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“DIARY OF A WINNER”
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THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE August 8, 2004 ... The Red Sox finished 6-5 on the four-city, 4,251-mile odyssey as they overcame a record-setting home run barrage against Tim Wakefield and outblasted the Tigers, 11-9, before 40,098 at Comerica Park. Though Wakefield matched a post-1900 major league record by surrendering six home runs, the Sox helped him become the first pitcher since 1932 to do so and pick up a win. They rallied from homer-induced deficits of 1-0, 3-2, and 6-3 as they banged out 14 hits, including the homers by Youkilis and Ortiz. They did it all in a pivotal six-run fourth inning as they batted around to seize a 9-6 lead, putting them ahead to stay. Damon's triple and Ortiz's blast were the big blows, but the guys at the bottom of the order got things rolling as Bill Mueller reached on an error by center fielder Alex Sanchez and Kapler singled for the second of his three hits. They could thank Ramiro Mendoza in part for the pleasant flight home. Mendoza, who had not pitched since the first game of the trip 13 days earlier, steadied the sea after Wakefield's stormy outing, holding the Tigers scoreless over 1 2/3 innings as the Sox built a 10-7 lead. Mendoza has gone 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA while holding batters to a .219 average in seven appearances since he returned from the disabled list July 15. Mendoza helped take the sting out of Eric Munson tagging Mike Timlin in the eighth inning for a two-run homer, lifting the Tigers within striking distance, 11-9. Timlin, who has been taxed heavily in recent weeks, has surrendered seven runs in five innings over his last seven appearances. Good thing Keith Foulke delivered, retiring the Tigers in order in the ninth for his 18th save. Kevin Youkilis (3 for 4 with two homers and a sac fly) had the first multihomer game of his career and matched his career high with four RBIs. Byung Hyun Kim's had a fine performance for Pawtucket. Kim allowed one run on five hits over five innings, walking none and striking out four. Righthander Curtis Leskanic, who was effective before he landed on the disabled list July 25 with shoulder woes, could return soon. He threw in the bullpen and looked good, according to pitching coach Dave Wallace. |
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