Four Real? Red Sox vs Angels 6-8.2-13
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| Much like he did on Thursday night with his walk-off, Big Papi showed his power again Saturday night (AP photo/Charles Krupa) |
Jan-Christian Sorensen
Contributing Writer
Heading into Saturday's nightcap of a doubleheader
against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Angels had won nine straight
against the Red Sox, while Anaheim starter C.J. Wilson was 5-0 versus Boston.
Both streaks died in the ruddy Fenway dust, however, as the
Sox scored a 7-2 win over Anaheim in the twin bill of the day-night series.
Jose Iglesias continued his hot streak, going 2-for-4 and
boosting his average to a scandalous .443, David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia combined
to drive in five and Clay Buchholz was as dominating as he’s been all season,
scattering six hits and striking out four over six and two-thirds innings to
move to 9-0 on the season. While he gave up two runs to see his ERA edge up to
1.71, it’s still the best in the majors.
Here are the four at-bats that changed the game:
1) In the bottom of the first, Dustin Pedroia lived up to his
“Laser Show” nickname, hitting a beam down the right field line to extend his
hit streak to 12 games and pick up an RBI, driving home Jonny Gomes for a 2-0
Sox lead. Pedroia later brought in another run, recording his
MLB-leading 44th hit with two strikes against in the process.
2) In the bottom of the second David Ortiz shook off an 0-for-6 mini-slump in the doubleheader by scorching a double into the left field corner to
cash in Gomes from second base for his 43rd RBI of the year and a 3-0 Boston lead.
3) With potential tying run Brad Hawpe at the plate with a 2-0
count, one run already in and a man on first in the sixth inning, Buchholz strikes Hawpe
out on a quick fastball-curveball-fastball combo to end the threat and the inning in a
sick display of pitching savvy. It’s why he’s the best in baseball.
4) Gotta give this to Big Papi for the Straw That Broke the Camel’s
Back: In the bottom of the sixth Ortiz followed a Pedroia RBI single by turning
on a Jerome Williams cutter and launching an absolute no-doubter high and deep into
the right-field seats for a 7-2 lead. Watch the moon shot below:
With the win, Boston moves to 38-25 and remains 1.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the American League East's top spot, while the Angels fall to 27-35 and 10 games out of first in the American League West.
Tomorrow, Ryan Dempster (3-6, 4.39 ERA) takes the mound against Joe Blanton (1-9, 5.53) in the rubber game of the three-game series.
With the win, Boston moves to 38-25 and remains 1.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the American League East's top spot, while the Angels fall to 27-35 and 10 games out of first in the American League West.
Tomorrow, Ryan Dempster (3-6, 4.39 ERA) takes the mound against Joe Blanton (1-9, 5.53) in the rubber game of the three-game series.
Twitter: jan_doh
