Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
Closing Time: Red Sox go deep to beat Yankees 08.31.11 at 10:28 pm ET
By Paul Flannery

With a righty on the mound in Phil Hughes and only one lefty in the Yankee bullpen, Red Sox manager Terry Francona elected to move Dustin Pedroia back into the No. 2 spot and stack his lineup with lefties. Sure enough with the score tied in the sixth inning, his counterpart Joe Girardi called on his lefty — Boone Logan.

Logan’s first assignment was Jacoby Ellsbury. The only problem was Ellsbury already had a history of success against Logan with three hits in five at-bats. The other problem is that Ellsbury has been wearing everyone out. Since June 30, Ellsbury has 32 extra base hits, 15 home runs and 45 RBIs in 52 games.

Curiously, Ellsbury had yet to hit a home run over the Monster seats. You can cross that off his to-do list as well because Ellsbury took Logan deep to left-center giving the Red Sox the lead and sending them on their way to a 9-5 victory on Wednesday night at Fenway.

Is Ellsbury an MVP candidate? Sure. More importantly, he’s become a complete player and he seems to keep adding to his game as the season rolls along. Here’s what else went right on a night when Josh Beckett entered the rarefied air of the immortal Al Nipper.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

- With Ellsbury on second and two out in the third, the Yankees intentionally walked David Ortiz to face Jed Lowrie. Smart strategy in just about any situation, but Lowrie has been quietly putting together a nice run. Since Aug. 18, Lowrie had a hit in nine of his last 10 games (14-for-40). Make it 10 out of his last 11 as Lowrie ripped an RBI single to right that gave the Sox a 2-1 lead.

- As if to illustrate the logic behind Girardi’s thinking, Ortiz took Hughes deep over the center field wall his next time up. It was the 28th home run of the year for Ortiz and extended his hitting streak to 14 games — his longest streak of the season. Ortiz has  the best OPS on the team and his numbers are approaching his peak seasons of 2005-07.

- Not to be lost in Ortiz’s fireworks was a two-out single by Adrian Gonzalez that set up the inning. Gonzalez has had a rough time against Yankee pitching this season and was mired in a 1-for-20 stretch against them before his timely two-out hit.

- There are two ways to look at Beckett’s outing. There was a four-run sixth (see below) and in between there were six sometimes spectacular frames. Beckett has made five starts against the Yankees this year and the Red Sox have won all of them. He’s allowed just 22 hits over 34 innings and struck out 38. He’s the first Red Sox pitcher to win four games against the Yankees since Nipper in 1987.

- Jason Varitek was both lucky and good in going 2-for-4 with a double and a home run. The luck came in the sixth when his awkward half-swing resulted in a double down the vacated third base line. The good happened in the eighth when he blasted a two-run homer into the bullpen in right-center that gave the Sox some insurance runs.

- Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon retired all six batters they faced making for an uneventful eighth and ninth innings. How this for uneventful? Since July 17, Papelbon has struck out 20 batters in 17 innings without allowing a run, or a walk, while surrendering just three singles.

WHAT WENT WRONG

- Beckett was great through five innings allowing just one run on four hits with seven strikeouts. But things unraveled quickly in the sixth after he hit Mark Teixeira with a wayward breaking ball to open the inning. A double, a walk and a misplay by right fielder Josh Reddick opened the door to a four-run Yankee sixth.

To put into perspective how good Beckett has been against the Yankees this season, the four runs were more than he had allowed in in his previous four starts, total.

- Reddick’s miscue in the outfield when he turned an Eric Chavez double into three bases and ultimately an unearned run, was the only real blemish on an otherwise stalwart defensive night for the Sox. Reddick may continue to get more chances in right field, however, because J.D. Drew sprained his right middle finger in a rehab outing with Pawtucket on Tuesday. It’s too early to determine if Drew’s anticipated return on Thursday from a left shoulder impingement will be delayed.

Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://sigmakom.com/ Joselyn Acker

    I am curious to find out what blog system you’re using? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?

  • http://www.premium-lists.com backlinks forum

    An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  • http://alafasy4islam.com/vb/member.php?u=5408 Liliana Bossier

    Music started playing any time I opened this website, so irritating!

  • http://www.directsoccer.org/ mercurial vapor safari

    There are actually lots of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to convey up. I provide the ideas above as common inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you convey up where a very powerful factor will likely be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged around things like that, however I’m sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each girls and boys feel the affect of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  • http://berith.pl AGD RTV

    Why are you writing about this topic, i mean it’s interesting but you could be more precisely.

  • http://wwwfotkapl.com MarlynCastrey

    I simply wanted to post a word in order to thank you for those precious guides you are giving out on this site. My extensive internet lookup has at the end of the day been compensated with excellent information to talk about with my companions. I would state that that we visitors are truly endowed to be in a fabulous community with so many marvellous individuals with good plans. I feel pretty fortunate to have discovered the website and look forward to plenty of more fabulous minutes reading here. Thanks once again for everything.

  • http://aa4719172.com a4719172

    I’ve said that least 4719172 times. The problem this like that is they are just too compilcated for the average bird, if you know what I mean

  • http://www.compra-oro.it/compro_oro_roma.php compro oro roma

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

  • http://supasili677.blog.com/ Free Cell Phone

    I always searching for valuable informations on internet.Internet is my no.1 in collecting realiable information.This is certainly one of better website for it.Hands up for admin words here.

  • http://www.tuangeldelaguarda.com videntes

    If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

  • http://www.tuangeldelaguarda.com/blog/tarot-visa/ tarot visa

    Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.

  • http://expressdating4disabled.blogspot.com/ disabled dating

    Hey! That’s a very nice post. I’m very positive I will counsel it to my co-workers.When you put up more posts please e-mail them to me.

  • http://www.tarotanayraquel.com/blog/ tarot visa

    This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.

  • http://pacquiaoversusmarquez3live.blogspot.com pacquiao vs marquez

    An interesting dialogue is worth comment. I believe that it is best to write extra on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  • http://www.tarotegipcio.es/blog/ tarot egipcio

    The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.

  • http://eriklang1127.posterous.com/remain-warm-in-winter-season-wedding-dress Santiago Salmeron

    Incredibly fascinating publish, looking to figure out additional publish related to this.

  • http://www.floppytousb.net floppy disc to usb

    I needed to put you the tiny observation to say thanks a lot once again for all the remarkable advice you’ve shown in this case. It was pretty open-handed of you to provide unreservedly precisely what a number of us would’ve offered for sale for an ebook to generate some profit on their own, specifically since you could have tried it if you ever wanted. Those advice likewise worked to become good way to be aware that the rest have a similar passion like my personal own to figure out a lot more concerning this matter. I am sure there are a lot more pleasurable periods in the future for people who look over your website.

  • http://www.sportstvlivestreaming.com/pacquiao-vs-marquez-live-streaming/ pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    After examine a couple of of the blog posts in your web site now, and I really like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and can be checking again soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  • http://stylewweathervane.multiply.com/journal/item/1/Weathervane_Top_Of_The_Line weathervane

    Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

  • http://www.anxiety-disorder-cure.com anxiety treatment

    Thanks so much for giving everyone an extremely breathtaking possiblity to read from this site. It’s usually so kind and as well , full of a great time for me personally and my office mates to search your website really 3 times in 7 days to study the new issues you have got. Of course, we are at all times pleased for the astonishing information served by you. Some 2 areas on this page are in reality the most impressive we have had.

  • http://rufusmichael1026.shareblogs.net/The-first-blog-b1/Greece-A-Review-in-Financial-Advancements-Is-it-Time-For-Genuine-Estate-Investments-b1-p4.htm villa greece

    Very good and informative portal! Plenty of interesting information. I was hoping for this.Thanks for sharing! villa greece

  • http://www.monclerexperience.com/moncler-womens Cheap Moncler Womens

    Appreciate it for the content! All these looks like plaisir and handy tools.

  • http://ganadinerocontuscompras.com negocios desde casa

    I would like to get across my gratitude for your kind-heartedness for visitors who need guidance on this concept. Your special commitment to getting the solution up and down ended up being remarkably productive and has specifically helped professionals much like me to arrive at their objectives. Your personal important guidelines denotes much to me and somewhat more to my office workers. Thanks a ton; from everyone of us.

  • http://distributed-home.com/index.php?action=profile;u=5049 Terrell Hernando

    A short while ago, I actually didn’t supply a great deal of thought so that you can leaving comments on location website content articles and also have placed opinions sometimes a smaller amount. Looking through by using ones great posting, will help everyone to take action sometimes.

  • http://www.tarotanayraquel.com/blog/ tarot visa

    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.

  • http://www.tarotanayraquel.com/blog/ videncia

    This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.

  • http://www.tarotegipcio.es/blog/ videntes

    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.

  • http://www.formerlyfluffy.com weight loss surgery blog

    The ULTIMATE Weight Loss Surgery Resource

  • http://www.mayweathervsortizfight.com pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    I am usually to running a blog and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand new information.

  • http://www.alpslux.com lyon airport transfers

    I must express some appreciation to you for rescuing me from this type of matter. Just after surfing around through the internet and obtaining principles which were not productive, I assumed my life was done. Existing without the approaches to the issues you have fixed by way of the report is a crucial case, as well as ones that might have negatively damaged my career if I hadn’t encountered the blog. Your personal skills and kindness in handling all the things was invaluable. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a solution like this. I am able to at this moment look forward to my future. Thanks for your time so much for the high quality and result oriented guide. I won’t be reluctant to endorse the website to anyone who will need assistance on this area.

  • http://www.cellphoneaccessoriesv.com Cell Phone Accessories

    of course like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come back again.

  • http://a1articles.org/?p=178549 access total

    Désormais ; Comment interpréter celle-là sans posséder les chiffres préparées via l’exploitant ?

  • http://blackhatrealm.com blackhat seo forum

    You should take part in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I will advocate this web site!

  • https://dollarapagescriptreading.com “dollarapage”

    I wish to show some appreciation to you for bailing me out of this particular setting. Just after checking through the world-wide-web and seeing things which are not pleasant, I was thinking my entire life was well over. Existing minus the answers to the difficulties you have solved by way of this guideline is a critical case, and the ones which might have adversely damaged my career if I hadn’t encountered your web page. Your personal training and kindness in dealing with almost everything was tremendous. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a subject like this. I am able to now look forward to my future. Thanks a lot very much for your impressive and sensible guide. I will not be reluctant to recommend your blog post to anybody who needs and wants counselling on this subject matter.

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify