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DAVID ORTIZ |
THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE
2004 ALDS, GAME #3
David Ortiz hits a
10th inning
walk-off homer
to win the ALDS
October 8, 2004 ... In a blast that may be remembered by the first generation of New Englanders in the 21st century as famously as a previous generation recalls Carlton Fisk’s momentous shot in Game 6 of the ‘75 World Series, Ortiz further emblazoned his image in franchise
history by torquing a misplaced slider from Jarrod Washburn over the Monster with two outs in the 10th inning for a two-run shot that catapulted the Sox to an electrifying 8-6 victory over the Angels and a stunning sweep of the best-of-five Division Series.
Simple enough - until you realize how narrowly they escaped one of the most mortifying postseason losses since, well, last October. After blowing a 6-1 lead in the seventh inning, the Sox flashed their signature resilience to ice their second
consecutive trip to the ALCS for the first time since the format began in 1969. The sweep was only their second in 20 postseason series since 1903. The victory allowed the Sox to celebrate clinching their first playoff series at Fenway Park since the 1986 league championship series. But
to stage their latest feat, they needed to overcome blowing the largest lead (five runs) by a home team in postseason history.
The worm turned on them this time after Bronson Arroyo departed leading, 6-1, with none out and a runner on first in the seventh after a sensational start. Despite riding the lead into the seventh inning, the Sox made things more difficult for themselves by stranding 11 runners in the first five innings. But Damon and Ortiz helped them wash away the sour aftertaste in the 10th. After Damon singled
leading off, he was erased at second on Mark Bellhorn’s aborted sacrifice. But after Rodriguez fanned Manny Ramirez for the second out, Ortiz worked his magic, knocking in Pokey Reese, who ran for Bellhorn.
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