April 9, 2017

G5: Red Sox 7, Tigers 5

Red Sox - 011 000 140 - 7 11  1
Tigers  - 110 100 101 - 5 13  1
On a day when Rick Porcello (6-11-4-1-8, 102) was not sharp, the Red Sox rallied against the Tigers' bullpen and snapped a small two-game losing streak.

As much as it pains me to say (because I truly cannot stand him), Matt Barnes turned in two innings of solid relief. Craig Kimbrel walked the first two men in the ninth, but struck out three and allowed only one run (and that happened because home plate umpire Marvin Hudson blew a called third strike that should have ended the game at 7-4).

NESN Note: With no outs in the eighth, Boston led 6-4 and had runners at first and third. Pablo Sandoval grounded to third and the Tigers turned a 5-4-3 double play. Sandy Leon scored from third, giving the Red Sox a three-run lead. Jerry Remy questioned the Tigers going for the double play (and allowing the run to score) and not getting the runner at the plate. Keeping anymore runs from scoring should have been a higher priority at that point than recording two outs.

Then NESN showed the replay. Leon DID NOT take off for the plate when the ball was hit. He watched and waited to see what the third baseman would do before he sprinted home. The Tigers went for the double play because it was the only play available - there was absolutely no play at home. Remy's entire analysis was based on something that quite clearly DID NOT HAPPEN. And Remy continued talking about it as we watched the exact opposite on our screens.

Detroit Distance: The distance from home plate to the left field pole at Comerica Park is printed on the wall as 345'. Is that apostrophe really necessary? I assume that most fans understand those numbers on the wall at every ball park indicate the distance in feet. Is there anyone who might be confused otherwise and think it's 345 inches?

Marco Hernandez had three hits. Chris Young had two hits and scored two runs. Leon had two RBI. Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland each walked twice.
Rick Porcello / Daniel Norris
Pedroia, 2B
Benintendi, LF
Betts, RF
Young, DH
Moreland, 1B
Selsky, CF
Leon, C
Sandoval, 3B
Hernandez, SS
Benintendi's status was uncertain after he began throwing up during Saturday's game. ... Jackie Bradley underwent an MRI after jamming his right knee on Saturday. Bradley underwent an MRI. ... Matt Barnes was activated from the bereavement list and Noe Ramirez was optioned to Pawtucket.

Also: April 9, 1912: Fenway Park hosts its first game, an exhibition between the Red Sox and Harvard University. The Red Sox won 2-0. The first major league game was played on April 20.

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