Red Sox take two of three from rival Yanks
Steinbrenner may begin rare rebuilding project in Bronx after falling further behind
July 23-25, 2004
The Yankees were looking to sweep the Sox and jump back into the playoff race. Instead, Boston won two of three in the Fens, pushing Joe Torre's team further behind in the wildcard standings. This may signal something rare for George Steinbrenner -- a time to rebuild, for the first time since the early 1990s.
"We're disappointed in our performance here this series," Torre said. "But we'll keep battling. We really miss Mike (Mussina)."
Here's a recap of the weekend series, which of course drew sellout crowds each night in Boston. The Sox have sold out every game this season.
Game 1: Boston 7, New York 4. Relief pitching has been an Achilles' Heel for both teams at times this season. In this game, New York's pen collapses late, and a 4-1 lead evaporates. Jose Contreras' stellar night (one run, six hits) is wasted.
Mark Bellhorn's three-run pinch-hit homer gives Boston a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Bill Mueller hits a solo shot for a 6-4 edge, and New York's shaky relievers surrender another score in the eighth.
WP: Brad Penny (6-11)... LP: Steve Karsay (1-1)... S: K. Foulke (20)... MVP: Bellhorn (for this three-run homer).
Game 2: Boston 10, New York 4. Aaron Sele, a free agent without a team until about a month ago, improves to 3-0 with the Sox -- and 2-0 against the Yanks. His lone bad pitch -- one out over the plate that Jason Giambi smashed for a three-run homer. Boston's offense more than makes up for that...
David Ortiz (game MVP) homers twice, and Nomar Garciaparra goes long once to lead the Boston offense.
WP: Aaron Sele (3-0)... LP: Jon Leiber (2-8)...
David Ortiz celebrates one of his two homers against New York last night (MLB.com)
Game 3: New York 10, Boston 5. A terrible, terrible outing for Josh Beckett results in a tough loss against the hated Yanks. New York may lose the series, but they always seem to get in the final word... Josh gives up seven earned runs and 11 hits... Yikes!!
Kenny Lofton goes 5-for-5 to earn MVP honors for New York.
WP: J. Depaula (5-1)...LP: Josh Beckett (12-6)...
Boston transactions: The Sox reactivate Bronson Arroyo off the DL and send MR Colter Bean back to Pawtucket. Bean had a productive stay in Boston in his first appearance in the majors, minus really poor outing... He could be back up in September...
AL East Standings
Boston 71-26
New York 51-47
Toronto 44-54
Tampa Bay 44-55
Baltimore 42-56