatic fashion. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Bottom of the 6th inning, and the Red Sox have yet to get to James Shields. Down 1-0, Jacoby Ellsbury and the Red Sox begin their comeback. Ellsbury starts with a single and then is sacrificed to second on a bunt. Pedroia grounds to to third, but Ellsbury reads the throw perfectly and runs to third. David Ortiz, in his first game back since last August, hits an opposite field single into center field to score Ellsbury. Great piece of hitting from Big Papi, and the game is tied at 1.

2) Top of the seventh, and the Royals want this one. Lorenzo Cain doubles to left field, then goes to third on a groundout. Salavador Perez, who is known for his defense, swings and hits an opposite field ball that is bending, and bending, but stays just fair around the right field line, and his triple puts Kansas City back up a run. 2-1 KC.

3) Bottom of the eighth inning, and Neil Diamond has just personally gotten off the field to sing his *long* rendition of "Sweet Caroline". Jonny Gomes is pinch hitting and smacks a double high off the Green Monster. Dustin Pedroia walks and it sets the stage for David Ortiz. He hits the ball perfectly off of Tim Collins, but the KC shift works perfectly, and what should be a game tying single turns into a double play. Still 2-1 KC.

4) Still the bottom of the eighth, and flame thrower Kelvin Herrera comes on to pitch. He walks Mike Napoli on four pitches and that brings up Daniel Nava. Nava swings hard and drives a ball deep to the right field bullpen and it drops in for a three run bomb. Red Sox go up late in the game 4-2. See it here.

Nava's hit turns out to be the game winner. Even though Andrew Bailey got into trouble in the ninth, the two run lead gave him enough cushion and Boston prevails 4-3 in their first win this year against a team that is over .500.

The emotions run wild in the streets, and for at least today, Boston feels normal again.
Tomorrow, the Red Sox play a double header. In the first game versus KC, Ervin Santana faces Ryan Dempster at 1:35. Allen Webster will start in the second game for the Red Sox, making his MLB debut.

David  Ortiz tells Boston, "This is our city!"

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