Newcomer
| Game 15: April 15, 2008 | |||
 Red Sox |
5 | H: Javier Lopez (2) BS: Manny Delcarmen (1) W: David Aardsma (1-1) S: Hideki Okajima (1) |
9-6, 4 game winning streak |
| Indians | 3 | BS: Rafael Perez (2) L: Jensen Lewis (0-1) |
5-9, 2 game losing streak |
| Highlights: Jed Lowrie made his major league debut at the hot corner, a position he has played just three games in since being drafted by the Red Sox. He was the second supplemental round pick of the 2005 draft, a compensatory pick for allowing Orlando Cabrera to lapse into free agency. That draft also yielded Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Hansen, and Clay Buchholz. | |||
Amazing to think that right after winning the World Series in 2004 the Red Sox reloaded with Jacoby Ellsbury, who contributed to the 2007 title, and Clay Buchholz, who pitched a no-hitter in his second major league start.
Imagine that after toiling away in a branch office for three years with somewhat lackluster results, you finally get a position in headquarters. Then your contributions immediately lead to a multi-million dollar sale that launches your company past its competitors. That’s Jed Lowrie’s career arc so far with the Red Sox.
Lowrie added his own page to the growing volume of youthful contributions in the seventh inning. In his third major league plate appearance the infielder faced tough lefty Rafael Perez with the bases loaded, no out, and his team trailing by a run.
He knocked a ground ball past a flailing Jhonny Peralta to plate Kevin Youkilis and Ellsbury, who had reached on bases on balls issued by the feckless Jorge Julio. Ellsbury also notched a run in the fifth thanks to Lowrie’s fielder’s choice, making the newest member of the franchise the RBI leader of the evening.
Of course Tim Wakefield and the gang would vandalize a random ball with messy writing and misspelled names, but Jeb, er, Jed, would of course be presented with the actual ball replete with Wakefield’s calligraphic flourishes.
The lead Lowrie secured would not last long, however. Javier Lopez relieved Wakefield in the bottom of the seventh and after two quick outs couldn’t put away the Indians. Lopez nailed Travis Hafner with a pitch and then nearly won the battle against Victor Martinez.
Martinez is not your stereotypical offensively-challenged catcher. He prevailed in the 10-pitch at bat against Lopez with a single to left. Terry Francona pulled Lopez in favor of Manny Delcarmen, who gave up the lead the same way Hafner reached base. Even though was struck in the hands by Delcarmen’s mid-90s heat, Ryan Garko took his base after a brief visit by the trainer, his pain paving the way for a tied game.
Another catcher played a pivotal role in the ninth. Jason Varitek pinch hit for Kevin Cash and arced an impressive shot into the left field stands. Varitek, with his slowing bat, massive contract, and unchanging at-bat music, is so easy to malign. But then he does something like this, a monumental strike that propelled his team into first place in the AL East, and you remember why he is the captain, and why you can’t help but like him.
