The last time Victor Martinez pinch-hit for Terry Francona and the Boston Red Sox, he got the job done. On Wednesday night, he had another opportunity to deliver and make Francona look good.
VMart’s 3-run double in the 7th inning gave the Red Sox the lead and the combo of Billy Wagner, Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon closed the door on a 7-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles in front of 37,712 at Fenway Park.
Matt Albers started the 7th and gave up a single to Kevin Youkilis. Mark Hendrickson came in and struck out David Ortiz. Dave Trembley went to his bullpen again and called on Danys Baez. Jason Bay singled and Baez walked Mike Lowell to load up the bases.
Francona brought in Brian Anderson to pinch-run for Lowell and also had VMart pinch-hit for George Kottaras. Baez then left a pitch out for VMart that he drove to deep center to clear the bases and give the Red Sox a 7-4 lead.
The Orioles would add a run in the 9th off of Papelbon but he worked out of it by getting Ty Wigginton to pop out.
Since it seems like the New York Yankees will never lose again, the Red Sox remain nine games behind them with 23 games to go. The Texas Rangers also won on Wednesday night and remain two games behind the Red Sox. The Mariners are nine games behind the Red Sox for the wild card pending the outcome of their game with the Angels.
Paul Byrd was much better in this start than his previous one. He left with a 3-2 lead after five innings of work. He allowed the two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one.
Manny Delcarmen allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and walk with a strikeout. Ramon Ramirez gave up a hit and struck out two in 2/3 of an inning. Wagner picked up his first win in a Red Sox uniform striking out two in an inning. Bard gave up a hit while striking out two in 2/3 of an inning. Papelbon allowed the run on two hits to pick up his 35th save.
Jason Berken started for the Orioles and fared slightly better than in his previous two starts. He allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and four walks while striking out three in 5 1/3 innings.
Six O’s relievers combined to allow three runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Jason Bay had a three hit night with two RBIs while Kevin Youkilis had two hits. Jason Varitek, mired in a slump for the last month or so, had two hits and an RBI. David Ortiz also chipped in with two hits while Lowell added a hit and a stolen base.
The Red Sox are off on Thursday and return to action on Friday night to host the Rays in a three-game set. Jon Lester will be on the bump for the Red Sox and be opposed by James Shields.
