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Buchholz and bullpen combine for 4-2 win

TOLEDO , Ohio – The PawSox used a “bend-but-don’t-break” pitching performance to beat Toledo 4-2 and split this four-game series with the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field.

Starter Clay Buchholz and relievers Craig Hansen, Edgar Martinez and Bryan Corey combined to limit the Hens to five hits, shutting out Toledo after the first inning.

The Mud Hens jumped in front when Henry Mateo drew a one-out walk against Buchholz, one of four he issued in four innings of work, and Timo Perez slammed a two-run homer to right, his 11th round-tripper of the season.

The Mud Hens had their chances, with the best coming in the third when they loaded the bases with none out off Buchholz. But the 22-year-old right-hander struck out Chris Shelton on three pitches, retired Brent Clevlen on a fly to shallow right, and got David Espinosa on a grounder down the first-base line.

Shelton led off the sixth with a double off Hansen but never left second as Hansen retired the Hens without incident.

In the seventh Mateo reached third when he drew a one-out walk from Martinez, stole second, then took third on a groundout before Martinez got Jack Hannahan to ground out and strand Mateo in third.

Toledo eventually stranded nine baserunners in the game and was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Hansen (3-1) earned the win with his two scoreless innings of relief, and Bryan Corey – a former Mud Hens – got the game’s final four outs to claim his second save in this series.

Pawtucket tied the game in the third by opening the inning with four straight hits. Alex Prieto led off with a single, the first of his three hits on the night, then moved to third on Brady Clark’s double off the wall in left.

Both runners came home when Jed Lowrie, who was promoted from Double-A Portland just before the game, singled down the right-field line.

Toledo starter Anastacio Martinez left the game at that point after suffering a blister on his right, or pitching, thumb, and reliever Jeremy Johnson gave up a single to the first batter he faced, David Murphy.

But the Red Sox didn’t score again as Johnson got Bobby Scales to hit a grounder to first, and Chris Shelton threw Lowrie out at the plate. Brandon Moss then struck out and Joe McEwing was retired on grounder back to the pitcher Johnson.

The PawSox took the lead for good with a pair of runs in the sixth. With one out McEwing singled off Johnson, and George Kottaras greeted Toledo reliever Vic Darensbourg by singling up the middle, moving McEwing to third.

Ed Rogers hit a slow roller down the third-base line and Jack Hannahan only was able to retire Rogers at first as McEwing scored and Kottaras took second. Prieto then added an insurance run by doubling high off the wall in left.

Clark was hit by a pitch from reliever Preston Larrison to put two runners on base, but Lowrie hit into a fielder’s choice to end the threat.

NOTES: Lowrie was one of two players the PawSox received from Portland before yesterday’s game. The other was RHP Lincoln Holdzkom, who was 4-1 with a save and a 3.47 ERA in 30 appearances for Portland. Lowrie hit .297 with eight home runs and 49 RBI in 93 games with the Sea Dogs. To make room for the pair of the roster the PawSox sent IF Zack Borowiak and RHP Barry Hertzler to Portland.

----JOHN WAGNER

Special to the Journal

Posted by Thom Cahir  at 10:48 PM to PawSox | Permalink

Game Story: Sox 7, Devil Rays 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ The southern headquarters of Red Sox Nation paid homage to the A.L. East leaders last night with a reception fit for a World Series contender.

Red Sox fans came to Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Devils Rays, in droves as most of the 33,144 in attendance were wearing red and white. And, in true Fenway Park fashion, Boston didn’t disappoint its faithful with a 7-1 victory.

“We’re a very popular team,” said Red Sox shortstop and former Devil Ray Julio Lugo. “On the road we have a lot of fans. It’s great. Everywhere we go we feel like we’re at home.”

Kevin Youkilis provided the much-needed spark for the Red Sox with a three-run homer in the top of the sixth before Boston added four in the eighth en route to its fourth victory on the club’s current seven-game road trip with two remaining here.

“Beautiful,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona of the Youkilis homer. “It came at a point when we hadn’t done a whole lot. We were patient and got base runners just in case somebody does run into one we get the dividends.”

Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield improved to 12-9 on the season, while reliever Manny Delcarmen continues his resurgence in the Boston bullpen. With his victory, Wakefield becomes the all-time leader in victories (17) over the Devil Rays.

“When the environment is controlled he’s not battling elements,” said Francona. “We certainly weren’t doing enough offensively early, and the way he pitched allowed us to stay patient, so we could do something later. He did a great job. It probably looked like Manny Delcarmen was throwing 110 after Wake, he was making real good pitches.”

The Red Sox haven’t played here in almost a year, dating back to last Aug. 6 and maybe that’s a good thing because Boston hasn’t had much luck at The Trop since 2005. Entering last night’s game the Red Sox had a 7-12 record here, but quickly turned that around last night.

"I like pitching here,” said Wakefield of his eighth career win in 10 years at Tropicana Field. “I like pitching inside, I’ve always said that. Other than the second inning, I felt like I had pretty good control of everything tonight.”

On the heels of a solid 3-1 series against the Cleveland Indians, Boston continued its momentum.

The Devils Rays returned to The Trop last night after a horrid 1-6 road trip through New York and Baltimore and it seemed as though a bit of home cooking would work for Tampa. After the Devil Rays pushed a run across in the bottom of the second inning, 24-year-old starter Jason Hammel took care of the rest – at least for the time being.

The right-hander retired the first 11 batters he faced before David Ortiz line a single to right field with two outs in the fourth. It didn’t faze Hammel as he retired the five batters before issuing back-to-back walks in the sixth inning.

Tampa manager Joe Maddon decided that was enough and gave Hammel the hook, replacing him with reliever Juan Salas with one out and two on. That’s when Youkilis crushed a 2-1 offering from Salas and deposited it into the left-field seats for a three-run homer to give Boston its first lead of the night.

The Devil Rays couldn’t muster any more run support off Wakefield, who finished six full innings and allowed just one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. After the knuckleballer was done for the night, the revival of Delcarmen continued.

The hard-throwing right-hander retired the side in order in the seventh before Boston added to its lead in the top of the eighth inning. J.D. Drew provided an RBI-single, his first hit in the last 12 at-bats, and with two outs Coco Crisp contributed a two-run double. Doug Mirabelli helped with an RBI-single for a 7-1 advantage.

Delcarmen worked a scoreless eighth inning and has allowed only one run in his last 12 appearances. With the Red Sox holding a six-run lead Kyle Snyder finished the job.

Somewhat ironic, when Boston made the final out of the game, most everyone in attendance gave the “home” team a standing ovation. Expect much of the same today and tomorrow.

“I’m not ever surprised by the support we get,” said Francona. “We have great fans.”

----JOE McDONALD

Posted by Thom Cahir  at 10:44 PM to McDonald | Permalink

Tonight's lineups from Tampa

BOSTON
Julio Lugo, 6
Kevin Youkilis, 3
David Ortiz, DH
Manny Ramirez, 7
J.D. Drew, 9
Mike Lowell, 5
Coco Crisp, 8
Doug Mirabell, 2
Alex Cora, 4
Tim Wakefield, SP

TAMPA BAY
Akinori Iwamura, 5
Carl Crawford, 7
B.J. Upton, 8
Carlos Pena, 3
Delmon Young, 9
Brendan Harris, 6
Ty Wigginton, 4
Jonny Gomes, DH
Dioner Navarro, 2
Jason Hammel, SP

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:10 PM | Permalink

Sox Streakers for July 27

Hot Streaks
-Julio Lugo has a 15-game hitting streak, during which he is 24 for 60 (.400).
-David Ortiz has an 11-game hitting streak, during which he is 16 for 44 (.364).
-Manny Ramirez is 22 for 53 (.415) with six home runs in 15 games since the All-Star break.
-Coco Crisp is 13 for his last 26 (.500) and has the majors' second-best average (.385) since June 14, behind Chone Figgins of the Angels.

Cold Streaks
-J.D. Drew is 0 for his last 10, and 4 for his last 30 (.133).
-Doug Mirabelli is 5 for his last 35 (.143).
-Kevin Youkilis is 0 for his last 9, and 9 for 49 (.184) over his last 16 games.
-Dustin Pedroia is 1 for his last 13.

Weird Streak
-Tim Wakefield has a decision in heach of his 20 starts so far (he's 11-9). He's the eighth big league pitcher since 1980 to make that many starts without a no-decision. The last American League pitcher to do so was Bret Saberhagen in 1987.

Red Sox vs. Jason Hammel
-Eric Hinske, 2 for 2 (1.000)
-Julio Lugo, 1 for 1 (1.000)
-David Ortiz, 4 for 5 (.800), 1 HR
-Mike Lowell, 2 for 3 (.667)
-Alex Cora, 1 for 2 (.500)
-Jason Varitek, 1 for 2 (.500)
-Wily Mo Pena, 1 for 3 (.333)
-Dustin Pedroia, 0 for 0, 2 BB
-Doug Mirabelli, 0 for 0, 1 BB
-Kevin Youkilis, 0 for 2
-Coco Crisp, 0 for 1
-Manny Ramirez, 0 for 1
-Hammel is 0-1 with a 10.50 E.R.A. in three career appearances, including one start, against Boston. Active Red Sox players are a combined 12 for 22 (.546) against Hammel.

Devil Rays vs. Tim Wakefield
-Raul Casanova, 4 for 7 (.571), 1 HR
-Carl Crawford, 22 for 64 (.344), 2 HR
-Brendan Harris, 1 for 3 (.333)
-Jonny Gomes, 4 for 15 (.267), 1 HR
-Akinori Iwamura, 1 for 4 (.250)
-B.J. Upton, 1 for 4 (.250)
-Carlos Pena, 2 for 13 (.154), 1 HR
-Greg Norton, 1 for 11 (.091)
-Ty Wigginton, 1 for 11 (.091)
-Dioner Navarro, 0 for 2
-Delmon Young, 0 for 3
-Wakefield is 16-2 with a 3.01 E.R.A. in 33 career appearances, including 23 starts, against Tampa Bay.

More Stuff
-Wakefield and Mike Mussina have more wins (16) against Tampa Bay than any other pitcher. Wakefield is 16-2 against the Rays; Mussina is 16-7.
-Wakefield is 7-0 with a 2.39 E.R.A. at Tropicana Field.
-All-time series: Boston 101, Tampa Bay 53. At Tropicana Field: Boston 44, Tampa Bay 32.
-Tampa Bay has won eight of its last 11 home games against Boston.
-Manny Ramirez has more home runs against Tampa Bay (39) than any other player. He is sixth all-time (including Devil Rays players) in home runs at Tropicana Field (24).
-The Red Sox' 62-40 record is the best in the majors; it's identical to their record after 102 games last year.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:49 PM to Projo Sox Streakers | Permalink

Remy to be at McFadden's on Friday

Sox broadcaster and former second baseman Jerry Remy will be at McFadden's bar and restaurant at 52 Pine St., in Providence, from 5:15 to 6 p.m. on Monday. The Red Sox have an off-day Monday, and Remy will be at McFadden's to meet and greet fans and talk about the season, according to a news release from WEEI.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:46 PM | Permalink

Today's Manny file: What a shot

For those of you who may have been wondering if Manny Ramirez has been showing his age this season, it should come as some comfort that last night's mammoth second-inning shot was not only the third-longest in the history of Jacobs Field, it was the longest of Ramirez's career, anywhere, according to The Boston Herald's Rob Bradford, who got the story confirmed by Ramirez himself.

As Bradford continues, the pregame scene was an example of Manny Being Manny: "Even before accelerating his offense to another prodigious level, Ramirez offered a glimpse into his unpredictability. It came before the game and after three days in which Ramirez’ presence was dominated by trips back and forth to the batting cages, some quiet interaction with teammates and an occasional turn on the clubhouse’s video game system. But then came another surprise. 'Hey Varitek, are you going to buy me a Nintendo game?' Ramirez bellowed. 'We’ll chip in to get you one,' responded a seemingly caught-off-guard Jason Varitek.

What a way to make people forget about your gaffe of the night before, when Coco Crisp got thrown out at the plate.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has more on the fast friendship of Manny and Ryan Garko. Apparently, Garko received some custom batting gloves from Ramirez this week, and Manny requested and received an autographed bat from Garko.

MSNBC's Mike Celizic says Alex Rodriguez is the king of the Golden Age of Offense, and that only Manny comes close.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:39 PM to Projo Mannybeingmanny | Permalink

Projo SoxTalk with McAdam: Red-hot Manny; Lester vs. Gabbard

On the Friday after a big Red Sox win, Sean McAdam is back for another edition of projo SoxTalk. Click here to listen to the full audio file. The topics include Manny Ramirez's hot streak; Wily Mo Pena's four-hit night and whether it increases his trade value; what the Red Sox can expect from Curt Schilling's return; who loses his spot in the rotation when Schilling comes back; and, of course, Ty Wigginton.

Here are some excerpts from the conversation:

On Ramirez: "He is as hot as any player in the game in the two weeks since the second half has begun, and the Red Sox can only hope it continues, because he is good enough to be the guy that can impact the entire batting order."

On Pena: "I'm sure there was some scout there from the Pittsburgh Pirates or the San Diego Padres, or one of the four or five teams interested in Pena, looking at last night and convincing himself that this is what this guy can be, and it's true, but the question is: How often? ... From the Red Sox standpoint the timing [of last night's big performance] probably couldn't have been any better, because maybe some team will delude themselves into thinking that they're going to get a lot more of this, rather than get it infrequently like the Red Sox have for two seasons."

On Schilling: "I think the key in this six-week shutdown is that he's had the time to rebuild the shoulder and strengthen that area, which I think frankly he had been lax in doing through the first two and a half months in the season, which is why you could see such inconsistency from him. ... Now that he's been shut down from major league competition for about a month and a half, and has been put on a throwing and strengthening program, they believe he's getting back to the point where he should be, and thus more consistent."

On Gabbard vs. Lester: "I think we're going to see something of a pitch-off here coming up in the next few days. We'll see how Jon Lester fares in his second start tomorrow night, and then Gabbard's next turn comes along Wednesday back at Fenway against Baltimore. And I think they're going to look at the way the arrows are pointing for these guys, are they up or down?"

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:02 AM to McAdam | Permalink

Baseball Today: Friday, July 27

AP photo / Mark Duncan

A GOOD NIGHT ALL AROUND: The pitches were looking fat last night, and Red Sox hitters feasted on them, scoring early and often en route to a 14-9 rout of the Cleveland Indians. Manny Ramirez hit what is believed to be the third-longest home run ever at Jacobs Field, Wily Mo Pena had a good audition for potential trade suitors, and Kason Gabbard may have helped Jon Lester's chances of remaining in the rotation.

AND ANOTHER REASON: Meanwhile, in Toledo, Ohio, Curt Schilling was looking like his vintage self, albeit against lesser competition. Schilling will make one more rehab start before hopefully returning to Boston (both projo). Here's some of what Schilling has to say about his outing: "Two things I took away, above all else, were the fact that I felt I threw my best fastballs in my last inning, and that my split, even the ones that got taken, was better than it’s been in years." (38 Pitches)

GAINING ONE BACK: And so the Red Sox' divisional lead goes back to seven and a half games, after Kansas City's unlikely shutout of the Yankees last night at Kauffman Stadium (N.Y. Post). The loss ends an offensive streak of historic proportions, in which New York scored 70 runs while winning six straight games. Alex Rodriguez did not get his 500th homer off Jorge De La Rosa (the guy who gave up number 400), and Kei Igawa did nothing to help the cause.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Peter Abraham writes that the Yankees are now considering what to do the next time Igawa's spot in the rotation comes up. Phil Hughes is not far from being ready, Joba Chamberlain is an option, or, perhaps most likely, they could just stick with a four-man rotation for now (Yankees LoHud Blog).

THAT HALF WILL VANISH: Whatever happens tonight, the size of the lead will change. The Yanks travel to Baltimore, and before playing tonight's regularly scheduled game, they'll complete the suspended game of June 28. It will be 8-6 Yankees in the eighth inning when play resumes. Baltimore, by the way, is 4-1 against New York so far this year.

INTEREST IN TAVAREZ: The Boston Globe reports that several clubs -- including the Dodgers, the Phillies and Rockies -- are interested in trading for Julian Tavarez. Meanwhile, The Globe says that Tampa Bay is asking too much for Ty Wigginton (perhaps Manny Delcarmen and/or Justin Masterson), while there are questions about how good a fit Wigginton would be with the Sox (projo).

UGLY NUMBERS: Chad Finn is a big Jerry Remy fan, but he wouldn't want him batting in his lineup (touchingallthebases): "Remy might be built more like Dustin Pedroia, but he knows Pedroia has more pure hitting ability than he ever did. He sees his reflection as a player in [Alex] Cora."

TEIXEIRA: FoxSports says the Braves -- still the front-runner in the race to acquire the slugging first-baseman, are offering prized prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia and two other players for Teixeira alone. The Globe says the Rangers are still looking for Clay Buccholz and Jacoby Ellsbury in exchange for Mark Teixeira, something the Sox would presumably never do.

ON THE OUTS? Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said after last night's game that he has not decided whether Cliff Lee will remain in the starting rotation after last night's debacle. If he is bumped, one guy who could take his place is Jeremy Sowers, the promising youngster who was demoted to Triple-A earlier this season (both Akron Beacon Journal).

GOOD NEWS AND BAD: The Orioles are streaking under interim manager Dave Tremblay, and take a four-game winning streak into the New York series. But the Orioles will have to play at least the next five weeks without closer Chris Ray, out with a sprained ligament in his elbow (Washington Post).

SUDDENLY, THE END: One moment, outfielder Ryan Kalish was tearing it up at Single-A Lowell, on a 12-for-15 stretch at the plate. The next, Kalish was out for the season, with a broken hamate bone (Boston Globe).

NOT GIVING UP ON HIM: Jose Contreras may have the worst E.R.A. among American League qualifiers, but Ozzie Guillen says that Contreras still has trade value (Chicago Tribune).

LOCAL INTEREST: The Rockies are reportedly interested in Warwick's Dan Wheeler (FoxSports).

DODGER BLUES: Derek Lowe believes he will be able to make his next start for the Dodgers. But last night another L.A. pitcher hurt himself running the bases. This time it was Brad Penny (L.A. Times).

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:15 AM | Permalink

Clubhouse reaction following 14-9 victory

David Ortiz on Manny Ramirez's 481-foot homer:

"That ball was (expletive) crushed."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Wily Mo Pena's 4-for-5 night:

“I think everybody is happy for him. He swung the bat really, really well and gave us big boosts. That’s what he can do. I think he saw six pitches, swung at all of them and hit four of them right on the button. It was fun to watch.”

Pena on his performance:

“The last couple of games I was struggling. I wasn’t getting any hits, so I just said to myself go in there and do the best that I can. I’ve been working hard and everything is coming back. I felt my confidence tonight. I was just looking for a good pitch to hit. It was good to go 4-for-5 in one game; I’ve been looking for that.”

Pena on Manny's homer:

“That homer he hit to center field was unbelievable. I can hit one that far one day. I’ll just have to wait.”

Kason Gabbard on his outing:

In the fifth “I was trying to be too perfect with everything.I got out of sync a little bit. Honestly to me it’s kind of embarrassing to have a 9-1 lead and have all that happen, especially not being able to finish. I just try to go out there and do my best every time and now I’m looking forward to my next start.”

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 12:03 AM | Permalink