Yesterday, David Ortiz hit a ninth inning grand slam to bring the Red Sox within one run of the Detroit Tigers. The rally fell short, however, as Mike Cameron struck out to end the game with the tying run in scoring position. Today, trailing by two entering the inning, the Red Sox finished the job.
After Daisuke's typically shaky start put the Red Sox in a four run hole, the Sox managed to get five runners on base in the seventh, scoring two before David Ortiz struck out with the bases loaded. In the ninth inning, he got another chance. Darnell McDonald hit a leadoff single before Jed Lowrie hit a one out double and Youkilis was walked to set up David Ortiz with another bases loaded situation. Down two runs, all the Red Sox needed was a hit to tie the game up. On a 2-1 fastball from Phil Coke, he delivered the tie, and the win, placing the ball between the left and center fielder, clearing the bases with a walkoff double.
The winning effort was supported by newly arrived Dustin Richardson and Ryan Kalish, both called up from Pawtucket today. Richardson recorded two outs in the seventh inning after Daisuke was pulled, while top prospect Kalish recorded two hits and drove in the Red Sox' first run--a solid debut for someone the Red Sox are hoping will be a big part of their future.
So no trades today for the Red Sox, but already contributions from a new piece.