Game 64 Recap
The Boston Red Sox used a big opening inning and another strong performance from comeback of the year candidate Bartolo Colon to beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 Thursday night at Fenway Park. The 1st place Red Sox jumped on Os rookie starter, LH Garrett Olson(5 1/3 innings,7 hits, 6 runs & 3 walks) for 5 runs in the bottom of the 1st and Baltimore never recovered.
“It’s a lot easier to pitch when you get five runs before people sit down in their seats,” Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said.
Red Hot Sox RF JD Drew(.517 with 5 home runs and 12 rbi in June) doubled in the 1st run then scored on a wild pitch for the opening 2 runs. Boston captain C Jason Varitek hit a long 3 run homer over the green monster in left for a 5-0 score. That was more than enough for Sox RH Bartolo Colon to earn his 4th win in 6 starts. Over 6 innings, the former 2005 AL CY Young winner allowed 5 hits & 1 run while walking 1 and striking out 7. LF Luke Scott touched the veteran with a solo shot in the 5th, Colon closed his performance by striking out DH Aubrey Huff & 1b Kevin Millar in the 6th.
“He’s been tremendous for us,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “To get a guy you didn’t have when spring training started and all of a sudden he’s right in the middle of the rotation helping us win games, it’s been big.”
After 3b Mike Lowell hit a solo shot in the 8th, the Orioles staged a mini rally in the 9th. Veteran RH Mike Timlin(6.16) gave up 2 runs(1 earned) on 3 hits(rbi double by Millar) & an error by Red Sox 2b Dustin Pedroia plated the 2nd run. All star closer Jonathan Papelbon(1.84 era) got 2b Brian Roberts to ground out for the final out and his 19th save.
Star of the Game-
Colon- Huge for a team with starting pitchers injured- Schilling, Dice K and Bucholz all down
Orioles Notes-
RF Nick Markakis has hits in 12 of 13 games…. Huff & Scott both had 2 hits to lead the team… Red Sox moved game time for Thursday up to 6:05 so Boston fans could watch the Celtics NBA Finals game, as they did on Tuesday as well
Next Game-
Thursday Night- 6:05 start- Fenway Park,Boston
Red Sox LH Jon Lester(4-3,3.50) vs Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(3-6,3.40)
