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“DIARY OF A WINNER”
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THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE September 3, 2004 ... After winning 16 of their last 17 games, the Sox need to go 20-12 down the stretch for their first 100-victory season since they won 104 games en route to the World Series in 1946. Never mind that simply by breaking even over their final 32 games, the Sox would top last year's 95-67 finish. They harbor higher ambitions, and if the rest of the rotation approaches the excellence Pedro Martinez flashed last night, the Sox just may achieve them. On a second straight night when the injury-depleted lineup struggled, Martinez kept the good times rolling by blanking the Rangers on four hits and a walk over seven innings. The Rangers, losers of five straight, reached third base only twice against Martinez, who stoned them at every turn as he fired 117 pitches, matching his season high. The Sox needed all they got from Martinez because Texas righthander John Wasdin was nearly as impressive against his former Boston rotation mate. Often ridiculed during his tenure in the Hub, Wasdin all but silenced his critics for 6 1/3 innings as he rationed the Sox only two runs on four hits, including solo homers by Manny Ramirez and Bill Mueller, and three walks. The Sox, playing without Johnny Damon (sprained right pinkie) and David Ortiz (sore right shoulder), were unable to capitalize on the rare occasions they managed to work runners into scoring position, going 0 for 8 in those situations. The bout of futility unfolded after they went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position the night before, and it marked the 16th time this season the Sox have gone hitless with runners in scoring position (they are 6-10 in those games). The Sox also survived the latest lapse because Martinez was sharp enough to improve to 11-2 over his last 18 starts and the bullpen was all but untouchable for the second straight night. Varitek provided some momentum by throwing out Gary Matthews trying to steal second base to end the top of the seventh inning. Varitek also made a huge play by erasing Anaheim's Troy Glaus trying to reach second on a failed hit-and-run in the ninth the night before. Timlin and Alan Embree took it from there, combining to hold the Rangers scoreless in the eighth before Keith Foulke closed it out in the ninth for his 27th save. The Sox have won 16 straight games in which Foulke has appeared since July 25, a span in which he has gone 12 for 12 in save situations. Johnny Damon sprained his right pinkie diving back to first base after singling in the second inning of last night's 4-3 victory over the Angels. Damon indicated he dislocated the finger when it struck the bag. He said he immediately popped it back in place and remained in the game, though it continued to ache. Damon's injury prompted the Sox to make Adam Hyzdu's day by purchasing his contract from Triple A Pawtucket to add outfield depth. David Ortiz underwent an MRI on his injured right shoulder and the Sox said they discovered no structural damage. Ortiz injured his shoulder diving into the plate trying unsuccessfully to score Sunday against the Tigers at Fenway. Francona said he hopes Ortiz can resume his designated hitter role today. Pedro Martinez logged his 116th win for the Sox, moving past Bob Stanley for sixth place on the team's all-time list. Smoky Joe Wood is fifth with 117 victories. |
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