Posted on 05/28/2006 6:41:40 AM PDT by big'ol_freeper
BOSTON -- Red Sox batters weren't about to let their starting ace's chance at reaching a milestone on their home turf on Saturday go by the boards -- even if two regular starting outfielders were out of the lineup.
Trot Nixon picked up the slack offensively for cleanup hitter Manny Ramirez, who had the night off, with a two-run, bases-loaded double. Kevin Youkilis played a clean left field, reached base four times and scored three runs as the Red Sox beat the Devil Rays, 6-4, giving Curt Schilling his 200th career win.
"I can't really describe it right now," Schilling said. "I can't really put it into words. That's probably hard for you to believe. Pretty emotional, pretty neat."
Mark Loretta also extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a three-hit performance for Boston, which was also without Wily Mo Pena, who was a late scratch with recurring soreness in his left wrist.
"It was exciting," Loretta said. "I've never seen so many flashbulbs in a game in a ninth inning. It was almost hard to see the ball off the bat. The crowd was into it. I'm really happy for Curt. It was a big milestone for him."
Schilling (8-2) became the eighth active pitcher and 104th ever to reach the plateau. The 39-year-old left after seventh inning to a standing ovation and tipped his cap to the crowd as he made his way down the dugout steps.
Once the game was over, the sold-out Fenway Park crowd kept chanting Schilling's name until he emerged from the clubhouse to receive another standing ovation.
"I just know that walking out on that field after the game is an experience I'll never forget," Schilling said. "I'll never forget what those fans just did for me. Those are the things that when you're done playing, I think, they last forever, the memories that these fans can create for you."
The right-hander became the American League's first eight-game winner by scattering eight hits and allowing four runs over seven innings.
Nixon batted cleanup in place of Ramirez, who was on the bench to rest his back. With the game tied at 2 in the second, Nixon connected to left-center off Tampa Bay starter Seth McClung (2-6), scoring Youkilis and Loretta with the go-ahead runs.
"We scored some runs in that inning with two outs, that's always key, and then Curt was able to shut them down," Loretta said. "That's really our goal and objective at the top of the lineup -- to get on for the guys who normally drive in runs behind us."
"It was good to be out there for it," Youkilis said of being a part of Schilling's special night. "I just wish we could have scored more runs for him in support. Tampa Bay is fearless at times."
The Red Sox got to the Devil Rays right-hander for seven hits and six runs over five innings.
Youkilis also achieved a personal milestone in the game, starting in left field for the first time in his career and handling every chance cleanly. It was the fourth position for the first baseman, who had a chance to throw out Greg Norton in the second inning on a single by Josh Paul, but his throw was just up the first-base line.
"Manny just told me I was playing too deep in the beginning [of the game]," said Youkilis, who used a spare outfielder's glove belonging to Doug Mirabelli. "He said to play more shallow. Other than that, [he said] just catch the ball and throw the ball."
Keith Foulke pitched a perfect eighth and Jonathan Papelbon converted his 18th straight save to start the season, extending his Major League rookie record.
The Red Sox have won the first three games of the four-game set with Tampa Bay and maintain their two-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East.
Members of a Marine honor guard salute during the playing of the national anthem as part of a Memorial Day observance at Fenway Park in Boston, Sunday, May 28, 2006, prior to the Boston Red Sox-Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Randy Johnson has not been able to get anybody out this year...until today.
Must be a sox fan...
??????????
Before the game, near Fenway's Yawkey Way entrance, we passed the Marines who were going to take part in the ceremony. There were quite a few of them, between 30-50, I'd guess. Every person passing by the Marines marching toward their staging area stopped what they were doing, and stood in place clapping and cheering for the Marines... very cool! I think I noticed even the vendors clapping also. Most of the Marines kept a straight face, but several couldn't help smiling... God bless 'em!
My GF ran the Marine Corps. Marathon this year and to a one, every Marine I encountered was well mannered and well spoken.
And after a week with the AL East its 37-20 .649
Welcome to the big leagues.
The celebration of TWO World Series victories in my lifetime are still ringing in my ears....
How many in the 21st century is that?
September yet?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.