Thursday, April 14, 2005

Red Sox 8, Yankees 5

The Red Sox beat the Yankees in the rubber match of their three-game series by a score of 8-5 at Fenway Park tonight. This game featured just about everything. The Sox hit three homers off of Yankee starter Randy Johnson. Jay Payton and Edgar Renteria each hit two-run shots, and Jason Varitek added a solo blast, the 100th of his career. Sox starter Bronson Arroyo was not sharp and gave up a 4-1 lead with some wildness, and at least one questionable call by home plate umpire Greg Gibson, who had an inconsistent night. Sox manager Terry Francona and hitting coach Ron Jackson were both ejected for arguing balls and strikes.

The game was tied in the eighth inning when the Sox put together a three-run rally that began with a Johnny Damon single to lead off the frame. Edgar Renteria followed with a hit-and-run gapper to the wall in left center for a double that scored Damon. After manny Ramirez flew out to left field, David Ortiz was walked intentionally. Kevin Millar popped out, then Jason Varitek hit a triple down the right field line to score Renteria and Ortiz. However, this play turned ugly as Gary Sheffield, in pursuit of the ball as it hugged the curved part of the wall, appeared to have been struck by a fan. He lunged at the fan as he picked the ball up, then went back to confront the man after he threw the ball back to the infield. Security quickly intervened and order was eventually restored after several tense minutes.

Sox closer Keith Foulke, starting his second inning of worked, faced Sheffield leading off the ninth. Sheff hit a double. Hideki Matsui walked. Alex Rodriguez flew out to deep left. Jorge Posada popped out to short left. Jason Giambi then walked to load the bases. Ruben Sierra ended things with a foul pop-up that Jason Varitek handled for the final out.

Lou Piniella's Tampa Bay Devil Rays come to Fenway for a weekend series that starts tomorrow night.

No comments: