Convert
| Game 145: September 10, 2007 | |||
 Devil Rays |
1 | W: Scott Kazmir (12-8) H: Dan Wheeler (15) S: Al Reyes (24) |
61-83, 3 game winning streak 15-27-5 series record |
| Red Sox | 0 | L: Curt Schilling (8-7) | 87-58, 1 game losing streak 30-12-5 series record Magic number: 14 |
| Highlights: A strip of wood in the first seat in my Sox Pax row this year was shattered enough that my friend and I made unofficial souvenirs. The Yankee fan with us shook his head in bemusement. | |||
It was his first visit to Fenway Park last night. He had a sense of irony, subtlety, and grace mostly unknown to his ilk. I was sure to enter through Gate E and jostle him toward the left field loge boxes so that he could get a view of the Green Monster... and the AL East standings. He took it in stride.
During the game he feigned nearly convincing sorrow when the home team failed to take advantage of baserunners (not a common condition, as the Devil Rays’ mound men gave up just five hits and three walks). The dissonance was comical, even appreciated.
He did bluster about Joba Chamberlain, the hot air he emitted attenuated the chill touch of autumn air that cloaked the evening. The events of 2004 have emboldened us just as much as they have humbled them; we found ourself discussing playoff ticket plans and there was nothing he could say in requital.
Only those without a soul would not react or respect Coco Crisp’s stunning catch and resulting double play in the ninth. I am happy to report I have found a Yankee fan with a psyche.
Despite himself he was caught up in David Ortiz’s pinch-hitting appearance in the bottom of the ninth. The sound booth played the “Lose Yourself” montage that never fails to incite the crowd.
As Big Papi strode to the box flashbulbs popped, cheers intensified, and the crowd stood as one. The designated hitter that had conjured up so many late-inning runs did not have one in him last night. After a called strike and two swats that went foul Ortiz grounded into the shift.
By the end of the evening the Yankee fan admitted that Fenway was better than Yankee Stadium. He has not (as of yet) switched loyalties, but I have hopes for him.
