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DANIEL NAVA |
BOSTON STRONG -
THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION
Nava's four hits are not enough,
but the Sox clinch home field
September 28, 2013 ...
Daniel Nava
continued to show why he has been one of the most indispensable players on the Red Sox, producing a four-hit performance in a 6-5 loss to the Orioles.
Nava started the night with a .297 average. His fourth hit, a single that snapped a 4-4 tie, put him at .303.
For the first time this season, the Red Sox played a game that had no bearing on their postseason positioning. The Athletics lost to the Mariners just as the game at Camden Yards was starting, meaning Boston clinched home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Jon Lester, allowed nine hits and four runs over five innings. The lefty took a no-decision, but finished with far better numbers this season (15-8, 3.75 ERA) than a year ago (9-14,
4.82). Lester left immediately after his start was over for a good reason. His wife, Farrah, will be induced into labor on Sunday morning, delivering the couple's second child.
Junichi Tazawa, after pitching a scoreless seventh, started the eighth, giving up back-to-back singles. Franklin
Morales looked dominant in striking out Nick Markakis. But Steve Pearce ripped a two-run double
against Morales, putting Baltimore back in front for good.
With 161 down and one to play, the Indians hold a one-game lead over the Rangers and Rays. The permutations are skull-imploding and all of them favor the Boston Red Sox. One way or another, the Sox are going to face a depleted team at Fenway. |
