The Red Sox moved to 7-2 in the second half (14-5 overall) with a thrilling 5-4 victory over their nemesis, the Braves, on Sunday evening. In a game that featured enough highlights, plot twists, injuries, foul language (bad coach), and drama for a primetime television soap opera, the Red Sox demonstrated grit and determination to earn the victory and keep their unblemished (4-0) record in games decided by 1 run. With the win, the Red Sox sit tied atop the 2nd Half standings with the Braves who are experiencing a 2 game slide.
1st Inning
The Braves sent staff ace, Malik, to the mound to start the game. The Red Sox wasted no time as Jonathan Phelps led off the first inning with a bloop, infield singe to third base. Grant Craddolph stepped to the plate and tripled with a blast to right-center field, scoring Jonathan. Grant would add a run, scoring on a wild pitch. Desmond Box and Bailey Goldstein drew walks to continue the early rally. Kyle Reece sent a long, high fly ball to left field that was handled by Braves left fielder, Blake, for out number 3.
Tristan Williams took the mound for the Red Sox in the bottom half of the first. After going 0-2 in the count, Braves lead off batter, Devin, send a soft ground ball that stuck in the grass to reach on an infield single. Devin would display the "wheels" and score on a series of wild pitches and passed balls. Tristan threw to Jonathan to get out 1 on a ground ball to the mound. Braves starting catcher, Trevor, reached first on an infield single to third, and Devin J reached on a fielder's choice play. Out 2 was recorded by Grant who fielded a pop fly to short stop. In the only t-ball moment of the game, Trevor and Devin J scored on the same wild pitch to bring the Braves run count to 3 in the inning. Malik reached first on an infield fly ball but was thrown out at second by Red Sox catcher, Derek Marshall throwing to Grant at second.
At the end of 1, the score was 3-2 Braves.
2nd Inning
The Red Sox would battle back in the 2nd with left fielder, Dominic Vasquez, reaching on a HBP. Dominic did a great job on the base paths moving to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch and passed ball. The Braves would succumb to Tball-itis in the next sequence. Grant drew a walk, sprinted and rounded first to draw the attention of the Braves pitcher. An overthrow to second allowed Dominic to race home to score. On the overthrow, Grant advanced hard to third base. The normally sure armed Braves, followed with another overthrow into the Braves dugout, allowing Grant to score. Derek drew a walk in the inning but was left stranded as Malik settled in to record out 3 with a strike out.
Jerrod led off the bottom of the second for the Braves with a walk. He moved to second on a wild pitch. Tristan settled in to record out 1 with a strike out. Blake bunted to reach 1st on a fielder's choice. Derek threw to Kyle to throw out Jerrod attempting to take third on a wild pitch. The final out of the inning was recorded by Lawrence Gilliam who threw to Jonathan on a sharply hit ball to second.
After 2, the Red Sox led 4-3.
3rd Inning
The Sox went quietly in the top of the 3rd with Malik recording a strike out, Devin J catching a fly ball, and Malik throwing to Devin N on a come backer to the mound.
Tristan got the first 2 Braves batters in the bottom of the third on strikes. Devin J sent a ground ball to the whole between SS and 2nd. Grant charged the ball and made a strong throw to Jonathan at first that was on time but a little high as Jonathan's foot was off the base on the catch. Braves second baseman, Robert, drew a walk to place runners at first and second. Derek and Tristan accounted for out 3 on a great hustle play as Devin J attempted to reach home on a wild pitch. Derek scurried to retrieve the ball and flipped it to Tristan for the out.
With the defense and pitching tightening, no runs were scored in the 3rd.
4th Inning
Trevor Edior relieved Malik on the mound to start the 4th inning. Facing his next door neighbor, Lawrence grounded out to second for out 1. Trevor would retire the side in order as he struck out the next batter and benefited from a great play by Jalen on a slow roller to third base off the bat of Jonathan.
Grant relieved Tristan on the mound to start the 4th. He started strong, striking out the first batter he faced. Braves reserve left fielder, Chris, doubled on a fly ball to center that sailed over the charging Desmond Box's head. Joshua collected an RBI on a bunt single to score Chris and tie the game. Red Sox catcher picked up on a flaw in the lead off technique at first and initiated a pick off play that went 2-3-6 (Derek to Jonathan to Tristan) to pick off the base runner. Braves reserve center fielder, Desmond, and first baseman Devin N followed with a walks to bring the go ahead run into scoring position with 2 outs. Grant dug deep to strike out the number 2 hitter in the line up and end the rally.
At the end of 4, the game was knotted at 4 apiece.
5th Inning
As time became a factor, Grant led off the 5th with a walk. Devin J relieved Trevor on the mound. Grant moved to second on a wild pitch. Derek flied out to the pitcher for out 1. Grant continued to terrorize the base paths as he advanced to third and then took home on a wild pitch for his third run of the tame – giving the Red Sox a one run lead. Devin J would settle in to get the next two batters on strikes and close the inning.
Grant returned to the mound to close out the game and made quick work of the first batter with a K on 5 pitches. Adjusting for the Braves' proclivity for bunting, the Red Sox instituted "the bunt shift" moving the speedy Tristan the 3rd base to wrestle with the jungle like greens on the infield. Lawrence moved to short, Bailey to second, and Kyle to right. Jonathan turned in perhaps the most exciting catch of the year as he laid out in foul territory to snag a line drive down the first base line (can you say WEB GEM). With one out separating the Red Sox from their first victory over the Braves - ever, Robert and Malik drew walks to put the tying and winning runs on base. Garnering the strength of 3 years of frustration, Grant Craddolph refused to relent as he fired 4 strikes in a row (2 called, 1 swinging, and 1 that should have been called) to record a K for the last out of the game.
Game over … Close the book … Hear the sweet, soothing melody of the cantata being sung by the obese lady … The people in Hades no longer thirst for ice water …. Good night now … Thanks for playing …. As a parting gift, enjoy the year supply of Soul Glo….
Red Sox Win!!!! Red Sox Win!!!! Red Sox Win!!!!
