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April 12, 2006 »

Red Sox win, tie best start ever

Jonathan Papelbon enters the game to a standing ovation, reports man-on-the-scene Steve Peoples. It's a powerful statement by the crowd, and Papelbon gets off to a powerful start, getting Lyle Overbay to take a called strike three. Shea Hillenbrand flies out harmlessly to Manny Ramirez in left. With two outs, Bengie Molina steps in. He works the count a bit, but ends up flying out to Wily Mo Pena in right for the final out.

The win puts the Red Sox at 6-1 on the young season, which ties their best record in club history through seven games. It's just the second time they've been 6-1 in the last 51 seasons, and the ninth time in team history that they've started with such a mark.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Bottom of eighth -- A great Fenway debut for Lowell; Arroyo's good day

Right-hander Jason Frasor enters as the third pitcher of the game for Toronto. Meanwhile, youthful closer Jonathan Papelbon is up in the Red Sox bullpen.

Jason Varitek is the first to face Frasor. Varitek grounds out to second baseman Aaron Hill, who makes a nice play ranging to his left. But the Blue Jays cannot get Mike Lowell out. Lowell takes Frasor's pitch off the wall for a double -- his third of the game, and his fourth hit in four at-bats. Adam Stern pops out to shortstop Russ Adams. As Alex Gonzalez bats, the Fenway crowd breaks into the wave for the first time this season (thanks to Steve Peoples for this observation). Gonzalez isn't hitting, and the crowd can't change that. He hits a simple groundball to Adams, and Lowell is stranded again.

By the way, here's the line on Bronson Arroyo, who figures to get his second win of the season today in Chicago: 7 innings, 6 hits, no runs, 4 strikeouts, no walks, and, of course, his second home run hit of the season. His Reds lead the Cubs, 9-1, in the ninth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:47 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Top of eighth -- Wily Mo's harrowing adventure

Keith Foulke enters the game in relief of Josh Beckett and gets a big cheer. Beckett's line: 7 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 2 strikeouts, 4 walks. Aaron Hill leads off and grounds out to third baseman Mike Lowell. Back to the top of the order, Russ Adams singles to left field.

Next, Frank Catalanotto lifts a ball deep to right. Wily Mo Pena appears to have the catch at the wall, but it goes in and out of his glove and lands over the wall for a home run, as Pena bends backward against the wall. The Blue Jays have cut the lead to 5-3. Vernon Wells follows by flying out to Pena, who gets a Bronx cheer from the crowd for making the play. Troy Glaus keeps Pena busy, flying out to right for the final out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Bottom of seventh -- Ortiz goes deep. Yankees win

Right-hander Vinnie Chaulk relieves Josh Towers, who weathered a horrendous second inning to pitch a pretty decent ball game. Chaulk gets Loretta to fly out lazily to right field for the first out. But he can't get David Ortiz. Ortiz golfs a low pitch into the right-field stands for a solo home run. Manny Ramirez follows by striking out swinging. Wily Mo Pena also strikes out swinging, on a pitch in the dirt.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have won their home opener over Kansas City. Mariano Rivera got the save; the final was 9-7.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:24 PM | Permalink

Top of seventh -- Jays get a base runner, still can't score

Josh Beckett is back for the seventh inning. With 95 pitches thrown, this could be his last. Lyle Overbay, whom Beckett's yet to retire, steps in to lead off. Overbay lifts a lazy fly ball to left field; Manny Ramirez puts it away. Shea Hillenbrand quickly grounds out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez; Hillenbrand is the 10th Toronto batter in a row that Beckett has retired. Bengie Molina breaks up the streak by grounding a single up the middle -- the Blue Jays' first hit since the second inning. No harm done; Eric Hinske ends the inning by grounding out to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:16 PM | Permalink

Bottom of sixth -- Sox strand two; Yanks rally

Jason Varitek leads off by drawing the third walk surrendered by Josh Towers. Vinnie Chaulk gets up in the Toronto bullpen. Mike Lowell collects his third hit in as many at bats, lifting a single to right center. Adam Stern tries to put down a sacrifice bunt, but instead he pops the ball up to third baseman Troy Glaus for an easy out. Alex Gonzalez, continuing his tough day at the plate, takes a called third strike on the outside corner. Kevin Youkilis works a full count before striking out looking.

At New York, Derek Jeter's three-run home run capped a five-run eighth inning, and the Yankees lead Kansas City, 9-7, heading into the ninth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 4:08 PM | Permalink

Top of sixth -- Five pitches, three outs.

So much for Josh Beckett's high pitch count. Frank Catalanotto leads off by grounding out to second baseman Mark Loretta. Vernon Wells shatters his bat as he lines out to third baseman Mike Lowell. Then Troy Glaus ends the inning by grounding out to shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Beckett has a 1-2-3 inning on five pitches.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:57 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fifth -- Sox go quietly; Yanks still trail

David Ortiz leads off against Josh Towers with a base hit to left field. Manny Ramirez, though, bounces the ball to shortstop, and the Blue Jays turn the 6-4-3 double play. Big Wily Mo Pena swings at the first pitch he sees and flies out to center fielder Vernon Wells. Meanwhile, at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees trail Kansas City, 7-4, in the eighth inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:53 PM | Permalink

Top of fifth -- Beckett going strong

Josh Beckett is settling into a real nice groove. Eric Hinske leads off the inning by flying out harmlessly to Adam Stern in center field. Next, Beckett gets Aaron Hill to strikeout swinging. Russ Adams hits the ball well to right, but Wily Mo Pena is there to record the third out.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:46 PM | Permalink

Bottom of fourth -- Boston goes 1-2-3

Alex Gonzalez leads off, grounding out to the pitcher Josh Towers for the second time. Kevin Youkilis follows and skies the ball to the warning track in left center; Vernon Wells makes the catch. Mark Loretta grounds out to the shortstop Russ Adams.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:40 PM | Permalink

Nixon has groin strain

Sports Writer Joe McDonald reports that Trot Nixon left today's game with a mild left groin strain. He is considered day-to-day.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:38 PM | Permalink

Top of fourth -- Flashing some leather

Trot Nixon, who stumbled awkwardly while trying to field a fly ball in the second inning, did not come out to start the top of the fourth. He was replaced in right field by Wily Mo Pena.

Lyle Overbay leads off the inning with a walk, the fourth surrendered by Josh Beckett. Next, Kevin Youkilis makes a fantastic play on a foul popup hit by Shea Hillenbrand. Running with his back to the plate, Youkilis makes a basket catch as he slides to his knees.

Bengie Molina follows, and the Sox pull off another sensational play. Molina lines the ball to the right side. Mark Loretta tries to make a leaping catch, but the ball ricochets off his glove. It bounces toward shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who collects it, steps on second for the force out and throws on to first to complete a most unusual 4-6-3 double play.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:34 PM | Permalink

Nixon leaves the game early

Trot Nixon, who stumbled awkwardly while trying to field a fly ball in the second inning, did not come out to start the top of the fourth. He was replaced in right field by Wily Mo Pena.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:27 PM | Permalink

Bottom of third: Lowell stranded at second

Trot Nixon leads off against Josh Towers and grounds out to first baseman Shea Hillenbrand. Jason Varitek hits the ball deep to right field, but Eric Hinske makes the play. Next, Mike Lowell shows he likes his new Fenway home, hitting his second double of the game, this one off the Monster in left. But the Sox can't drive Lowell home; Adam Stern ends the inning by popping out to Frank Catalanotto in left.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:24 PM | Permalink

Top of third -- Easy time for Beckett

No drama this time for Josh Beckett. Frank Catalanotto flies out to left fielder Manny Ramirez; Vernon Wells flies out to Adam Stern in center; and Troy Glaus whiffs swinging for Beckett's first strikeout.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:19 PM | Permalink

Arroyo homers again

If Bronson Arroyo could bat against Cubs' starter Glendon Rusch every day, he'd be a pretty great hitter. Arroyo hit a home run today off Rusch for the second time in two weeks. His Reds lead the Cubs, 3-0, in the third.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:15 PM | Permalink

Bottom of second -- Boston bats around

Trot Nixon leads off with a walk. Jason Varitek follows and smokes a Josh Towers pitch up the middle for a single; Nixon goes to second. Now Mike Lowell lines a hit to left field; Frank Catalanotto juggles the ball. Nixon scores, Varitek goes to third and Lowell is in at second with a double. Adam Stern steps in with a great RBI chance. And Stern delivers, lining a double into the left-field corner, scoring Varitek and Lowell. Stern now has 4 RBIs in his two starts since Coco Crisp's injury. And he steals third with Alex Gonzalez at the plate. But Gonzalez just taps a ball back to Towers, who fields, looks Stern back to third, and throws to first for the first out.

But Kevin Youkilis follows with his second hit -- the Red Sox' third double of the inning -- to left field to score Stern. Connecticut's Pete Walker gets warm in the Blue Jays' bullpen as Mark Loretta steps up to the plate. Loretta pops up to shortstop Russ Adams. That brings up Big Papi with two outs. Towers does challenge Ortiz, but he ends up surrendering the walk. Manny Ramirez is next; the Red Sox have batted around. Ramirez strikes out swinging.

A great inning for the Sox. And hey, there's good news from the Bronx: the Royals lead the Yankees, 5-4, in the sixth.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:10 PM | Permalink

Top of second -- 3 assists for Loretta

Bengie Molina hits a ball up the middle that bounces off the mound before Mark Loretta fields and throws to first for the out. Onetime Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske also hits it on the ground, and Loretta fields ranging to his left before throwing for the out. Aaron Hill hits a lazy fly ball to right that Trot Nixon badly misplays, and the ball drops in as Nixon stumbles while trying to make the play. Hill cruises into second base with a weak double. Russ Adams comes up and makes Beckett throw more pitches; Adams works a full count before grounding out on one hop to Loretta. Beckett's pitch count: 51.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:47 PM | Permalink

Bottom of first -- Leadoff hit, no runs

Kevin Youkilis leads off with a single off Josh Towers. Next, Mark Loretta hits a line drive that just barely goes foul. It would have been extra bases. Instead, he's called out on strikes. David Ortiz follows and hits the ball into the right side of the infield, right into the Blue Jays' overshift. Second baseman Aaron Hill fields behind first base, throws to third baseman Troy Glaus covering second for the out. Ortiz is safe at first. Manny Ramirez follows and slams a ball to deep center, but Vernon Wells makes the play on the warning track to end the inning.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:39 PM | Permalink

Top of first -- Control troubles for Beckett

Josh Beckett had trouble in the first inning of his first game, against Texas, and today is no exception. After retiring leadoff hitter Russ Adams on a ground ball to Alex Gonzalez, Beckett walks Red Sox killer extraordinaire Frank Catalanotto, then gives up a single to Vernon Wells between third base and short.

Next, Beckett walks Troy Glaus after running the count full to load the bases. Lyle Overbay also works a full count before walking, and Catalanotto trots home. Former Red Sox Shea Hillenbrand, who would love to spoil opening day, goes to a full count himself before finally grounding into an inning-ending double play, Gonzalez to Loretta to Youkilis. Beckett's pitch count stands at 36.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:31 PM | Permalink

Adam Stern sings "Oh Canada"

Red Sox starting center fielder Adam Stern joined a children's choir as they sung the Canadian national anthem before today's game. Stern, a native of London, Ontario, starred for the Canadian national team during this year's World Baseball Classic. The Canadian anthem is traditionally sung along with "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games featuring the Toronto Blue Jays.

After that, David Ortiz pushed Jordan Leandre -- a 5-year-old boy with Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone cancer -- onto the field in a wheelchair so that Jordan could sing the U.S. anthem. Jordan has been a regular presence at Fenway, singing the national anthem several times, thanks to the Red Sox' partnership with The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:56 PM | Permalink

Beckett draws a big cheer

Taking the field at about 1:22 p.m., Red Sox starter Josh Beckett drew a huge cheer from the Fenway crowd, according to correspondent Steve Peoples.

The park was only about one-third full, but just about everyone rose to cheer as Beckett went out to do his pregame stretching.

Later, when the players were announced, David Ortiz, who recently agreed to a four-year contract extension, got a big hand, as did the injured Coco Crisp. Gabe Kapler, who suffered an awful Achilles injury last year at Toronto and is still recovering, was introduced with other members of the club and got a nice hand.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 1:49 PM | Permalink

Damon doubles in first home at-bat

In his first at-bat as a member of the home team at Yankee Stadium, center fielder Johnny Damon doubled to left field off Kansas City starter Joe Mays and scored on Jason Giambi's three-run home run. The Yankees lead the Royals, 3-0, in the top of the second inning. Chien-Ming Wang is starting for New York.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Ortiz dazzles in batting practice

A day after signing his contract extension, David Ortiz was impressive in batting practice, knocking at least three shots out of Fenway Park this morning, projo.com correspondent Steve People reports from the field.

But then, Ortiz seems to hit all the time, anyway.

And center fielder Coco Crisp is still smiling despite a broken finger that will keep him out of the lineup for at least 10 days.

Wearing a silver splint on his right index finger, Crisp watched as Ortiz, Trot Nixon and other players took batting practice. Crisp apparently has as much charm as that guy he replaced.

As helicopters flew overhead and his teammates took their rips, Crisp also joked with members of the large media contingent gathered to record the Sox' 95th home opener.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 12:46 PM | Permalink

Watching the birds

The Toronto Blue Jays still have a smaller payroll than the Yankees and the Red Sox, but they did spend some serious dough in the offseason in hopes of finally breaking out of third place in the American League East. One of their new acquisitions, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, started the season on the disabled list with an elbow injury. Here's how some of their other pickups are starting the young season:

First baseman Lyle Overbay is 9-for-24, batting .375 with a home run. Powerful third baseman Troy Glaus is 8-for-22, batting .364 with two homers and leading the team with six RBIs. Catcher Benjie Molina is 7-for-16, batting .438 with a home run. Closer B.J. Ryan has appeared in three games and has two saves; he has not given up a hit and has four strikeouts and a walk.

The Blue Jays enter today's game 3-3, two games behind the first-place Sox.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Legendary Yankees PA man to miss home opener

The Associated Press is reporting that Bob Sheppard, for more than 50 years the voice of Yankee Stadium, will miss his first home opener since 1950. Sheppard recently had hip surgery. The Yankees play the Kansas City Royals today at 1:05.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:23 PM | Permalink

Youkilis leading off for Sox

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Kevin Youkilis speaks to reporters before today's game at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox will have Kevin Youkilis leading off today in place of the injured Coco Crisp. Center fielder Adam Stern will bat eighth, where Youkilis has batted early this season. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged:

1. Kevin Youkilis, first base
2. Mark Loretta, second base
3. David Ortiz, designated hitter
4. Manny Ramirez, left field
5. Trot Nixon, right field
6. Mike Lowell, third base
7. Jason Varitek, catcher
8. Adam Stern, center field
9. Alex Gonzalez, shortstop
Josh Beckett, pitcher

-- Journal Sports Writer Joe McDonald

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Tito's pregame

It may be Opening Day at Fenway Park, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona is treating it as any other game.

He just concluded his pregame scrum with the local media, where he spoke about choosing Kevin Youkilis as the club's leadoff hitter with Coco Crisp injured. The skipper said he didn't want to interupt the 2-3-4 spots of Mark Loretta, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.

Youkilis isn't a speed demon by any means, but because he's a "good on-base guy," Francona penciled him into the lead spot. Adam Stern does have the speed and the ability to hit from the top spot, but Francona said he doesn't want to put that pressure on Stern right now.

As far as Crisp, the injured center fielder said this morning he's hoping to be back sooner rathar than later. He fractured the base of his left index finger sliding into third base on Saturday in Baltimore and will be out for 10 days before he is re-evaluated.

"He's a quick healer," said Francona. "At least he has been in the past. . . we wouldn't want to lose him for the year, but in the short term we can handle this."

Francona also commented on Ortiz's new contract, saying it's a win-win situation for both Ortiz and the ballclub. The skipper said he doesn't like to discuss contracts with players, but admitted he spoke with Big Papi a couple of times during spring training about staying in Boston.

Julian Tavarez threw 25 pitches off the mound this morning and faced some hitters. Francona said he will be activated on Thursday.

"He's a strike thrower and I'm looking forward to getting him back," the skipper said.

-- Journal Sports Writer Joe McDonald

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:44 AM | Permalink

Fenway's looking great for Opening Day

This is opening day at Fenway:

You arrive four hours before game time and go to your favorite parking lot. It looks like trouble _ the lot already is full. The good news is that being a regular helps. The lady in charge has saved you the one remaining parking spot. You are more than happy to pay the $30 for the walk around the block to the park.

You ask the woman how it could be so busy four hours before the game. She smiles.

``It’s opening day,’’ she responds. ``Have you been listening to the radio? One of the lots is charging $90 today.’’

Inside, the activity already is hectic. You ride the elevator to the press box with one of the cooks. He gets a bit impatient when the elevator has to stop at every floor.

``Relax. You’ve still got four hours to game time,’’ someone tells him.

``I’ve been here cooking since 5:30,’’ he says. ``Still have a lot to do.’’

The ``new’’ Fenway, with more extensive renovations over the winter, looks very much like the ``old’’ Fenway, which for Red Sox Nation is nothing but good news. As with just about all the renovations that have been made in the last few years, the latest work to increase seating capacity _ it now exceeds 36,000 _ melds in beautifully.

The new, open-air look for the former 406 Club behind home plate is terrific. The fans who sit there now are park of the game, not shut away behind the big windows. Theo Epstein stops by to chat with a television guy as you and others are taking in the new look, which also includes a new ``Fenway Park’’ sign, with large red lettering, and the flags denoting pennants won by the Sox, beginning in 1903.

"It looks good,’’ Epstein tells the TV guy.

The television guys nods and agrees. It’s hard to argue; the place does look great. Even the new sections of seating added to the fifth (and highest) level, on both sides of the press box, fit in perfectly.

Kevin Youkilis, the leadoff hitter for the day, heads up the tunnel and onto the field. He obviously hasn’t seen the new look yet. The first thing that strikes him is the new fencing in front of the dugouts.

``That looks good,’’ Youkilis says. The fencing, in pale green, does look like it belongs.

The first big hit of the day is provided by Shane Snow. He’s the 9-year-old son of first baseman J.T. Snow. He comes out on the field with his father _ both wearing their Red Sox high and proud. They play a little catch, then head to the outfield where the 9-year-old makes a couple nice plays.

-- Journal Sports Writer Paul Kenyon

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 11:43 AM | Permalink

Good advice in Pawtucket

True, it wasn't the most brilliant Triple A debut for left-handed stud prospect Jon Lester. Struggling with his control, he used up his predetermined 60-pitch quota quickly and left after just 2.1 innings, taking the loss as the PawSox fell, 5-0, to the Rochester Red Wings. Then there was the chatter in the stands of fans who think the Sox should ship the 22-year-old Lester off for Miami to get Dontrelle Willis. But Lester and his PawSox coaches were upbeat about the performance. And, whether intentional or not, the song that was playing at McCoy Stadium as Lester left the mound in the third inning could have been the moral of the night. It was a Guns n' Roses tune: "Patience."

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:56 AM | Permalink

Check projo.com today for reports from Fenway

Stuck at work for today's Red Sox home opener at 2:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays?

We are, too, but one of our projo.com colleagues, Steve Peoples, managed to convince the bosses that he was needed today at Fenway Park. ("Hey, kid, Crisp is hurt. Can you play center field?")

If he isn't pressed into duty, Steve promises to file regular reports for the SoxBlog and 7 to 7 Blog between trips to the hot dog stand and souvenir shop. Steve will have access to the field and locker room before the game, as well as the press box and stands during the game.

Of course, Steve isn't the only member of The Journal team at Fenway. He will join Journal sportswriters and photographers in providing coverage for projo.com and tomorrow's Journal.

Stay with projo.com today for regular updates and photographs.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 9:33 AM | Permalink