Four real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs Twins 5-18-13

Game 43: Ortiz making pitchers look sloppy!

David Ortiz had a field day against his old team, and again made them wish they never got rid on him in 2003. Papi had three hits, drove in 6 runs, and powered a lineup that finished with 13 total hits. All players but Pedro Ciriaco had at least one hit in the game. Papi's great performance helped out Ryan Dempster's abysmal display, where he walked 6 in 4.2 innings and gave up 5 runs. The damage could have been much worse for Dempster, but he escaped two bases loaded jams early to allow the Sox bats to heat up and win the game. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Top of the first inning, and Boston keeps striking while the coal is hot. With two men on base because of a single and walk, David Ortiz rips an inside breaking ball to right center field to put the Sox up 3-0.

2) Bottom of the fifth inning, and Boston is up big 7-2. Ryan Dempster just needs to keep it together for the win, but he can't locate his fastball, and the Twins runs come home in bunches. One run scores early to make it 7-3. With two outs and a man on second, Dempster walks Aaron Hicks. The speedster then steals second base and scores on a Pedro Florimon single. Florimon then steals second and scores on a Jamey Carroll single, and Dempster's night is done. 7-5 Red Sox.

3) Top of the sixth inning, and the bases are loaded for the Twins and Aaron Hicks. The Red Sox are winning 7-5, but a hit could tie the game. Craig Breslow is pitching for Boston with one out, and Hicks pops a ball up to shallow right field. It looks like it could fall to tie the game, but Dustin Pedroia makes a basket catch, turns, and fires a strike to catcher Ryan Lavarnway who absorbs the collision with Ryan Doumit and completes the double play to get the keep the lead at 7-5 Sox. Another great defensive play for Dustin, who just keeps getting it done with his glove.

4) Top of the seventh inning, and Boston doubles their lead. After a Dustin Pedroia walk, David Ortiz again pulls a 2-1 outside fastball to right center field to put the Sox up 9-5. The Red Sox would not relinquish their lead and would walk away as 12-5 winners.
The Red Sox now hitting .515 with runners in scoring position and are looking like they solved their earlier offensive woes. They will look to continue their winning streak with their third game versus Minnesota tomorrow at 2:10pm when John Lackey faces Pedro Hernandez.

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