Lester, Papelbon Combine On Two-Hitter As Sox Win In Bottom Of Ninth, 1-0 |

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Lester, Papelbon Combine On Two-Hitter As Sox Win In Bottom Of Ninth, 1-0

By Administrator | April 29, 2008

As far as pitcher’s duels go, tonight’s game at Fenway Park was about as good as it gets.

On a cold and raw night in Boston, Jon Lester and Roy Halladay handcuffed opposing batters for the first eight innings of the ballgame. In the top of the ninth inning, it took a terrific defensive play by Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia to keep the Blue Jays scoreless… and in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Red Sox staged a two-out rally off Halladay to earn a dramatic 1-0 victory. The win ended the Red Sox five-game losing streak.

Lester surrendered one hit through eight scoreless innings… the only hit being a fifth inning leadoff single to 1B Lyle Overbay, who was immediately erased on a double play. Otherwise, Lester issued four walks and struck out six batters. Lester’s effort was substantially matched by Halladay, who threw his fourth consecutive complete game (the first pitcher in the AL to accomplish the feat since Halladay himself did it back in 2002).

Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon relieved Lester in a scoreless game in the top of the ninth inning. He began his outing by striking out RF Alex Rios and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs. Third baseman Scott Rolen then reached on a double to left-center field, bringing CF Vernon Wells to the plate. “Boomer” then ripped a shot over the left shoulder of Papelbon towards right-center field…

Enter Pedroia.

He flashed to his right and dove. Outstretched and with the ball already past him, the reigning Rookie of the Year corraled the ball, jumped to his feet, spun and threw to first base to get Wells by two full steps. End of the half-inning. Tie game preserved. The defensive gem was reminiscent of his late-inning play last September 1st that helped to protect Clay Buchholz’ no-hitter.

Halladay took a three-hitter into the bottom of the ninth inning…. he had yet to walk a batter and had struck out six. He began the inning by retiring Coco Crisp on a lazy fly to center field and Pedroia on an infield pop-up. Ortiz then graciously accepted a five-pitch walk in front of Manny Ramirez’ line drive single into center field.

With Ortiz at second base, manager Terry Francona declined to insert a pinch-runner for his lumbering DH… and the way things have gone lately you had the feeling that decision might end up costing the Sox. Kevin Youkilis then ripped a 1-0 pitch to center field… and as Wells prepared to field the ball it appeared Ortiz would be involved in a close play at home plate. But Wells took his eye off the ball as he prepared to field it… it hit the heal of his glove and bounded away from him towards left-center field. The losing streak was, at long last, over.

I absolutely and unequivocally do NOT agree with Francona’s decision not to pinch run for Big Papi… but all’s well that ends well. Right?

Papelbon (1-0) earned the win.

Halladay fell to a hard-luck 2-4, despite his 3.26 ERA… he has lost his last three starts in spite of pitching complete games in each outing.

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Mike Lowell was activated from the DL before the game. He went 0-for-3. Bryan Corey was designated for assignment to make room for Lowell on the 25-man roster.

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The run in the ninth inning ended the Red Sox 21-inning scoreless drought.

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Jacoby Ellsbury missed the game with a sore groin.

Topics: Sox Games, Sox Players |

One Response to “Lester, Papelbon Combine On Two-Hitter As Sox Win In Bottom Of Ninth, 1-0”

Jeff Cohen Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Jeff this was one of the first times that I really saw Lester just focus on downing what he does best: location pitch. He was not really doing much of that earlier this season, he was tryoing too hard to be a K pitcher or focusing to much on where the pitch ended up. Against the Rays, he just threw the ball and let his natural talent and his boys behind him shine. Also, I don’t know if I agree with the move of bringing Pap in during a tied game. It worked out great, but what if we went extra innings. I would of loved to see Hideki or inning by commitee. It all worked out, but what were your initial thoughts??
Other note, I finally got myself a Pap autogaraph. Any news on any signings coming up?? Just shoot me an email. Thanks.