The Running Red Sox

The four stolen bases against Mariano Rivera and the Yankees in the ninth inning on Sunday night -- two by Ryan Kalish and two by Bill Hall -- were the most in one inning for the Red Sox in more than 36 years.

The last time was in Baltimore, on July 2, 1974. The score was tied at 5-5 and Dave Johnson was facing the Red Sox's 2-3-4 hitters in the top of the ninth. Juan Beniquez walked and took second as Danny Cater grounded to third. Carl Yastrzemski was walked intentionally. Bob Reynolds relieved Johnson.

With Rico Petrocelli at the plate, Boston pulled off a double steal, Beniquez taking third and Yaz swiping second. Petrocelli struck out for the second out. Dwight Evans singled to left and both runners scored. Bob Montgomery singled and Evans took third. With Doug Griffin batting, Boston executed yet another double steal, with Evans stealing home and Monty taking second.

Griffin singled to left and Montgomery scored the fourth run of the inning. Mario Guerrero hit into a 4-6 fielder's choice to end the inning. Boston won the game 9-6.

The Red Sox had stolen four bases the night before, as well, including a double steal from Beniquez and Yaz (so they did it two games in a row!). Those two games were the only times Boston stole more than three bases that season.

In fact, they are the only two games in which the Red Sox stole more than three bases in a span of 501 games, from September 9, 1973 to the end of the 1976 season. They stole four bases on Opening Day, 1977.

In the 39 seasons from 1946 to 1984, Boston stole 4+ bases only 16 times.

Since 1920, the most stolen base attempts in a game by the Red Sox is eight: May 21, 1934 (7 SB/1 CS), July 9, 1937 (6 SB/2 CS), and the second game of a September 29, 1940 doubleheader (8 SB).