Sweet Hereafter

Game 132 – Red Sox

Red Sox 11, Yankees 3
Record: 77-55

Paul Byrd pitched a game for the Red Sox in late August backed by Alex Cora at shortstop, Jed Lowrie at third, Jason Bay in left, and Jacoby Ellsbury in right. And the Red Sox beat the ever-livin’ tar out of the most lifeless Yankee team I’ve seen in years (barring, y’know, the final 7 innings of Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, or as it’s known around my house, The Greatest Game in the History of Ever). That’s a combination of words and names I didn’t figure to be putting together when the season started.

Bay’s 4 RBI were key, and included 2-out, 2-run double in the first and his run-scoring triple to kick off a 7-run 8th. The latter was Exhibit A for Yankee apathy, as Bobby Abreu loped to the wall in right center in ‘pursuit’ of Bay’s high drive before haplessly and half-heartedly throwing himself against the fence in feigned effort. 5 batters later, Dustin Pedroia drove a 2-0 meatball over the barrier in left for his first career grand slam, and the doors crashed closed.

David Ortiz continues to quietly mash in Manny Ramirez’ absence, going 4-for-6 in the first two games of this series with 4 walks. Papi scuffled for a week or so once Manny Stopped Being Manny behind him, with only 3 hits in his first 28 post-Ramirez at-bats. Since that point, the big lefty has posted a .352/.500/.667 line in 54 at-bats.

Afternoon baseball in the Bronx today, and the final regular season game for the Sox in Yankee Stadium. If I told you the idea of a Sox sweep in their final series in Yankee Stadium didn’t sound sweeter than the smell of honeysuckle on a warm summer night, I’d be lying right through the smile on my face.