Shorn
Game 18: April 22, 2006
Red Sox (11-7), 1
Blue Jays (9-7), 8
L: Lenny DiNardo (0-1)
W: Roy Halladay (2-1)
S: Pete Walker (1)
For the second time this season the Red Sox drop a series, and both times it has been to the Blue Jays.
Aside from the unveiling of Jonathan Papelbon’s mohawk, the only interesting moment in the entire broadcast was the profile of the Red Sox’s new second baseman. NESN showed a photograph of Mark Loretta at the University of Hawai‘i. He must have went to the islands for a “road” trip series against Hawai‘i while he was at Northwestern. I searched through Northwestern’s baseball archives, but their website only has data from 1997 onward.
Odd things happen with Trot Nixon on the bases. Last year, he was hit by a batted ball and was called out. Yesterday in the top of the second inning he was tagged out because of his step toward second base was judged to be an attempt to advance to second base by umpire Andy Fletcher. Later, however, the seemingly reinvigorated right fielder would be responsible for Boston’s only run of the game. In the fourth, Nixon’s line drive found the gap in left center and Manny Ramirez, who had reached on a single, scored with brisk run around the horn. Giving his first close “go” sign, DeMarlo Hale lived to tell the tale. Wisely, he chose to do so while on the road.
In his three innings of work, Lenny DiNardo turned in a line of 10 hits, seven runs (all of them earned), one base on balls, one strikeout, and a home run (to Bengie Molina, who can only get around the bases if he launches the ball out of the park). Four of the runs came in the first inning, which is more than enough room for Roy Halladay to work with.
Jermaine Van Buren made his Red Sox debut and the results were fairly encouraging. During his three innings of mop up he gave up two hits, walked Reed Johnson, and struck out Troy Glaus. He seemed to be laboring and quickly worked up a sweat; just judging by his body shape and demeanor he isn’t in the best of shape. But, with conditioning, perhaps Van Buren can eventually fill the role that Jeremi Gonzalez did last season. The former Cub was optioned to Pawtucket and Manny Delcarmen was recalled to the major league Red Sox.
Today Boston attempts to foil a sweep. With an erratic pitcher like Josh Towers (0-3, 9.24 ERA) on the mound for Toronto, it would seem to be an attainable goal for the Red Sox. But the visiting team has their own inconsistent starter, Matt Clement, who is 1-1 with a lucky number 7.00 ERA. Can I place a proposition bet in Las Vegas for baseball game most likely to feature scores in double digits for both teams?
