[BostonRS14]

May 6th, 2008:

Boston 10, Detroit 8

Getting the Sox out of jams has become a theme early this season for Terry Francona's bullpen, one that the manager has to hope will stop sooner rather than later. With another lackluster performance from his starter, Francona was rewarded with four and a third strong innings of relief from his 'pen, resulting in the Sox rallying past the Tigers to claim the second of four games in this series.

The see-saw game the Sox take 2-0, 5-3, 7-5, 8-7 and 10-8 leads before holding off the Tigers for the win.

Jon Lester, getting the start for Boston, lasted only four a a third innings, surrendering seven runs on eight hits and one walk, while striking out five.

Marcus Thames was the star of the night for the Tigers in the losing effort. Thames went 3-4, falling a single short of the cycle while collecting 4 RBIs. Not to be outdone, Coco Crisp went 4-5 with a solo homerun and two runs scored for the Sox.

In the 8th, with the scored tied at 8-8, David Ortiz launched a deep ball to center that fell short of a homerun. Coco Crisp scored easily from second, but Curtis Granderson, with a good read on the ball, was able to get it back into the infield in time to cut down Dustin Pedroia at home. Ortiz, heading to third on the throw home, scored the insurance run when Pudge Rodriguez's throw to third missed Brandon Inge and bounced into left field.

W: Delcarmen (2-1) L: Grili (0-1), SV: Papelbon (11)
Player of the Game: Marcus Thames (3-4, 2B, 3B, HR, 2 Rs, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Detroit placed IF Carlos Guillen on the 15 day DL...2B Rickie Weeks (Mil) and MR Logan Kensing (Fla) were suspended for 8 games for fighting...Toronto SP Shaun Marcum pitched a 4 hit shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays...MR Juan Cruz (Ari) will miss 4 weeks of action with a strained bicep muscle...