April 18, 2008

G18: Red Sox 11, Rangers 3

Rangers - 001 002 000 -  3  6  1
Red Sox - 004 500 02x - 11 11 0
First things first: that 4 in the third inning? A first-pitch grand slam from David Ortiz! Good Times!

Mendoza had retired the first eight batters, but Lowrie ended the perfect-game bid with a two-out double to left. Ellsbury walked on four pitches, Pedroia walked on five, and Ortiz unloaded his bomb over the Wall in left. Love those rallies that start from nothing and two outs.

Boston put the game away in the fourth: Drew walked, Varitek doubled (5-1), Casey singled, Rupe replaced Mendoza, Lowrie hit a sacrifice fly (6-1), Ellsbury tripled to center (7-1) and Pedroia homered to left (9-1).

Mendoza recap:
First 8 batters: 0-for-8, all outs in the infield, 2 K

Next 9 batters: 8-for-9 in reaching base, 3 BB, 2 singles, 2 doubles, one grand slam HR, 7 runs
In the ninth, Casey doubled and Ellsbury walked (his third tonight). Ortiz's single to right brought in Casey and Ellsbury raced home when the relay throw was bobbled at first base.

Dice threw a lot of pitches once again (24-13-25 19-14-6) and was pulled after giving up a two-run dong to Blalock in the sixth. Lopez did well in his 1.2 IP, Aardsma left the bases loaded in the eighth (a single, two walks and 30 pitches), and Timlin got three quick outs in the ninth on 11 pitches.

Baltimore beat New York 8-2, dropping the Yankees (9-9) 2 GB the Red Sox.

***

Luis Mendoza (1.80, 237 ERA+) / Daisuke Matsuzaka (2.70, 166 ERA+)

It's the start of a seven-game homestand (Rangers and Angels). Time for Flo to start hittin'.

Mendoza was originally signed by Boston as a free agent in June 2000. He was sent to Texas for Bryan Corey at the 2006 trade deadline. Speaking of Corey, he has decided to become a free agent rather than accept a Pawtucket assignment.

Don't be fooled by Mendoza's ERA: in his five innings of work this season (April 12 against Toronto), the 24-year-old right-hander gave up eight hits, three walks and four runs (but only one earned run). He pitched in six games (16 IP) with Texas last season.

Mendoza's got a good sinker (low 90s) and an average changeup and curve. Lay off the sinker, and wait until he leaves his other pitches up the zone -- like we so often did with Jose Contreras -- and we should be off to the races.

Mike Lowell, who sprained his left thumb on April 9, is antsy:
I can't eat any more gum or chew any more seeds. ... The swelling is almost entirely gone. Grip strength is another issue. I think that's what we're tackling now. I figure if in eight or nine days the swelling has gone down this much, hopefully I can make the same progress in movement.
Before last night, Jonathan Papelbon had pitched 29.2 innings of scoreless relief in 27 career April appearances, allowing only 11 hits while striking out 42 batters.

586 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 586   Newer›   Newest»
allan said...

Tragic story, I'm afraid. He could've had any woman in the world ... but none could match the beauty of his own hand ... and that became his one true love ...

You mean, uh...?

Yes. He was not ... master of his domain.

But how ... uh ...?

The muscles became so strained with overuse, that eventually the hand locked into a deformed position, and he was left with nothing but a claw. He traveled the world seeking a cure: acupuncturists, herbalists, swamis, nothing helped. Towards the end, his hands became so frozen he was unable to manipulate utensils and was dependent on Cub Scouts to feed him.

laura k said...

New Aflac commercial w/ Nascar. Cute.

Rob said...

Just as an aside, David Murphy has been tremendous as an everyday player for the Rangers since the Gagne trade.

Naturally.

And we'll see Gabbard on Monday. He's still in the rotation, which means he must be doing something right.

laura k said...

Great episode. How you can hear "hand models" and not think of it?

Benjamin said...

<-- Jew. I'm carb-loading tonight.

Finally get to check the score, and it appears rumors of Papi's demise are greatly exaggerated.

81 pitches for Matsusaka through four isn't spectacular but is probably to be expected.

Patrick said...

yanks tied it at 1.

Amy said...

Laura, I see above still no word from your sitter. How odd and worrisome. Do you have coverage this weekend?

Rob said...

.The muscles became so strained with overuse, that eventually the hand locked into a deformed position, and he was left with nothing but a claw. He traveled the world seeking a cure: acupuncturists, herbalists, swamis, nothing helped. Towards the end, his hands became so frozen he was unable to manipulate utensils and was dependent on Cub Scouts to feed him.

Who are you talking about? Kevin Millar?

laura k said...

God, Remy just had a long promo to do and it sounded very painful.

Rob said...

Doug Mirabelli?

Amy said...

Sounds more like Chuck Knoblauch, Ish.

heng brothers said...

Jose Offerman?

allan said...

Ray McKigney.

Patrick said...

Almost as bad as getting your wanker stuck in the hot tub jet....

laura k said...

Amy, thanks, yes, very worrisome. We have coverage, that was in my post today. I waited til I had that secured til I blogged about it.

Our friends with the two Aussie Shepherds are coming over with their pups. Cody and Tala wil be thrilled!

Then next week we are interviewing for a new weekend person.

* * * *

A: Don & Jerry are in rare form. Making fun of ppl's shirts, chest hair, etc.

Amy said...

TEK!! I love it!

laura k said...

Saturday is Cody's bday (adoption day, really), and she is having a doggie party with all her friends.

TEK!!

Rob said...

I have TV muted and radio on here in my bedroom. The game is on, TV sound on, in the living room. I walk out there for the body parts segue, and then I walk out there again and they're talking about a cameraman's chest hair.

TEK! Going into his home run trot.

Not Drew, though. He was shot out of a cannon.

Patrick said...

Yahoo!

laura k said...

Millar, ha. Very good.

Rob said...

Sounds more like Chuck Knoblauch, Ish.

All of the above could work, as well.

Amy said...

I must have missed your post. Crazy day for me. I will check now. The guy who takes the great photos with Denim and I forget the other name?

Patrick said...

"Borrowing money from a friend is like having sex. It just completely changes the relationship."

I like that line.

laura k said...

That perfect game seems like a long time ago, eh?

Rob said...

Almost as bad as getting your wanker stuck in the hot tub jet....

Are you referring to the movie Out Cold, by any chance?

allan said...

i'm liking the casey era.

Patrick said...

me to redsock. Mike who?

laura k said...

Amy, you read the post - you commented on it. You said you knew there was something else wrong on Sunday night.

Yes, the ppl w/ Denim and Cobalt, the photog friend. They go to various dog parks every weekend, so they will just use our backyard as a dog park. I was glad I asked them, b/c they were really nice about it, said yes immediately.

laura k said...

Rupe says rut-row!

Benjamin said...

Does Casey have a ridiculously high BABiP?

Amy said...

I don't see a new post from today. Where was it? I see your new posts about Flogos and the Springsteen guy, and no new comments on the original post.

allan said...

mendoza

1st 8 batters: 0-for-8
next 9 batters: 8-for-9 (in obp), 3 walks, 2 singles, 2 doubles, one grand slam HR, 5 (so far) runs

laura k said...

6-1!

Amy said...

OH, you mean the original post. Gotcha.

Hey, we are one hot team! That Lowrie kid certainly making his name known.

Patrick said...

Tek's been showing off the wheels.

laura k said...

And here we go! The kids are rocking tonight!! 7-1.

Patrick said...

Three bags! Three bags!

Benjamin said...

Awwwww yeah.

Amy said...

LBJ!! A triple!

allan said...

mendoza

1st 8 batters: 0-for-8
next 9 batters: 8-for-9 (in obp), 3 walks, 2 singles, 2 doubles, one grand slam HR, 7 runs

...

don't fuk wit us!

laura k said...

There you go, the original post. :)

FUCK YEAH DONG!!!!

Amy said...

OH WOW! What the hell! I am almost feeling sorry for Mendoza.

Benjamin said...

What a waste of a perfectly good triple.

Patrick said...

BAHAHAHAHHAHA BAHAHAHAHAH HAHHAHA

Rob said...

OPEN THE FLOODGATES!!!

We've got Lowrie knocking in Tek... Ellsbury hitting the Nitrus, and Pedroia GETTING HIS DONG ON!!!

allan said...

OH, IT'S ON!!!!

laura k said...

Would you look at these kids? Lowry, LBJ and FY, boom, boom, boom!

Lowry needs a nickname. We'll have to wait til it comes on its own.

laura k said...

Hear them chanting PA-PI?!

Zenslinger said...

Man, could I miss the Ortiz Slam?

I haven't been able to get the MLB.tv video working at work (need admin privileges to effect some changes from last year), but it looks nice at home.

Damn, standup triple, FY HR...wow.

heng brothers said...

I just can't help but smile really big. I haven't felt this good about the Sox in... since we won in '04.

Patrick said...

I think this calls for an exciting Timlin half inning.

Rob said...

Ump, I got hit on the knee.

Kay. I believe you. Go.

laura k said...

LBJ triple: I'm thinking cycle.

Anyone hits a 3B, I think cycle. Getting that tough one out of the way.

Patrick said...

See kids, whining pays off.

laura k said...

Remy said re ump "he's not a happy Meals tonight".

Oy.

allan said...

I haven't been able to get the MLB.tv video working at work (need admin privileges to effect some changes from last year)

sounds familiar, grumble grumble ...

Benjamin said...

We should retaliate for that by having Beckett bean A-Rod.

/Kay

laura k said...

Heng Bros, you weren't happy last year, winning the division and zooming through to the trophy?

nick said...

setting aside Papi's avg so far, you'd think they'd be happy to accept a runner on rather than another donger.

well, outside of arguing an odd exchange on a questionable call.

Rob said...

Did I hear that right? 7 ER, only 4 hits for Mendoza?

laura k said...

To think I almost worked tonight and didn't watch. Changed my mind at the last min. Yay.

allan said...

5 hits.

3-5-7-3-2, 67

Patrick said...

Thats almost as confusing as Mendozas 8 hits 4 walks and 1 ER against Toronto.

Benjamin said...

5 hits for Mendoza.

Amy said...

Ah, I wondered how you were hearing Remy, Laura! I thought you were at work!

Amy said...

Maybe Mendoza will establish a Mendoza line for pitchers.

allan said...

damn - i was really looking forward to that perfect game.

laura k said...

Allan works Fridays but I am home. I was going to do at-home work tonight, to finish up a project, but couldn't do it. It will wait!

Benjamin said...

Second out of the inning, eh.

Amy said...

This IS a perfect game. Just a different kind of perfect.

Benjamin said...

The Sox have hit for the cycle this inning, in both senses.

allan said...

yook one of two sox to not have scored a run

(manny also, but he has singled and is on again now)

Patrick said...

My friend won 50k on a 5$ scratch ticket today. I'll be watching the Sox on a huge tv at his house soon.

laura k said...

Cycle, right. What has LBJ done tonight, oh official scorer?

Amy said...

Good thing Pedroia is a good ballplayer because I don't think Hollywood will be calling.

allan said...

one each in sox 5th:

single
double
triple
home run
walk
HBP
sac fly

laura k said...

Won 50K? WOW.

allan said...

1st: 4-3
3rd: BB
4th: 3B

he won't do it tonight.

Amy said...

See? Perfect.

laura k said...

Pedroia, that's for sure. Jere and I have both commented on that ad: they managed to find a worse actor than Francona.

laura k said...

No, it's too late, since we won't be seeing extra frames tonight.

Thanks for the scorecard.

heng brothers said...

l-girl, I was ecstatic when we won the division and absolutely beside myself when we came back from down 3-1 against the Indians, but after putting the screws to Moose and the Jankees last night, and Papi getting his dong on and the kids pounding the ball tonight... I have to say, that puts a wide grin on my face.

Benjamin said...

This game is nearly Timlin-proof.

laura k said...

Well... he could do it if we end up winning by like 21-1.

Amy said...

I hadn't noticed the commercial before. YOu know how I tune them out.

laura k said...

Heng, sounds good! Just wanted to make sure you weren't in a coma last season or something.

laura k said...

Amy, I envy that! Wish I could do it.

Timlin-proof: almost. Not yet.

allan said...

This game is nearly Timlin-proof.

No. That 30-3 game last year was Timlin-proof.

Probably.

Patrick said...

Was the weather fantastic in Ontario today? It was perfect here in NH.

Benjamin said...

95 through five. Probably won't make the 7th.

Benjamin said...

It's perfect in NY/NJ.

Patrick said...

I think Joe said Matsuzaka had 70 something pitches, but Yahoo is saying 95....

allan said...

i say 95 too.

have a nice quick 6th and turn it over to the pen.

Amy said...

Well, the downside is that I cannot focus on too many things at once. Luckily for me, the commercials are the first thing I lose.

allan said...

beautiful today.
actually most of the past week.

Zenslinger said...

Yanks are struggling to score against the mighty Daniel Cabrera.

Giambi's photo on the Yahoo! GameChannel thingy is priceless. Sort of looks like an overgrown psycho 14-year-old.

laura k said...

Perfect weather in Southern Ontario, too. Absolutely gorgeous.

Amy said...

Remy talking about losing the bliss after marriage.

Patrick said...

As far as Yahoo player pictures Zen, take a look at Laird of The Rangers. So funny.

laura k said...

Despite that good catch, he's still ON FIRE!

Amy said...

It was a great day here in western MA also. I think it hit 80. Or close to it. A great day for a long walk with the dog, who is so happy that winter is over and that we are taking walks again.

laura k said...

They're out of control tonight. It's like there's no game at all. Where Remy puts his computer, Don taking "the wife's" side, why you don't want your computer on the kitchen table...

allan said...

Remy talking about losing the bliss after marriage.

mrs. remy might be the go-to person on that subject.

laura k said...

I thought the same thing as Don, that sparkly shirt guy looks like a poor man's Edge.

Benjamin said...

MFYs squander a bases loaded situation. Still 1-1 in the middle of the 6th.

Patrick said...

Amy, my dog took me for a long walk too. I'm lucky to have a big forest next to my house where my dog can freak out and chase rabbits and ducks.

Rob said...

"Look at that guy. He's so shiny!"

I unmuted the TV and it seemed like Jerry was talking about his uh, alone time.

Rob said...

Don: You'd be right there, in the middle of the room!?

9casey said...

I would love to have the picture of Papi's dong when he reached home plate.......

Pedroia , Ellsbury , and Lowrie all with forearm bashes for Papi........'The Future looks as bright as the present'

Amy said...

I think Don and Jerry are bored with the game.

Do we care where he leaves his laptop? Does his wife really want it discussed on TV?

Patrick said...

I want a Millar dong over at Camden...

laura k said...

Ish, LOL. Very good.

****

Our dogs love the winter, but they are SOOO happy now to be lying in the sun.

laura k said...

Don is debuting a new Orsilloism tonight: "...much to his chagrin."

Amy said...

Oooh, lucky dog you have Patrick. Ducks and rabbits! My dog thinks squirrels are the only wildlife out there. Though when we once on the Cape walked her near some horses, I swear she thought they were just big dogs. The horses, however, were not too interested in her.

Rob said...

It was a beautiful day here, too. Right along the coast it was 58°, but you go 10 miles inland, to where I live, and it was 72° or so. Go about 15 more miles and it was 78°.

Patrick said...

Javy loosening...

laura k said...

Bah. Ranger dong. And there goes Dice.

Amy said...

Our dog likes winter, but we prefer walking in warmer weather, so therefore she likes the warmer weather also. Though with all her fur, she gets pretty hot on a day like today.

Zenslinger said...

I'll take a look at Laird, Patrick.

Rob said...

Bah. Ranger dong. And there goes Dice.

He rolled a deuce.

Patrick said...

Sigh, I just dropped Murphy...

2-1 Orioles.

laura k said...

We also don't go to the dog parks in the winter, too icy, so they're very happy to have that again, too. Everyone in our area is thrilled right now. It was the snowiest winter in Toronto recorded history.

allan said...

He rolled a deuce.

Or dropped a deuce.

Patrick said...

ooh, Murphy is up...

Amy said...

So another night that our starter doesn't make it through even 6 innings. But at least we have a 6 run lead.

Zenslinger said...

Holy crap, the pictures are totally screwed up on Yahoo. Adam Scott of the O's has his eyes closed.

Patrick said...

Hahaha! Zen he looks like he is smelling his upper lip.

laura k said...

Where are these pics? Could someone paste in a URL?

Zenslinger said...

Holy crap, Patrick, Laird looks like a total fucking idiot!

allan said...

i think i figured out how to get my laptop plugged into the network here, but i have to use the juice from another computer. (hard to do on a non-weekend day.) hopefully, i can get it officially figured out next friday.

Patrick said...

I haven't figured out how to make links yet.

Patrick said...

3-1 Os

laura k said...

That's ok, just paste the URL. I will do the link tutorial in a min.

Zenslinger said...

And it's 3-1 O's, 2nd & 3rd one out for Hernandez. Hughes's good day looks to be going south.

laura k said...

We are loving the Lowrie era!!!

Patrick said...

Julio who?

allan said...

... lugo in an all-out shoulder-shaking sob now.

Patrick said...

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/
7812

laura k said...

To make a link:

[a href="URL HERE"][what you want the link to say here][/a]

but use < > instead of [ ]

easy!

but for these pics, it's ok to just paste the URL

allan said...

WHO-lio?

Zenslinger said...

Laird

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7129

Patrick said...

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/
7129

Laird of the Rangers.

Other link is A.Jones of Baltimore.

Zenslinger said...

Giambi

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5386

Benjamin said...

A-rod throwing error. 3-1 O's.

Now 5-1 on a Payton single.

Patrick said...


Test

Patrick said...

got it, thank you.

allan said...

bal beats ny and tor can beat det -- the mfy head back into 4th

laura k said...

Don & Jerry are speechless with laughter. What are they smoking.

Another LBJ walk!

And those are some baaaad pictures. Thanks for the links. Weird. You'd think Yahoo and MLB could do better. But you'd be wrong.

Rob said...

A new Dave O'Brien drinkism: It has been a good fielding crowd tonight.

allan said...

10-pitch BB!

Zenslinger said...

5-1 O's.

It's been a while since I've heard these two go on this kind of stoned giggling fit. May be worth the price of MLB.tv on its own.

laura k said...

Patrick, well done. Good choice. :)

Rob said...

Maybe this pitcher could drop a deuce & a half.

Rob said...

Stoned giggling fit.

Where the hell is my remote?

Patrick said...

As you say that Detroit pulls ahead of Toronto.

allan said...

It's been a while since I've heard these two go on this kind of stoned giggling fit.

damn it!

tho i guess mlbtv could have the tex feed. i may have to watch the 3rd tomorrow morning

Zenslinger said...

In that Pedroia photo Patrick linked, it looks like the runner is whapping Dusty in the nuts.

laura k said...

Feel free to do it again, Papi.

Patrick said...

Must be slappy

Benjamin said...

7-1 O's.

nixon33 said...

CHOC RAIN IN FOR THE YANKS!

Jere said...

7-1 O's

Patrick said...

Hope you didn't forget Man Ram there Rupe

allan said...

jays down 7-4. bah. losers.

go birds!

Benjamin said...

Nicknames for Lowrie... how about "Mountaineer"?

Jere said...

I'm hoping Joe Thurston gets in.

allan said...

Phil Phranchise: 8.82 ERA

Jere said...

I'm hoping Joe Thurston gets in.

Patrick said...

Thurston in. good call jere.

Jere said...

And Thurston in! Replacing Manny as I predicted. (To Kim, in real life, not here.) (Not that that was a tough call.)

Jere said...

redsock: That's a misprint. Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain's ERAs are all 0.00. Forever.

Rob said...

Heh.

Laugher in Baltimore. 7 run inning. 8-1 O's.

Jere said...

8-1 Os

Rob said...

3 runs, 2 hits, 1 walk in.... 1/3 of an inning for... *drumroll*

LaTroy Hawkins.

laura k said...

Botts from Texas - my former employer.

Patrick said...

Wow. The inning hasn't ended yet at Camden.

allan said...

Papelbon should really be pitching to Botts.

laura k said...

Right, Bot to Botts.

Rob said...

John Sterling: "John Sterling, Suzyn Waldman back at Camden Yards where Boston--I mean Baltimore, has broken it open with a 7 run inning."

Patrick said...

The Os can thank us for wearing down the Yankees pitching.

Benjamin said...

Edwar Ramirez's new pic this year is actually an improvement on last year's.

Rob said...

Little Wally.

Big Wally.

Zenslinger said...

8-1 O's!

laura k said...

Ish, we fucked with his brain.

andy said...

In an effort to make this game more competitive they should put Timlin in.

Amy said...

Nice running catch, LBJ!

allan said...

Re Sterling:
They see us everywhere. We haunt their dreams.

laura k said...

Nice running catch for LBJ.

I wish the Sox did not have Wally.

Patrick said...

1.2 scoreless innings for Javy.

laura k said...

Remy gave up that whole shtick with Little Wally (or Walter) talking to him in a voice only Remy could hear.

Patrick said...

I'm surprised the Orioles sent Cabrera back out.

allan said...

I'd like to demote Wally to the minors and call up Mr. Celery.

laura k said...

But here comes a new shtick, some singing contest on Remy's website. Don sounded so serious when he said, "I don't think I have the guts for that. I can't sing."

laura k said...

Mr Celery could be a stalker.

laura k said...

Sorry. I can't help myself.

Benjamin said...

How was Mr. Celery born?

The answer isn't very glamorous. He was found while dumpster diving. The team was looking for costumes for promotional ideas, and we found a bunch of costumes that a concession company had thrown out. There was also a pink rabbit.


Nice.

Jere said...

Don't cut your lip on a Cel-Ray

Patrick said...

who will get 401?

Jere said...

True or false: the team we're playing now used to be in the AL East.

allan said...

401 - me?

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 400 of 586   Newer› Newest»