Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe lets a pitch go in the sixth inning of his game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Saturday, April 27, 2002 as he maintained a no-hitter through seven innings at Boston's Fenway Park. (AP Photo/Neal Hamberg)
Posted on 04/27/2002 2:03:35 PM PDT by Cagey
BOSTON (AP) - Derek Lowe, who couldn't keep his job as a closer, pitched the first no-hitter at Fenway Park since 1965, leading the Boston Red Sox over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10-0 Saturday.
Lowe, was six outs short of a no-hitter in his first start of the season on April 5 at Baltimore, allowed only one runner - a walk to Brent Abernathy leading off the third inning.
The Devil Rays were held hitless for the first time in their five-season history. The closest they came to a hit was on Steve Cox's liner that right fielder Trot Nixon caught on the run in the fourth.
The last no-hitter at Fenway was by Red Sox right-hander Dave Morehead on Sept. 16, 1965. Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees was one strike away from a perfect game at Fenway last Sept. 2 before pinch-hitter Carl Everett singled.
After the final out, Lowe hugged third baseman Shea Hillenbrand, and then was surrounded by teammates as the sellout crowd of 32,837 cheered. He waved his hat to the fans several times as he walked to the dugout.
Fans at the NHL playoff game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens rose to a standing ovation when news of Lowe's feat was put on the FleetCenter video board.
Hideo Nomo pitched the last no-hitter for the Red Sox, on April 4, 2001, at Baltimore.
Lowe (4-1) struggled as Boston's closer last year before being moved into the rotation in September.
The 28-year-old righty has done well in his new role - obviously.
Is this the Year the Red Sox Go all the way? I think so.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe lets a pitch go in the sixth inning of his game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Saturday, April 27, 2002 as he maintained a no-hitter through seven innings at Boston's Fenway Park. (AP Photo/Neal Hamberg)
It sure happened last year, they just couldn't get any continuity.
This does seem like a special year for sports in Boston. The New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl and moving into a brand new stadium this fall. The Bruins and Celtics in the playoffs together for the first time in years. And now the Red Sox off to a 15-6 start with solid pitching, excellent fielding, hitting and baserunning. Not to mention new ownership. I am so glad that the Yawkey/Harrington era is over.
Dang I had the same thought. Then this would be a special year.
Not to diminish the Lowe no-hitter, but they are a horrible team. In fact, there are a lot of lousy teams in baseball this year.
I'll take that bet. Loser donates $5 to Free Republic!
All Star Game 2002 is in Milwaukee, on Tuesday July 9th. I'll check the roster on June 9th.
I'll check the standings too because the Skankees will be 7 games out of first place by then.
You must have forgoten about 1978 when Boston was 14 games ahead of the Yanks at the All Star Break.
When Sullivan(?) started letting the the best go to save the $, I gave up...(Don the "mis-manager" didn't help either).
FMCDH
Much like Bill Buckner, no former Red Sox fan will ever forget 1978.
John Harrington is the slug you must have been thinking of. This talentless bumbler ingratiated himself to owner Jean Yawkey (widow of longtime owner Tom Yawkey) and had the keys to the team handed to him upon her death as a trust. Harrington was way over his head the entire time. It is good to have the team in competent hands once again.
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