The Diamondbacks used superb hitting to jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Four of the the first five D'back batters collected base hits - including one double and one triple. Starting pitcher Grant Craddolph did well to escape the inning allowing only 2 runs. D'Angelo Johnson, caught a fly ball to short in his return game. Rick Powell had a put out at 3rd to record out 2, and Grant has a strike out to record out 3.
The Red Sox came back in the bottom of the first with 2 runs. Gary Smith, who has been on a hitting tear of late, got things started with a double to left center field. Jonathan Phelps collected an RBI on a sacrifice. Grant followed with a walk. Derek Marshall legged out an infield single to third - moving Grant to third. Lawrence Gilliam collected an RBI on a sacrifice - scoring Grant. At the end of 1, the score was tied 2-2.
The Red Sox ran into pitching woes in the 2nd - walking 6 batters and allowing 6 runs. The Red Sox used 3 pitchers in the 2nd, Grant, D'Angelo, and Lawrence. Grant and Lawrence both recorded strike outs but the walks led to the inning being called on the 6 run limit.
The Red Sox mounted a rally to get back into the game in the bottom of the 2nd. David Cooper started the inning with a single. The D'Backs pitching went south as the next for Red Sox batters reached on walks and HBPS (Rick - HBP, Charles Heard - HBP, Gary - BB, Jonathan - BB). David and Rick scored runs. Despite a pair stolen bases by Gary, the Sox left 2 runners stranded and only mustered 2 runs to make the score 8-4 at the end of 2.
Lawrence stayed on the mound to start the 3rd despite a swelling ankle from a 1st inning ankle sprain. After walking the first batter and hitting the next, Jonathan took control of the inning at first base and single handedly retired the side. He snagged a fly ball and completed an unassisted double play by tagging out the runner leading off from first. He recorded out 3 on a ground ball hit to first.
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the 3rd as Lawrence and Norey Smith grounded out and David flied out. It was good to see the guys put the bat on the ball. Now the focus is on driving the ball with power to get it out of the infield.
Lawrence returned to the mound in the 4th. He walked 6, struck out 2, allowed 1 hit and gave up 2 runs. Charles and Lawrence combined to catch a runner attempting to steal home on a passed ball. Charles hustled to retrieve the ball and delivered a perfect flip to Lawrence for the tag.
Needing 5 runs to tie, the Red Sox refused to give up in the 4th. Rick started the inning with a single up the middle. Trent Jeter and Gary followed with walks to load the bases. After a strike out, Grant, Derek and Lawrence walked. Rick scored on a walk and Gary scored his team leading 14th run of the season. The D'Backs brought in their closer, Marxey Cousins (who also went 2-2 with 2 RBIs in the game), to seal the deal. The Sox had the bases loaded with 2 outs but could not come up with the clutch hit to extend the inning.
Final score: D'Backs 9, Red Sox 6. The D'Backs are currently undefeated in the 2nd half of the season.
I have updated the stats site - http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com
I have attached the game recap and score sheet..
The game recap can also be found here.
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