Languid
Game 133: September 2, 2005
Orioles (64-70), 7
Red Sox (78-55), 3
W: John Maine (2-1)
H: Eric DuBose (1)
H: Chris Ray (4)
H: Steve Kline (9)
H: Todd Williams (13)
L: Lenny DiNardo (0-1)
3.5 games ahead in the division
1 game losing streak
A mostly unremarkable game save for a number of debuts by the call-ups and Lenny DiNardo’s near-quality start. DiNardo pitched 6 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs (only 1 earned), 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, and 1 cheap home run by Alejandro Freire that curled around Pesky Pole.
Another Alejandro, this one from the Boston farm system, utility infielder Machado, entered the game in the 9th inning for second baseman Alex Cora. He didn’t get his first major league at bat yet, however. With a fully stocked bullpen, Terry Francona went to his relievers often. In the 7th inning, Chad Harville was brought in to Chris Gomez, who he walked. Luis Matos failed to move Gomez over with a bunt, erasing the lead runner. Matt Perisho made his Red Sox debut and yielded a double on his 1-1 pitch to Brian Roberts to score Matos from first. He was quickly pulled and replaced by Chad Bradford, who got Mevlin Mora out but gave up an RBI single to Miguel Tejada.
Keith Foulke made his first appearance since July 4th. He appeared unsure of his change-up, throwing primarily fastballs and sliders. He gave up a fly ball single up to Jay Gibbons to center field but then induced a fly ball out from Javy Lopez to finally bring a close to the 7th inning and the round-robin of pitchers.
I was there at the game thanks to a friend from the Royal Rooters message board, David Laurila. He’s the one that does most of the interviews. If you haven’t checked these out, you should. I had the opportunity to go out to LeLacheur Park and interview lefty reliever James Baxter. Since the Lowell Spinners are close to making the playoffs for the first time in their history, the guys are excited to have something to play for. I’ll let you know when the interview with Jim is posted.
One couple near my section brought their three-week young baby. He was wearing a Red Sox onesie and seemed tiny enough to fit in a first baseman’s glove. Anne Quinn, Red Sox fan extraordinaire, sits in this section and I had the opportunity to be introduced to her. You might remember her from her appearance in World Series Game 2, where she was interviewed briefly. She scores games as easily as I breathe. Despite the outcome, spending time with and meeting some great fans was worthwhile.
