Last night I attended my first Red Sox game of the season in Detroit, Michigan, and the outcome was a good one. The Red Sox played solid ball, and took home the victory in what seemed to be the longest 9 inning game I have ever attended. A lot of that had to do with Dice-K’s slow delivery and abundance of walks.
Dice-K hurled a career high 8 free passes last night, with several of them coming on 4 straight pitches. Although he did manage to pick up his 5th win of the season, his K:BB ratio was atrocious (0.13). Mustering only 1 strikeout was not the result I was hoping for, but only surrendering 2 hits was a nice sign. It was a mixed outing for Dice-K, but I’m hoping he’ll bounce back in his next start against the Twins this weekend.
Some of the game highlights included dingers from Mike Lowell (first of the season), Kevin Youkilis, and Big Papi. Curtis Granderson also made a spectacular diving catch in the bottom of the 8th to rob my man Jacoby Ellsbury of a sure triple, thus leaving him with a dismal 0 for 5 night.
Some of the personal highlights for me included seeing Clay Buchholz acting like a kid in batting practice. The guy was a fans dream, throwing almost every ball that was hit to him in the standings. He even made a running grab, and with all his momentum carrying him directly at me (where I was standing right next to the right field foul poll), he looked up at me and tossed the ball. Unfortunately, his throw was a little off and the guy next to me grabbed the ball with glee. The thought was there Clay, so I guess I just want to say thanks for looking my way.
Another personal highlight was seeing Jacoby Ellsbury play for the first time live. Even though the results weren’t there, you’re still my boy Jacoby. I also enjoyed watching Jonathan Papelbon come in for the 9th and dominate the heart of the Tigers order to pick up his 10th save of the season.
All in all it was a great game with a lot of great highlights. I can’t wait to see the Red Sox play again, where I’m hoping to stop by Cincinnati in June for a nice inter-league battle between the Red Sox and Reds.
