Jonny Gomes bailed Andrew Bailey
out with a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth in the night-cap of a
day-night double-header last night.
Andrew Bailey spoiled Felix Doubront’s best outing of his career by
giving up a run in the top of the ninth but big Jonny Gomes came up big with a
blast over the Green Monster to win the game.
Felix Doubront pitched the best
game of his young career. He had never
gone more than 7 innings in a start before last night when he turned in an
absolute gem. Doubront went 8 innings
giving up 0 runs and only 3 hits while walking none and striking out 6. It was his fifth quality start in his last
six outings and he looked very impressive last night. Last time he started, I believe I was ready
to give up on him but after his outing last night, I think we can hold off on
that. His command and pace were
outstanding and whatever he did last night, he needs to review and bring that
every outing from here on out.
One thing I noticed was that he
was staring way to the right of the rubber (left if you’re the batter). It was quite extreme and I don’t remember him
doing that in past starts. That was the
only thing I noticed that was different.
His velocity was actually quite low (89-91) and his curveball wasn’t as
good as I’ve seen in the past but his control was spot on.
I wish the same could be said
about Andrew Bailey who blew his third save of the year and vultured a win from
Doubront. Bailey came on in the top of
the ninth to close out the Rays and promptly gave up a home run to Kelly
Johnson on the second pitch he threw.
After getting the next 2 guys out, he walked Ben Zobrist and brought up
the very dangerous Evan Longoria. Thankfully
Bailey settled down and got Longoria to ground into a fielder’s choice to end
the inning but the damage was done.
Doubront’s special night was ruined.
I’m not quite sure why the Sox
didn’t let Doubront go out for the ninth as he only had 93 pitches logged. I would have liked to see him try and finish
off the game but John Farrell opted to bring in Bailey and it almost didn’t
work out so well.
Jonny Gomes to the rescue. Joel Peralta started the bottom of the ninth
with a lead-off walk to Daniel Nava.
Gomes then crushed the first pitch he saw over the signs on the Green
Monster for the walk-off win. It was
Gomes’ third walk-off homer of his career and first since April 8th of
2010. It was Jonny’s only hit on the
night and was redemption for his 2 strikeouts earlier in the game.
The Sox didn’t do much else
offensively as they were 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position and had only
7 hits on the day. David Ortiz went 2
for 4 with his 14th double of the year and Stephen Drew also had a
double and was 1 for 3 on the night.
Jose Iglesias was 1 for 3 and extended his hitting streak to 18 games
which is tied for the longest in the American League this year.
Daniel Nava was 1 for 3 on the
night with a walk and 2 runs scored. He also
knocked in a run with his 10th homer of the year. He continues to hit the ball well this
year. Salty took a 0 for 2 night but
walked once.
The top of the order which was so
good in the day game went a combined 0 for 8 with 1 strikeout. Ellsbury and Victorino hit the ball hard in
half of their at bats but couldn’t find any grass out there.
Tonight, the Sox will go for the
sweep as they’ll send Ryan Dempster (4-7, 4.21) to the mound to face Jeremy
Hellickson (4-3, 5.67). Dempster was the
hard luck loser last outing but pitched great as he went 7 and 2/3 innings
giving up only 2 runs. He’s had quality
starts in each of his last four outings but has only won 2 of them. Let’s hope he continues his current
trend. Hellickson was hit around badly
in his last outing going only 5 and 2/3 innings giving up 10 hits and 8 earned
runs. The Sox need to jump on him early
because he does get rattled pretty easily.
SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE –
GAME MVP
Felix Doubront. I know Gomes had the walk-off homer but Felix
was simply fantastic last night and deserved more than a no-decision.
ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP
Andrew Bailey. Bailey gave up yet another homer in a save
opportunity. He seems to not have any
confidence or command on his fastball right now. It’s getting hit hard and far every
outing. Let’s hope he can figure it out
soon or maybe it’s time to audition Andrew Miller in the closer’s role.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Jonny Gomes’ walk-off homer to
win the game in the bottom of the ninth.
NEXT
Wednesday, June 19th
vs. the Rays. Let’s get that sweep!
No comments:
Post a Comment