- Yankees 8, Red Sox 7: Everything looked good for the Red Sox as they were playing last night's game. They were up 5.5 games on the Yankees and about to make it 6.5 when the top of the 8th came around and everything went south. Down by 5 runs, the Yankees scored 6 runs in the inning before making a single out. They started the scoring with back-to-back solo home runs by Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano and followed with a RBI single by Derek Jeter, a two-run double by Bobby Abreu to tie the game, and scored the go ahead run with an Alex Rodriguez single. The runs came off Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon, who were both unable to stop the Yankee hit parade. The runs were the first allowed by Papelbon, the Red Sox closer, in 16 2/3 innings.
With the win, the Yankees move to 4.5 games behind the Red Sox for the AL East lead. A win like this could make the rest of the series, and maybe the season, very interesting for the two teams.
- Phillies 3, Mets 2 (10 innings): What's with the Mets and their inability to beat the Phillies this season? It took 10 innings, but the Phillies eventually did what they do best - beat the Mets. The team has taken six straight games against the NL East leading Mets, including a 4-game sweep two weeks ago in Philadelphia. The Mets even had the lead in this game, but were unable to hold it, and simply gave the game away in the 10th. Mike DiFelice, who was in the game after Paul Lo Duca got ejected, dropped a foul ball, Aaron Heilman threw a ball into the outfield and eventually allowed the game-winning run to score via sac fly. Tom Glavine pitched well in the loss, allowing only 2 runs over 7 2/3 innings, David Wright homered to move within one home run of 30 steals and 30 home runs, and Moises Alou extended his hit streak to 18 games. The Mets lead over the Phillies is down to 5.5 games with the loss.
- Doubledays 4, Cyclones 1: The Cyclones jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning, but were unable to keep the Doubledays from winning its first New York-Penn League Championship. It was the 6th time the Doubledays and manager Dennis Holmberg made the NYPL playoffs and pitcher Brett Cecil was a big part of last night's win. Cecil shut the Cyclones down, striking out 8 over 7 innings. Even Ramon Castro, on a rehab assignment from the Mets, couldn't help the Cyclones in the two-game sweep.
Photograph of Derek Jeter, left, Melky Cabrera, center, and Robinson Cano celebrating the Yankees' win by Elise Amendola/AP
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Im a native Bostonian, born into an intense baseball upbringing. I the youngest of 3, and the only girl. My dad and brothers played the minor leagues and Cape Cod leagues. And my mom clutching her score book as if it were the bible. Also completing her 'faith' were copies of rule books in her purse in case of a showdown. She was good at keeping score (coaches actually REQUESTED her to keep score sometimes covering 2-3 games a day!!) and the players/coaches/umpires etc. never gave her any crap.
I was amazed. And then there I was. Did they expect me to be the Bat-girl? Or was I to just sit in the stands and color? I didn't know what I was supposed to contribute to this 'religion' of baseball. So I just abosorbed basic information and then sweet talked my way into free goodies from the concession stand. With that said, I was raised to respect the sport as a whole. My knowledge of players and teams became second nature to me.
My brother living in California was SO proud, we would go to the Oakland A's games and he would brag to guys about it. He would ask me on the spot to name players from teams and other simple questions. He would laugh because he knew the guys gabbing girlfriends wouldnt know this stuff. They werent there to watch the game, they had no idea what was going on. My brother also would wear his Garciaparra Red Sox shirt (even if they weren't playing Oakland)and we sat and waited to hear the comments that would ensue. It was fun.
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But the useless information was especially handy back in 2004 when I lived in NYC:
I was at Chili's in Staten Island, some drunk piece of work dude yells out: 'WHO IS THE OWNER OF THE CAR WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS PLATES ON IT?!?!' I raised my hand with no problem, so he decides to tell me how he wanted to punch Pedro Martinez and Manny should be killed blah blah blah. (Inside I was pissed, I mean leave me alone and really...how RARE are Massachusetts plates in NYC?! Dude, please. It was also my time to chime in and end his side show)
I went with the giddy approach: 'Oh...Ok you're a Yankees fan, yes?' he said 'Yeah..yeah I am..BIG TIME BABY YEAH!!' (in an ass-tastic tone) I said 'well ok....um answer this question, and if you get it wrong you have to pay our drink tab' (It was only myself and a girlfriend and we each had 2 margaritas)
So he was in: 'DEAL! Bring it on!! I'll know the answer anyway'. Adding gas to the fire I said 'So you're like, a hardcore, diehard, followed-them-your-whole-life Yankee fan?!?!' His reply 'F*ck Yeahhhh!!' Making sure he was fired up because my gut feeling was that he wouldnt know the answer.(Im really a smartass but I wanted him to think he was dealing with Miss 'banana brains').
Showtime. I said: 'Neato! Ok my question is: name the guy who played shortstop before Derek Jeter' He paused, looked to his buddies for help and finally replied in a know-it-all tone with the WRONG answer (I dont even remember who he said)I pretended I was let down and said 'well thats too bad... because the correct answer is Tony Fernandez' ZING!! First he tried to say I was wrong and so I laid it out for him. The dates/years where, who, what, how and when of both players careers. We even had the manager on duty in on it, he even called to prove and verify to this moron that I was right. Of course I was.Dumbass.
His buddy actually ended up paying the bill for our margaritas. His friends were diplomatic adding how amazed that a 'chick' knew such deep information. Departing with their trainwreck of a friend, he hung his head in shame. Too bad it took this situation for them to figure out their friend is a shmuck. Whatevs. That was really the only BAD experience I had.
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My dad wrote a book 'Baseball on Cape Cod' (you can view some of the pages on Barnes & Noble.com) and as you browse it, you can see (and perhaps feel) the high level of respect for the game and the history behind it.
Unfortunatly, I notice within the past 5 or so years, fans have become more and more insanely 'fanatic' and aggressive. Along the lines of 'cult followers' if you will. The strong hate people have towards each other over a sport team. A player. A coach. Why? Sadly, when I sat at the All Star Game at Fenway, I had no idea what was about to happen in the years to come.
At the All Star game, dad handed me a rain poncho to put on. Not because it was going to rain, but to shield me from the popcorn, beer, gum, soda, water, mustard, ice cream and whatever these nutbags could get their hands on and throw everywhere. I titled it 'The stadium-wide food fight free for all at Fenway'. Still can't fathom why it happened, but I survived only having had gum stuck to the bottom of my shoes.
I'm both grateful and lucky having the chances to go see games at various ballparks (including Toronto and Montreal)around the country. I even own a Brooklyn Cyclone hat (my sister in law's cousin played for them a couple of years ago)
My outlook is: In the grand scheme of things, may the deserving team win....everyone worked hard to play hard...
But for now I await Mr. Right who can belt out the definition of the 'infield fly rule' without hesitation....And in turn, I will immediately propose to him... :)
Regards,
From the girl who was 'Born Into It'
(sorry this was so long, I just wanted to leave a funny, quirky and positive comment. We all know the rivalry between these 2 teams is intense. Hopefully my short story will show the other end of the spectrum of baseball. This is also my first comment on this site!)
Lastly I want to compliment your coverage/information of the game last night. It was done with such panache!
I think you've got the information about the lead a bit messed up: they came into the game 5-1/2 games behind and, with last night's win, are now 4-1/2 back.
Will this Boston series prove to be as memorable as last summer's five-game sweep? It's certainly starting that way.
wow, longest comment ever #1. good stuff though.
and famedoc, you're right. 2am writing is not fun or accurate.
Why are people from Boston coming to NY? You have a nice city. Stay there!
number one, if you're going to write a lengthy post, please register.
Why are people from Boston coming to NY?
Cashing in.
I think girls from boston are kinda hot. only the trashy ones though.