|
THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE
Schilling is complete against the Rays
August 3, 2004 ... Curt Schilling rebounded
from his first consecutive winless starts of the season to power the Sox to a 5-2 victory over the Devil Rays before 20,882 at Tropicana Field. Twirling his third complete game of the season, he helped the Sox win their first road series in nine tries since June 4-6 in Kansas City. Schilling scattered six hits, including a solo homer by Rocco Baldelli, and a walk in going the distance as he improved to 13-5 with a 3.38 ERA.
The offense delivered, despite David Ortiz serving the third game of his five-game suspension, as Bill Mueller emerged from a 2-for-23 slump to knock in three runs and Jason Varitek had a two-run homer. The Sox were particularly grateful to Mueller, who singled in a run in the second inning
and doubled home two more in the sixth. With Mark Bellhorn and Pokey Reese on the disabled list, Mueller has provided a boost by shifting from third base to second base just a month after returning from knee surgery.
The Sox defense, which had become an albatross, played error-free. With former Gold Glovers Mientkiewicz at first base and Cabrera at short - and Roberts making his debut in right field - the Sox made the plays. But Manny Ramirez made the play of the day by crashing into the left-field wall
to rob Aubrey Huff to end the sixth inning.
The Sox also unveiled a unique lineup, with Johnny Damon batting third behind Roberts and Cabrera. The trio went 0 for 12, but with Mientkiewicz batting fifth, the rest of the order clicked. Mientkiewicz, who had been struggling at the plate for the Twins, collected hits to start two rallies
while Mueller and Varitek provided the pop. He also got a treat playing behind Schilling, whose three complete games are three more than the rest of the staff.
Schilling's only serious mistake came after he repeatedly shook off Varitek in the sixth and misplaced a fastball, which Baldelli scorched for his 10th homer. Huff then launched a shot deep to left, but Ramirez snared the drive as he crashed into the wall.
Lefthander Jimmy Anderson, recently demoted to Pawtucket, was sent to the Cubs in a minor league deal for a player to be named. The transaction was unrelated to the four-team swap involving Garciaparra. |
