Dateline: Hook Road 2
On a warm evening, the Red Sox took the field after a huge win over the Yankees. At game time they led the A.L. by a mere half a game, but controlled their own destiny. A win would clinch the championship, a loss could send them as far as third place.
The Sox, as they have done so often, jumped on the O’s starter with three quick runs. TJ led off with a walk, Garrett singled, Ben singled to score TJ and Matt singled to score Garrett and Ben. Garrett threw a number of nice strikes, but the O’s were fortunate and scored four. After one it was 4-3 O’s and the Red Sox faithful knew we were in for another tough game with the O’s. Red Sox bats were quiet in the second and Ben took the mound for his pitching debut. He looked sharp as he struck out three and gave up no runs. After two it was still 4-3 O’s.
The Red Sox took the lead in the third with a single by Garrett, a groundout by Justin, and singles by Ben and Matt to load the bases. Jack walked to score Garrett, Michael hit a big single to score Ben, and William singled to score Matt. Ben returned to the mound and the O’s were able to get two runs across. Ben settled down and struck out the next two. It was tied at six after three.
The Red Sox bats were quiet in the fourth and Matt was dominant in the bottom of the inning. Jared made a great catch on a popup at third. A groundout and a strikeout ended the inning. After four it was still tied. Red Sox bats were again quiet in the fifth and the game moved to the bottom of the fifth as darkness approached. Matt struck out the first batter. A single to right and a strikeout and walk gave the O’s runners on first and second with two outs. A wild pitch moved the runner to third. With two strikes, another wild pitch scored the run. Final Score: O’s 7 Red Sox 6.
Coach Grossman was available only for an extremely brief interview as his preparations for the playoffs are always very detailed. “I like how we played tough the whole game. The O’s are a tough ballclub. I am sure we’ll bounce back from this and it wouldn’t surprise me if we play a great game against the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs.” Coach Goldstein , “A tough loss to the Orioles, but overall a great season. I have seen vast improvement in everyone’s playing skills”.
