Game 54 Recap-
In what was a tight game, the World Champion Boston Red Sox punished the Orioles for some late inning mistakes and pulled out a tight 6-3 win at Camden Yards Saturday Night. Certain Hall of Famer Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez hit his 500th home run in the 7th inning for an insurance run and joined 23 other major leaguers in accomplishing that feat.
The game featured two young promising lefthanders in Boston’s Jon Lester(3-3,3.67, May No hitter) and Baltimore’s Garrett Olson.(4-1,4.03) Both pitched well but left with high pitch counts before the 6th inning. Lester went 5 with 7 hits and 3 runs allowed with 4 strike outs and 3 walks. Olson one upped him with 3 hits over 5 and 2 runs allowed(back to back solo homers by 2b Dustin Pedroia and dh David Ortiz in the 3rd) .
With the score tied at 2 in the 5th, Orioles 2b Brian Roberts homered to put Baltimore up by one. Red Sox C and captain hit a rbi single in the 6th to tie it. The Sox took control vs three Orioles relievers in the 7th,LH Jamie Walker(4.41 era) allowed an Ortiz’ sacrifice fly to put Boston ahead for good. Rh(and ex-Red Sox) Chad Bradford(3.12) served up Ramirez’ history making shot to right center. The Red Sox added an insurance run via a OF Coco Crisp fielders choice in the 8th. Star closer Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his 16th save and a 6-3 victory.
Star of the Game-
Manny Ramirez- Best pure hitter I have ever seen…..
Orioles Notes-
Alex Cintron started at SS and went 0 for 3…. Jay Payton played LF in place of regular Luke Scott with a LH starting…Manager Dave Trembley was undecided on a starter for Tuesday, named veteran RH Steve Trachsel post game, who has not pitched since May 9th and is having a nightmare season(2-5,8.82)
Next Game-
Orioles LH Brian Burres(4-4,4.15) vs Red Sox RH Bartolo Colon(2-0,2.25)
