On the seventh anniversary of the unforgettable game of July 24, 2004, The Red Sox posted 12 runs against the Mariners and completed the sweep, handing Seattle their 15th straight loss, a franchise record for Eric Wedge's team.
Some people felt a little sorry for the Mariners. They are probably nice people. I, on the other hand, am not feeling like a particularly nice person right about now, baseball-wise, as the Red Sox head into the stretch up three games on the Yankees and playing miserable teams. Frankly, I'd have been disappointed if the best offense in baseball hadn't swept these fools.
Once again, the Mariners weren't utterly humiliated offensively speaking, posting 8 runs, only the second time this season they've scored more than 7. This time, it was Mariners pitching that was made the Red Sox' primary victim -- in the first and fifth inning, especially, just when the Mariners had pushed some runs across, the Red Sox came back in the next half inning and stomped the crap out of them. I can only speak for myself, but I found this an enjoyable pattern.
Ultimately, though, today belongs to Tim Wakefield, our city's historic treasure, who collected his 199th career win and 2000th strikeout in a Red Sox uniform. It came in the top of the 6th, a swinging K for Mike Carp, after which Wakefield was summoned for a curtain call by the Fenway Faithful. Wake would even give up a grand slam in the next inning to make it 11-7 Red Sox where it had been 11-3, and still left to a rousing ovation from the crowd.
In how many other ballparks would this kind of happen? Several people asked on Twitter. Me, I wonder, to how many other Red Sox players would this kind of thing happen?
I know it seems impossible, but someday, and sooner rather than later, Old No. 49 will no longer take the field in home whites. And it will probably have me doing double-takes and feeling strange for years afterwards.
P.S. Jerry Remy was once again the subject of conversation today, as Don Orsillo solicited suggestions for a hobby for him. The longer they talked about Remy's life (or lack thereof), though, the fact that he remains pretty seriously depressed became clear -- uncomfortably so. And then there was the story about Don being attacked by a sea turtle, which...I can't even...either you heard it, or you missed out. That's all I can say.
I had to suffer with the TBS broadcast featuring David Wells and Ron Darling.
Posted by: COD | July 24, 2011 at 17:00
I was so annoyed by the announcer prattle. It was really bad.
I was not, however, annoyed by the game. Well... most of it.
Love that #200 is on the horizon for Wake. Love it.
But seriously. If I have to hear them talk about ice fishing or knitting one more time... I will write a letter.
Posted by: Lauren | July 25, 2011 at 12:46