OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

AZTarHeel · 03-27-2004, 05:32 PM

Boston bombs, blanks Baltimore

The Boston Globe • April 5, 2004

Johnny Damon hit two home runs, and Pedro Martinez threw a three-hitter as Boston began its quest for a 2004 World Series title in impressive fashion.

Damon led off the game with a solo longball, then went yard again in the third inning as the Sox drubbed the Orioles 5-0 in front of more than 45,000 at Camden Yards. Damon, the scruffy but lovable centerfielder, finished 3-for-5 on the day.

Martinez, though, may have been the star of the show. Though he couldn't finish Game 7 of the ALCS last year against New York, the sizzling right-hander went the distance in his first game of '04. He struck out nine and issued just two walks, throwing under 100 pitches.

Baltimore's Brian Roberts finally broke up the no-hit bid with a two-out single in the sixth. Martinez gave up another single in the seventh and a two-out double in the ninth.

"Man, I felt really good out there," Martinez said afterward. "I was really hitting my spots and was just able to blow the ball by people. This was a real statement win for us. Last year is behind us. All things are new."

At least for now, Boston slips ahead of the Yankees (!!) in the AL East standings, if only by a half game. The Sox are 1-0, while the Yanks are 1-1. Of course, there are more than 160 games left to be played.

"The season is a marathon," said new Boston manager Terry Francona, who never really sweated during his first game with the Red Sox. "This is only the first step, but what a great step it was. I had some weird dreams last night about this season, but now I'm feeling really good about it..."

The two teams will take a day off today, then will play three more before Boston heads home to Fenway to take on the Blue Jays. The Yankees loom on the schedule next week...

03-27-2004, 05:32 PM	#47 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,488 Thanks: 9 Thanked 9x in 8 posts	Boston bombs, blanks Baltimore The Boston Globe • April 5, 2004 Johnny Damon hit two home runs, and Pedro Martinez threw a three-hitter as Boston began its quest for a 2004 World Series title in impressive fashion. Damon led off the game with a solo longball, then went yard again in the third inning as the Sox drubbed the Orioles 5-0 in front of more than 45,000 at Camden Yards. Damon, the scruffy but lovable centerfielder, finished 3-for-5 on the day. Martinez, though, may have been the star of the show. Though he couldn't finish Game 7 of the ALCS last year against New York, the sizzling right-hander went the distance in his first game of '04. He struck out nine and issued just two walks, throwing under 100 pitches. Baltimore's Brian Roberts finally broke up the no-hit bid with a two-out single in the sixth. Martinez gave up another single in the seventh and a two-out double in the ninth. "Man, I felt really good out there," Martinez said afterward. "I was really hitting my spots and was just able to blow the ball by people. This was a real statement win for us. Last year is behind us. All things are new." At least for now, Boston slips ahead of the Yankees (!!) in the AL East standings, if only by a half game. The Sox are 1-0, while the Yanks are 1-1. Of course, there are more than 160 games left to be played. "The season is a marathon," said new Boston manager Terry Francona, who never really sweated during his first game with the Red Sox. "This is only the first step, but what a great step it was. I had some weird dreams last night about this season, but now I'm feeling really good about it..." The two teams will take a day off today, then will play three more before Boston heads home to Fenway to take on the Blue Jays. The Yankees loom on the schedule next week... Last edited by AZTarHeel; 03-27-2004 at 05:39 PM.