 |
|
TIM WAKEFIELD |
THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE
Tim Wakefield leads the Sox
in a series sweep
August 18, 2004 ...
It all was good for the Red Sox as Tim Wakefield emerged from his August doldrums and dazzled the Blue Jays with his revitalized knuckleball, leading the way in a 6-4 victory before an appreciative 34,867 in the finale of a 10-game homestand in the Fens. The win lifted the Sox to 7-3 on the homestand before they flew
west on wings of optimism to start a six-game trek through Chicago and Toronto.
Wakefield departed to a joyous chorus of "Sweet Caroline" after he rationed the Jays only two runs on five hits and a walk over eight innings as he improved to 9-7 with a 4.53 ERA. The knuckleballer recovered from a nightmarish three starts in which he allowed 16 runs in 18 1/3 innings at
particularly opportune time since the Sox are likely to need Wakefield and his rotation mates at their best down the stretch. Wakefield's comeback unfolded soon after he received a private message of reassurance from manager Terry Francona. Wakefield welcomed the support.
The Sox further buoyed Wakefield's spirits by handing him all the runs he needed with a 4-0 cushion in the first inning. Mr. Second Half, Kevin Millar, provided the big hit, a two-run double off Toronto starter Miguel Batista, while Orlando Cabrera and Bill Mueller knocked in the other runs
in the decisive inning. Nearly everyone in the Sox lineup contributed as seven different starters either scored a run or knocked one in.
As for Wakefield, he made most of the pitches he wanted to throw. The knuckleballer escaped mini-threats in each of the first two innings as the Jays put runners at first and second base with one out in the first and did the same with none out in the second to no avail.
The Red Sox may get some urgent relief from their injury crisis as early as tomorrow with the return of Mark Bellhorn. The second baseman, whose left thumb was fractured Aug. 1 by a 94-mile-an-hour fastball from Minnesota closer Joe Nathan, recovered faster than expected and reported to
Triple A Pawtucket last night for a rehabilitation assignment.
Pokey Reese and Burks were scheduled to leave with the Sox after the game for Chicago. Reese and Burks were not expected to be activated during the six-game swing through Chicago and Toronto, but they were well enough to participate in some baseball activities. |
