I Scored!

May 9 1999

Mother’s Day

After Pedro vs. Mo, and Juan Pena’s debut the previous two games, this game had more of a bleh feel to it.

Mark Portugal got the start for the Sox. He ended up pitching very well, making it into the eighth inning. He gave up a scant two runs during that time. Was it enough?

The Red Sox offense in those days wasn’t exactly a juggernaut. But, they were able to score just enough runs to squeak it out.

Looking at the line-up for the Sox, I notice one thing right away. I had way too much trouble with the entry for the future captain. I managed to spell Jason Varitek’s name incorrectly in two places before correcting it at some point. In my defense, we’re talking about “47” Varitek, and not “33” Varitek. My how things change. I also notice that someone got ejected in the fourth inning. I honestly don’t have any idea what the story is there. Since I originally thought it was the manager, but then changed it to a player not in the game, I’m assuming that someone was arguing something from the dugout, and got rung from there.

The player of the game for the Sox? I have no earthly idea. Trot Nixon had three hits. All singles, and did nothing with them. I’ll hand it to Nomar Garciaparra, almost by default. He did hit a game tying homerun right after the Angels had taken the lead. That’s a nice way to answer.

How about the goat? I have to give it to Jose Offerman. He went hitless in four at-bats. Sure, he managed to drive in a run. But, getting strikeouts from your lead-off hitter in his first two trips to the plate doesn’t help the team. Although, Reggie Jefferson certainly wasn’t helping the cause with his o-fer in the sixth spot.

So, there you have it. Not the most thrilling of games. But, a nice way to spend a Mother’s Day. Solid pitching combined with adequate hitting to produce the win.

And the scorecard shows how it happened.