Boston Red Sox - 2005 Season

[RedSoxFan]

Welcome to the thread for the Defending Champions Red Sox 2005 season.

Note that I'm not going to do game summaries for every game this season like I did last year. I will have regular commentary of some sort - I haven't figured out exactly what I'm going to do. Anyone else is welcome to do game summaries, discussion, etc. if they like.

I'm also hoping for more commentary during the season this year. I thought the discussion was great during the playoffs last year - while I don't expect that level of excitement during the entire regular season for this year, I do hope to have more discussion.

Now for the preview. The Red Sox lost two solid starters, both long-time Sox, Pedro and Lowe. In their place, and for less money, the Sox have Cubs phenom Matt Clement, and fiery veteran David Wells. The ex-Yankee Wells led the AL in 2003 and the NL in 2004 in walks per 9 innings. Clement started off 2004 with a 5-1 record and a 2.29 ERA, though he finished the year with a 3.68 ERA.

The primary changes in the starting pitching lineup are arguably a wash, but when you look at the other pitching changes the Sox made, there is a lot of potential. This is most obvious in Wade Miller. Since 2000, only 10 pitchers have had a sub-4.00 ERA, 50 wins, 600 IP, and 7.5 Ks per 9 innings, and he is one of them. He has been rehabbing his right rotator cuff since last summer and is expected back around the beginning of May. He would probably replace Arroyo in the rotation when he returns. The other major pitching change is that the Sox signed Matt Mantei, who has a history of arm problems and missed most of last season, can still throw in the upper-90s. He's expected to lighten the set-up load of Timlin and Embree, who were often overused last year. The bullpen is also made up of long/middle-relievers Blaine Neal from San Diego and a lefty former-starter John Halama. Rounding out the bullpen is the returning Mike Myers, who, like Embree, specializes in lefties.

The offense led the majors in runs last year with 949, and they're only better this year. Replace Reese/injured Nomar/Cabrera at short with Edgar Renteria, who made the last out of the World Series last year playing for the Cardinals, and you also have Trot Nixon healthy once again. Jay Payton replaces Kapler as the primary backup outfielder, and is expected to start some games for Nixon against lefties. Ramon Vazquez is also new, and is a lefty utility infielder.

When you mix the above new players with returning pitchers Arroyo, Wakefield, and Schilling (out two weeks to fully recover from off-season surgery), and batters Ramirez, Damon, Nixon, Mueller, Bellhorn, Ortiz, Youkilis, Mirabelli, and McCarty, the Sox are looking to prove all curses have ended by ending the Yankees streak of 7 straight division titles on the way to repeating as champions.

G001: NYY 9 BOS 2 POG: Varitek 0-1 -1 SUMMARY Wells outpitched by Randy Johnson
G002: NYY 4 BOS 3 POG: Varitek 0-2 -2 SUMMARY Both Foulke and Rivera blow saves
G003: BOS 7 NYY 3 POG: Millar 1-2 -1 SUMMARY Rivera blows another in style, Sox GIDP 3 times in first 5 innings, Millar 3/3
G004: BOS 6 TOR 5 POG: Ortiz 2-2 0 SUMMARY Foulke earns S, giving up 2 runs and leaving bases loaded
G005: TOR 12 BOS 5 POG: Ortiz 2-3 -1 SUMMARY Wells gives up 3 HRs in a row
G006: TOR 4 BOS 3 POG: Renteria 2-4 -2 SUMMARY Renteria single ties it in the 9th, but Timlin blows it later that inning
G007: BOS 7 NYY 1 POG: Wakefield 3-4 -2 SUMMARY tim-MAY dominates the Yankees as we win our home opener for the first time in 4 years
G008: NYY 5 BOS 2 POG: Nixon 3-5 -2.5 SUMMARY Schill strong early in season debut but ends up allowing 5 ER in 5.2 IP
G009: BOS 8 NYY 5 POG: Renteria 4-5 -2.5 SUMMARY As Varitek triple puts Sox ahead, fan makes contact with Sheffield
G010: BOS 10 TBY 0 POG: Wells 5-5 -1.5 SUMMARY Wells Fenway debut: 7 IP, 0 ER, and Papi hits a granny
G011: BOS 6 TBY 2 POG: Ramirez 6-5 -1.5 SUMMARY Clement Fenway debut: 7 IP, 1 ER, and Manny hits a granny
G012: BOS 3 TBY 1 POG: Wakefield 7-5 -1 SUMMARY Wakefield allows 1 run in 6, new guys Renteria and Payton with the RBIs, Yanks fall to 4-8
G013: BOS 12 TOR 7 POG: Ramirez 8-5 0 SUMMARY Manny leads Patriot's Day offensive charge with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs as Sox tie for first
G014: TOR 4 BOS 3 POG: Arroyo 8-6 -1 SUMMARY Manny HR over light tower in left not far enough to overcome late runs allowed by Embree and Foulke
G015: BOS 8 BAL 0 POG: Wells 9-6 0 SUMMARY Wells 8 IP, 3 H, 0 runs and Varitek 3-run homer propel Sox into tie for first
G016: BOS 1 BAL 0 POG: Clement 10-6 +1 SUMMARY Sox in sole first place as Clement shuts down O's, Vazquez with RBI
G017: TBY 5 BOS 4 POG: Damon 10-7 0 SUMMARY Damon RBI ties game in top of 9th, but Perez hits walk-off on Embree first pitch
G018: TBY 6 BOS 5 POG: Ortiz 10-8 -1 SUMMARY Schilling still rusty, Papi hits 2 solo homers
G019: BOS 11 TBY 3 POG: Damon 11-8 -1 SUMMARY Benches clear twice, revenge comes with win, Manny solo HR, and Payton slam
G020: BAL 8 BOS 4 POG: Damon 11-9 -2 SUMMARY Wells gives up 6, out up to 6 weeks with sprained ankle, Damon 3/3, 2 BBs
G021: BAL 11 BOS 8 POG: Ramirez 11-10 -3 SUMMARY Clement allows 7 and Foulke allows 4 to blow save, Manny 5 RBIs not enough
G022: TEX 7 BOS 2 POG: Millar 11-11 -4 SUMMARY All runs in game come with two outs. Millar triple produces Sox's only runs
G023: BOS 9 TEX 2 POG: Arroyo 12-11 -4 SUMMARY Arroyo gives up 2 in 7, Mueller OB 5 times, Damon 3/6, Youkilis 3/5
G024: BOS 6 TEX 5 POG: Embree 13-11 -4 SUMMARY Clement decent, 4 run 5th breaks game open, Foulke nearly blows save
G025: DET 8 BOS 3 POG: Damon 13-12 -4 SUMMARY Sox fail to capitalize on chances, Jeremi Gonzalez fill-in starter, Damon 3/5
G026: BOS 5 DET 3 POG: Mirabelli 14-12 -3 SUMMARY DH Mirabelli grand slam, Halama decent in spot start, Foulke again allows HR but gets save
G027: BOS 4 DET 3 POG: Youkilis 15-12 -3 SUMMARY Youk with game-winning RBI in 8th, Foulke with a less dramatic save
G028: BOS 2 DET 1 POG: Arroyo 16-12 -2.5 SUMMARY Arroyo allows 1 in 8, Trot 4/5, Ortiz doubles in Trot for winning run, 3 S in 3 straight games for Foulke
G029: BOS 7 SEA 2 POG: Clement 17-12 -2.5SUMMARY Clement 0 ER in 7, Mueller 2/4 with 4 RBIs
G030: BOS 6 SEA 3 POG: Millar 18-12 -2 SUMMARY Gonzalez gets win, Foulke save 8, Millar bases clearing double in first inning, Sox within 2 of O's
G031: SEA 6 BOS 4 POG: Ortiz 18-13 -2.5 SUMMARY New guy Cla Meredith gives up slam, ruins decent Miller debut
G032: BOS 13 OAK 5 POG: Nixon 19-13 -2.5 SUMMARY Only one of first 6 Sox runs unearned, but Trot gets 4 RBIs, Wakey solid start.
G033: BOS 3 OAK 2 POG: Millar 20-13 -1.5 SUMMARY Millar hits walk-off home run, his second HR this season (and second in two days)
G034: BOS 6 OAK 5 POG: Varitek 21-13 -1.5 SUMMARY Foulke blows 3 run lead in 9th, but Tekkie answers with 2-run walk-off homer
G035: SEA 14 BOS 7 POG: Mantei 21-14 -1 SUMMARY Starter Gonzalez and long-reliever Halama give up 12 runs in 5 innings
G036: BOS 6 SEA 3 POG: Nixon 22-14 -1 SUMMARY Nixon hits grand slam, Damon's 18 game hitting streak ends
G037: SEA 5 BOS 4 POG: Ramirez 22-15 -2 SUMMARY Manny hits his 400th HR
G038: OAK 6 BOS 4 POG: Bellhorn 22-16 -2.5 SUMMARY Papi double ties game in 7th, but bullpen blows it in the 8th, O gets 4 runs on 12 hits
G039: BOS 7 OAK 5 POG: Renteria 23-16 -2.5 SUMMARY Sox turn it around and get 7 runs on 4 hits, Renteria with bases clearing double to produce winning runs
G040: OAK 13 BOS 6 POG: Varitek 23-17 -3.5 SUMMARY Wells gives up 7 in 1.1 in his return from DL
G041: BOS 4 ATL 3 POG: Mueller 24-17 -2 SUMMARY Mueller 2 run HR nets first POG, Foulke allows 2 ER but still gets save
G042: ATL 7 BOS 5 POG: Halama 24-18 -3 SUMMARY Halama pitches 3 keeping Sox in game after Wakey struggles, but late rally comes up short
G043: BOS 5 ATL 2 POG: Clement 25-18 -2 SUMMARY Clement gets CG, both ER and 3 of 4 hits come in 4th, no walks
G044: TOR 9 BOS 6 POG: Ortiz 25-19 -3 SUMMARY Wells solid except 4 runs in 4th, bullpen worse as Jays break tie with walkoff HR
G045: TOR 6 BOS 1 POG: Foulke 25-20 -4 SUMMARY Ortiz, Ramirez, Varitek, and Millar combined 0/14
G046: TOR 8 BOS 1 POG: Renteria 25-21 -5 SUMMARY Wade Miller allows 6 runs in first, blowout despite both teams with 9 hits
G047: NYY 6 BOS 3 POG: Renteria 25-22 -5 SUMMARY Sox outhit Yanks 11-7 but lose with terrible sixth inning
G048: BOS 17 NYY 1 POG: Renteria 26-22 -4 SUMMARY Sox bat 27/52, both Trot and Renteria (3 straight POGs) with 5 RBIs
G049: BOS 7 NYY 2 POG: Ortiz 27-22 -3 SUMMARY Papi and Renteria 4/5, Wells gives up 2 HR in first inning and only 4 hits rest of 8.1 IP outing
G050: BAL 8 BOS 1 POG: Halama 27-23 -4 SUMMARY Arroyo gives up 7 runs including grand slam
G051: BOS 5 BAL 1 POG: Miller 28-23 -3 SUMMARY Miller allows just 1 run on 5 hits, Renteria 2/4, Damon slams into wall and is day-to-day
G052: BAL 9 BOS 3 POG: Ortiz 28-24 -4 SUMMARY Another poor start from Wakefield, allowing 7 runs in 5.1
G053: BOS 6 BAL 4 POG: Ortiz 29-24 -3 SUMMARY Foulke blows tie but rescued by Papi walk-off HR
G054: BOS 7 LAA 4 POG: Damon 30-24 -2 SUMMARY Damon 4 RBIs in last 2 innings as Sox overcome 4-1 deficit - Foulke loads bases but escapes with save.
G055: LAA 13 BOS 6 POG: Millar 30-25 -3 SUMMARY Embree and Mantei each allow 4 runs to blow 5-2 lead. Millar 3/4 with 2 HRs.
G056: BOS 6 LAA 3 POG: Foulke 31-25 -3 SUMMARY Early 3-0 lead slowly dissapates, but Bellhorn hits game-winning sac-fly, Foulke saves perfectly.
G057: STL 7 BOS 1 POG: Embree 31-26 -4 SUMMARY Cards exact revenge for WS sweep - loss here small price to pay though
G058: STL 9 BOS 2 POG: Varitek 31-27 -4 SUMMARY Renteria 4 GIDPs in 2 games vs. former team. Varitek 3/3
G059: BOS 4 STL 0 POG: Wells 32-27 -3 SUMMARY Wells allows just 4 hits in 8 innings. Foulke 2 H allowed in 9th but holds on
G060: CUB 14 BOS 6 POG: Ortiz 32-28 -4 SUMMARY Arroyo, Halama, Embree all struggle in first Cubs-Red Sox game since 1918
G061: CUB 7 BOS 6 POG: Miller 32-29 -4 SUMMARY Miller allows 5 in 7 but goes 2/3. Nixon with 3-run HR but ends rally in 9th with foul pop-up
G062: BOS 8 CUB 1 POG: Damon 33-29 -3 SUMMARY Wakey recovers now that Mirabelli is back - Damon nearly hits for the cycle
G063: BOS 10 CIN 3 POG: Damon 34-29 -3 SUMMARY Clement gives up 3 in 8, Damon again with 3 hits
G064: BOS 7 CIN 0 POG: Wells 35-29 -3 SUMMARY Wells throws no-hitter through 5.2, just 1 H and 2 BB in 7 IP. Manny HR in 3 straight games
G065: BOS 6 CIN 1 POG: Arroyo 36-29 -3 SUMMARY Bronson gives up 1 ER in 7, 2-4 hitters Renteria, Ortiz, and Manny all go 2/4, 1 BB.
G066: BOS 6 PIT 5 POG: Varitek 37-29 -2 SUMMARY Tekkie blocks plate to keep game tied in 8th, Damon RBI single wins game
G067: PIT 2 BOS 0 POG: Wakefield 37-30 -3 SUMMARY Both teams get 10 OB in 7, but no runs until Embree on mound in 8th - first shutout this year of Sox
G068: BOS 8 PIT 0 POG: Clement 38-30 -3 SUMMARY Clement allows just 3 H and 1 BB in 7, Payton 2 hits in 2nd straight game
G069: BOS 10 CLE 9 POG: Ramirez 39-30 -2 SUMMARY Embree, Foulke try to blow game for Sox but Boston holds on to end CLE 9 game streak
G070: BOS 9 CLE 2 POG: Ortiz 40-30 -2 SUMMARY Ortiz 3/4 with 2 HRs, Arroyo 1 ER in 7 IP.
G071: BOS 5 CLE 4 POG: Embree 41-30 -1 SUMMARY Embree rescues Miller from bases loaded w/ 0 out to keep deficit to 2-1, Olerud, Renteria key comeback win
G072: BOS 8 PHI 0 POG: Wakefield 42-30 +.5 SUMMARY Mirabelli, Manny, Ortiz multi-run homers give Wakey (8 IP, 2 H) more support than necessary - Sox back in first
G073: BOS 7 PHI 1 POG: Clement 43-30 +1.5 SUMMARY Renteria 3/5, Clement 1 run in 7. Manny hits another homer.
G074: BOS 12 PHI 8 POG: Bellhorn 44-30 +2.5 SUMMARY Manny 19th granny, but after Sox allow tie after 8-1 lead, Bellhorn (3/4) with game-winning RBI
G075: CLE 7 BOS 0 POG: Halama 44-31 +2.5 SUMMARY Defense and batting putrid, only highlight is Halama: 0 R in 2.1 IP
G076: CLE 12 BOS 8 POG: Ramirez 44-32 +1.5 SUMMARY Foulke blows save, allowing 5 ER and 2 inherited runners to score in 1.2 innings
G077: BOS 5 CLE 2 POG: Wakefield 45-32 +2 SUMMARY Wakey allows 2 in 7, Mirabelli and Bellhorn with back-to-back homers
G078: TOR 15 BOS 2 POG: Embree 45-33 SUMMARY Clement allows 8 runs in 5.2, Embree only pitcher who does well
G079: BOS 6 TOR 4 POG: Ortiz 46-33 SUMMARY Manny 2-run HR in 7th nets winning runs, Sox now 3-7 vs Jays
G080: TOR 5 BOS 2 POG: Arroyo 46-34 +2.5 SUMMARY Bronson allows 3 in 8, Sox blow multiple chances vs. Halladay. Damon hitting streak: 18
G081: TEX 6 BOS 5 POG: Ramirez 46-35 +2.5 SUMMARY Manny 2-run HR in 8th should net winning runs, but Foulke blows save, to go on DL? DHS: 19
G082: BOS 7 TEX 4 POG: Timlin 47-35 +3.5 SUMMARY Manny 20th slam of career, Timlin first closer of committee to net save, DHS: 20
G083: BOS 7 TEX 4 POG: Ortiz 48-35 +4 SUMMARY Ortiz 3 RBIs made the difference, Embree saves, DHS: 21
G084: BAL 3 BOS 1 POG: Olerud 48-36 +3 SUMMARY Sox B team lose 6-inning rain game, Nixon leaves bases loaded in 5th getting picked off of 2nd
G085: BOS 7 BAL 2 POG: Ortiz 49-36 +4 SUMMARY Arroyo gives up 2 in 7.2, Ortiz (2/2, 3 BB) and Damon (4/5, 1 BB) on base 5 times each
G086: BAL 9 BOS 1 POG: Damon 49-37 +3 SUMMARY Ortiz robbed of 3-run HR when game was 1-1, Miller gives up 4 in 6
G087: BAL 4 BOS 1 POG: Timlin 49-38 +2 SUMMARY With offense struggling, Ortiz steals second, but Manny Ks to end another poor Sox offensive game
G088: NYY 8 BOS 6 POG: Nixon 49-39 +1 SUMMARY Nixon HR puts Sox up 4-0 but Bronson, Schilling (2 R to break 6-6 tie in 9th) struggle
G089: BOS 17 NYY 1 POG: Nixon 50-39 SUMMARY Nixon inside-the-park HR highlights offensive explosion vs Redding. Wells gives up 1 run in 7 vs former team
G090: NYY 7 BOS 4 POG: Ramirez 50-40 SUMMARY Clement struggles again, giving up 6 in 3.2, Curt pitches 9th 1-2-3
G091: NYY 5 BOS 3 POG: Ramirez 50-41 +.5 SUMMARY Bogus out call quells 9th inning Sox rally, DHS: 29
G092: TBY 3 BOS 1 POG: Timlin 50-42 -.5 SUMMARY Damon hit streak ends at 29 - AVG only goes up .003 during streak, Piniella ejected, Sox out of first
G093: BOS 5 TBY 2 POG: Schilling 51-42 +.5 SUMMARY Schilling gets first save since 1992, Sox back in first
G094: BOS 9 TBY 4 POG: Damon 52-42 +.5 SUMMARY Sox get 5 runs before first out recorded
G095: BOS 6 CWS 5 POG: Ramirez 53-42 SUMMARY Schilling blows save in 8th, Manny hits GW HR after Crede drops his foul pop-up
G096: CWS 8 BOS 4 POG: Stern 53-43 SUMMARY Wakey gives up 2 3-run HR in 6th, Stern gets first HR
G097: BOS 3 CWS 0 POG: Miller 54-43 SUMMARY Wade no runs in 7 IP despite 5 H and 4 BB, Manny, Tekkie with homers, Schilling with S
G098: CWS 6 BOS 4 POG: Varitek 54-44 SUMMARY Sox fail to capitalize on chances vs. Contreras, Bronson gives up 6 R in 6.2
G099: TBY 4 BOS 3 POG: Damon 54-45 +1 SUMMARY Timlin allows inherited runner to score and tie game, Schill blows it in 10th in first extra inning game of the year
G100: BOS 10 TBY 9 POG: Damon 55-45 +1 SUMMARY Emotional game: Clement hit in head, Sox score 2 to force extra frame, Damon GWHR
G101: BOS 4 TBY 1 POG: Wakefield 56-45 +2 SUMMARY Wakefield 0 ER in 7.1, Bradford, Myers, and Schill load bases in 9th with 2 out, but dam doesn't break
G102: BOS 8 MIN 5 POG: Olerud 57-45 +2.5 SUMMARY Bizarre 2-error play nets first Sox 3 runs, Olerud grand slam adds insurance, Manny booed after requesting trade
G103: BOS 6 MIN 2 POG: Wells 58-45 +2.5 SUMMARY Wells gives up 2 in 7, Olerud 3 more RBIs, Manny on bench = imminent trade?
G104: BOS 4 MIN 3 POG: Ramirez 59-45 +2.5 SUMMARY Manny enters game in 8th just after trade deadline, gets game winning pinch hit single, Papelbon 7 Ks in ML debut
G105: BOS 6 KCR 4 POG: Ramirez 60-45 +3.5 SUMMARY Wakey 3rd all time Red Sox in wins on 39th B-day, Manny 3-run homer
G106: BOS 8 KCR 5 POG: Ramirez 61-45 +4.5 SUMMARY Manny another 3-run homer, leaves game after collision with Renteria, Sox season high East lead
G107: BOS 11 KCR 9 POG: Varitek 62-45 +4.5 SUMMARY Clement returns, helped by Rentera 4 RBIs and Varitek 5 (including first career grand slam)
G108: MIN 12 BOS 0 POG: Myers 62-46 +3.5 SUMMARY 8 game streak comes to end as nothing goes right for the Sox
G109: MIN 4 BOS 3 POG: Damon 62-47 +3.5 SUMMARY Wells allows 5 straight singles to tie game at 3, Sox O fails to capitalize on chances, 2 errors in 9th allow GW run
G110: BOS 11 MIN 7 POG: Ramirez 63-47 +3.5 SUMMARY Sox get 5 H before 1st out, Delcarmen allows 3 runs in 9th but Schilling saves, Manny 4/4
G111: BOS 11 TEX 6 POG: Graffanino 64-47 +3.5 SUMMARY Graffanino 3/3, 4 RBI, 3 R, two of them hustle plays at the plate, turns two double plays
G112: BOS 8 TEX 7 POG: Mueller 65-47 +4.5 SUMMARY Renteria 2 E and 0/5 before GW single, Mueller scores final run after Remlinger, Bradford blow 7-2 lead
G113: BOS 16 TEX 5 POG: Ramirez 66-47 +5.5 SUMMARY Sox score 9 times in the 8th, Manny 2/3 with 2 BBs, obvious Kapler HR not called by umps
G114: BOS 9 CWS 8 POG: Ortiz 67-47 +5 SUMMARY Sox come back from early 4-0 deficit, Schilling comes on with 4 run lead and nearly blows it
G115: BOS 7 CWS 4 POG: Wakefield 68-47 +4.5 SUMMARY Schillng again enters with 4R lead, allows just 1 R this time. Wakey 7IP, 2HR after 45 min rain delay
G116: DET 7 BOS 6 POG: Ortiz 68-48 +3.5 SUMMARY Schilling blows save
G117: BOS 10 DET 7 POG: Ortiz 69-48 +4.5 SUMMARY Papi and Varitek each homer twice as Tigers blow save
G118: DET 6 BOS 5 POG: Renteria 69-49 +4.5SUMMARY Wells gives up 4 R before first out, Sox rally comes short as Papi GIDPs
G119: ANA 13 BOS 4 POG: Kapler 69-50 +4 SUMMARY Wakey gets hit in ankle with batted ball and leaves game, Kapler 2 RBIs for first POG
G120: BOS 4 ANA 3 POG: Schilling 70-50 +4 SUMMARY Timlin blows 3-1 Clement lead, but Schilling 2 perfect innings and Manny sac-grounder complete the win
G121: ANA 4 BOS 2 POG: Renteria 70-51 +3 SUMMARY Sox muster only 2 H in first 7 innings vs. rookie pitcher, Renteria with 2 RBIs in 8th but Ortiz Ks to end rally
G122: BOS 5 ANA 1 POG: Renteria 71-51 +4 SUMMARY Renteria 3-R HR breaks 0-0 tie in 8th, Papelbon 0 ER in 5.2, Timlin 0 ER in 2 IP
G123: BOS 5 KCR 2 POG: Renteria 72-51 +3.5 SUMMARY
G124: KCR 4 BOS 3 POG: Renteria 72-52 +3.5 SUMMARY
G125: KCR 7 BOS 4 POG: Mueller 72-53 +2.5 SUMMARY Schilling first start in a while, gives up 6 in 5
G126: BOS 9 DET 8 POG: Ramirez 73-53 +2.5 SUMMARY Tigers hit 4 HR but comeback comes up short, Graffanino 3 hits, Manny 3 RBIs
G127: DET 12 BOS 8 POG: Graffanino 73-54 +1.5 SUMMARY Sox blow 6-0 lead led by Arroyo allowing grand slam, Papelbon doesn't help in relief
G128: BOS 11 DET 3 POG: Mueller 74-54 +1.5 SUMMARY Damon 2/4, BB, 3 RBI, 1 R, Ortiz 3/5, 3 RBI, 2 R, Mueller 3/4, 2 RBI, 2 R
G129: BOS 10 TBY 6 POG: Ortiz 75-54 +1.5 SUMMARY Papi hits 2 homers, Olerud goes 3/4, Clement pitches 3 more innings after 90 minute rain delay
G130: BOS 7 TBY 6 POG: Nixon 76-54 +2.5 SUMMARY Schilling allows 5 early but Sox battle back, winning with a Nixon walk-off single
G131: BOS 7 TBY 6 POG: Millar 77-54 +2.5 SUMMARY Wakey allows 5 early but Sox battle back behind 2 Millar HRs, Mirabelli stolen base
G132: BOS 7 TBY 4 POG: Olerud 78-54 +3.5 SUMMARY Olerud hits 3-run and 2-run homers, 6 RBIs overall
G133: BAL 7 BOS 3 POG: DiNardo 78-55 +3.5 SUMMARY Major league debut for DiNardo, gives up 1 earned run in 6, but not much run support
G134: BOS 7 BAL 6 POG: Clement 79-55 +3.5 SUMMARY Clement gives up 2 earned, 4 total, in 8 innings, Timlin gives up 2 runs but holds on for save
G135: BOS 5 BAL 1 POG: Wells 80-55 +3.5 SUMMARY Wells goes the distance: Olerud 3-run homer part of 6-hit-in-a-row rally off of Rodrigo Lopez
G136: CWS 5 BOS 3 POG: Graffanino 80-56 +3 SUMMARY 3-run homer by Graffanino with two out in 9th saves Sox offense from deserved embarassment
G137: BOS 3 ANA 2 POG: Ortiz 81-56 +4 SUMMARY Ortiz walk-off homer snags win despite anemic offense going 0/10 with RISPs, Wakey goes distance
G138: BOS 6 ANA 3 POG: Ortiz 82-56 +4 SUMMARY Papi ties game at 3 with 2-RBI single, Sox go on to win behind 8 strong innings from Arroyo
G139: ANA 3 BOS 0 POG: Papelbon 82-57 +4 SUMMARY Sox leave bases loaded in 8th and 9th, striking out 6 times in those innings
G140: NYY 8 BOS 4 POG: Mueller 82-58 +3 SUMMARY Four Sox errors don't help Wells: Yankee error in 8th almost leads to Sox comeback, but Small improves to 7-0
G141: BOS 9 NYY 2 POG: Schilling 83-58 +4 SUMMARY Sox hero is back: Schill 8 IP, 2 ER, Sox O blows game open after Yankee errors
G142: NYY 1 BOS 0 POG: Wakefield 83-59 +3 SUMMARY Sox shutout for 2nd time in 4 games, this time by Randy Johnson. Wakey gives up 1 run in 8.
G143: BOS 6 TOR 5 POG: Ortiz 84-59 +3.5 SUMMARY Ortiz hits solo HR in top of 11th, Papelbon pitched final 3 innings giving up just a walk, first career W
G144: TOR 9 BOS 3 POG: Ortiz 84-60 +2.5 Summary Jays get to Clement early, Ortiz hits 41st HR
G145: BOS 5 TOR 3 POG: Ortiz 85-60 +2.5 Summary Graffanino falls triple short of cycle, Ortiz sets new career high and an MLB record, Kapler ruptures achilles tendon
G146: OAK 6 BOS 2 POG: Damon 85-61 +1.5 Summary Damon returns to lineup, Schilling tagged early
G147: BOS 3 OAK 2 POG: Wakefield 86-61 +1.5 Summary Wakefield goes 9 strong for a ND, Ortiz hits 43rd HR, Manny gets game winning HBP
G148: BOS 2 OAK 1 POG: Ramirez 87-61 +1.5 Summary Manny drives in both runs, including his 36th HR
G149: OAK 12 BOS 3 POG: Mueller 87-62 +1.5 Summary Mueller homers, Clement and Gonzalez both spanked
G150: TBY 8 BOS 7 POG: Mueller 87-63 +0.5 Summary Wells chased early, Sox rally but fall short, Hansen shows promise
G151: BOS 15 TBY 2 POG: Ortiz 88-63 +0.5 Summary Ortiz and Manny each homer twice, Schilling pitches well
G152: TBY 7 BOS 4 POG: Mueller 88-64 -0.5 Summary Sox collapse in 8th inning, Yanks take AL East lead
G153: BOS 6 BAL 3 POG: Ramirez 89-64 -1 Summary Manny catching fire, Sox keep pace
G154: BOS 4 BAL 3 POG: Renteria 90-64 +0 Summary Clement goes 6 scoreless innings, Renteria delivers game broken bat single to score go ahead runs
G155: BOS 9 BAL 3 POG: Varitek 91-64 +0 SUMMARY Sox jump out to 5-0 lead, team with 12 hits, Varitek 3 walks, Wells gives up 3 in 6.2
G156: BOS 3 TOR 1 POG: Wakefield 92-64 +0 SUMMARY Wakefield gives up 1 R, 0 ER, in 7 IP in afternoon makeup of last night's rainout, but must go Sat. on short rest
G157: TOR 7 BOS 5 POG: Renteria 92-65 +0 SUMMARY Schilling blows leads of 3-0 and 5-2, Sox offense can't touch Jays bullpen
G158: TOR 7 BOS 2 POG: Renteria 92-66 -1 SUMMARY Sox offense (except Ortiz, Renteria) and pitching (except Wakey) choking away playoff hopes
G159: BOS 5 TOR 4 POG: Ortiz 93-66 -1 SUMMARY Papi hits game-tying solo HR, then a walk-off RBI single in the 9th
G160: BOS 5 NYY 3 POG: Timlin 94-66 +0 SUMMARY Sox take advantage of errors, walks to win despite being outhit 7-4, draw into tie for East w/ 2 to go
G161: NYY 8 BOS 4 POG: Ramirez 94-67 -1 SUMMARY Hot Wakey cooled by Yanks, who win East. Indians loss means Sox in playoffs with win tomorrow
G162: BOS 10 NYY 1 POG: Ramirez 95-67 +0 SUMMARY Sox end season tied with Yankees in East, win WC by two games. Schilling pitches well in playoff tuneup

ALDS1: CWS 14 BOS 2 POG: Nixon 0-1 SUMMARY Clement gives up 8 in 3.1, Contreras keeps Red Sox offense in check
ALDS2: CWS 5 BOS 4 POG: Ramirez 0-2 SUMMARY Manny helps Sox go up 4-0 early, but Iguchi HR after Graffanino error keeps Chicago alive in 5th made it 5-4
ALDS3: CWS 5 BOS 3 POG: Papelbon 0-3 SUMMARY Sox choke down 1 with bases loaded and no out in 6th inning

Player of the Game Totals:

24 Ortiz 4 5 18 31 44 49 52 53 60 70 79 83 85 114 116 117 129 137 138 143 144 145 151 159
21 Ramirez 11 13 21 37 69 76 81 90 91 95 104 105 106 110 113 126 148 153 161 162 P2
14 Renteria 6 9 39 46 47 48 118 121 122 123 124 154 157 158
13 Damon 17 19 20 25 54 62 63 86 94 99 100 109 146
10 Wakefield 7 12 67 72 77 101 115 142 147 156
9 Varitek 1 2 34 40 58 66 98 107 155
8 Mueller 41 112 125 128 140 149 150 152
7 Nixon 8 32 36 88 89 130 P1
6 Wells 10 15 59 64 103 135
6 Clement 16 29 43 68 73 134
6 Millar 3 22 30 33 55 131
5 Arroyo 14 23 28 65 80
4 Timlin 82 87 92 160
4 Embree 24 57 71 78
3 Schilling 93 120 141
3 Graffanino 111 127 136
3 Olerud 84 102 132
3 Miller 51 61 97
3 Halama 42 50 75
2 Papelbon 139 P3
2 Bellhorn 38 74
2 Foulke 45 56
1 DiNardo 133
1 Kapler 119
1 Myers 108
1 Stern 96
1 Mantei 35
1 Youkilis 27
1 Mirabelli 26

[Wannabe Actuary]

No worries about last night boys...season is young.

[Bicycle Repair Man]

As I said, the pitching will be OK, and the offense has a chance to score 1000 runs. I still like the Sox for 99 wins, only because I'm afraid to predict 100 or more.

[IAm@Work.com]

All I can say about yesterday's game is that no one should have to watch (or play in) a baseball game when you can see the players breath.

Originally Posted by IAm@Work.com

All I can say about yesterday's game is that no one should have to watch (or play in) a baseball game when you can see the players breath.

I bet the owners box was nice and warm. But only because Donald Trump, Regis, and Bill O'Reiley were all sitting together up there.

Now THAT is a lot of hot air.

[Wannabe Actuary]

Heard a comment about the temp and that two dome teams were playing each other tonight?....bad planning because the want/need to hype the season by way of the rivalry.

[Guerilla poster]

Will they win 80 games this year?

[Wannabe Actuary]

Originally Posted by Guerilla poster

Will they win 80 games this year?

Unless the sport goes the way of hockey, yes.

[RedSoxFan]

Sox lost 9-2 last night. Boomer didn't pitch very well, and Randy Johnson was sharp. Varitek was something like 0 for 29 at Yankee Stadium last year, and was 3/4 last night, the only Sock with multiple hits. Jay Payton got the first RBI of the season, and it was against Johnson. Big Papi was the run. He had just doubled on the 2nd pitch of his first career at-bat vs. Randy, overcoming the lefty-on-lefty matchup.

[RedSoxFan]

Has anyone else read the King/O'Nan Red Sox book? I'm nearly finished with it. And enjoyable way to relive last year.