Despite the rocky offensive outing by the Red Sox, Oakland A's righty pitcher Justin Duchscherer was not able to "pull a Lester" and throw a no-hitter. Duchscherer's perfect game was broken up in the sixth not with a hit, but with a hit batsman (Jason Varitek); David Ortiz then slammed the door on the no-no bid in the seventh with a single. From the Globe:
Sorry, A's - but we're still bitter you stole away a no-no from Curt Schilling last year with one out left in the ninth. You'll get no no-no from the Sox this time, old chums. You will, however, get the 3-0 victory...By the sixth inning of a game in which he hadn't allowed a hit, it dawned on Justin Duchscherer: Before the game he kidded with infielder Donnie Murphy that he might "pull a Lester" and throw a no-hitter."It's funny, when I came in today Donnie Murphy and I are always giving each other tough-guy looks. I said to him, 'You'd better not look at me like that.' Seriously, I said this just joking, 'Those guys over there don't want to face me today because I'm gonna pull a Lester on them.' Then after six, I'm like, 'Oh, my God!' It was coincidental, but funny at the same time."
Even without any offense from the Sox, there was plenty of defense to go around. Namely, Jacoby Ellsbury speeding around in left field like a roadrunner while filling in for Manny Ramirez. In the first inning, Jacoby had a shot at repeating that Web Gem bullpen-diving catch from last season, and just couldn't hold on to the ball. Never fear, because he got that highlight reel diving catch with the very next batter. If at first you don't succeed, and all that.
video courtesy of NESN
While maybe not Web Gem worthy, Josh Beckett also contributed defensively - sure, there were the nine K's for BecKKKKKKKKKett without a single base on balls... but it was his basket catching skills that provide the fun in this clip. Bonus fun watching Sweeney trying to figure out whether he should be more concerned about smacking Jason Varitek with his bat -- or if he needed to be running towards first base.
video courtesy of NESN
on May 25, 2008 1:12 PM
Duchscherer threw a great game, but to be *completely* selfish on Lester's behalf, I'm glad he didn't.
My husband was saying how frustrating it is that our starters are pitching well and not getting the wins. Beckett with 9Ks and no BBs and still with the loss.
:: looks at the offense ::
Texy, I sent you an email this morning with a link to a commentary in our local paper calling the Sox the new "Evil Empire." I almost sent him an email, but the Toby Keith song, "The Critic," came to mind and I thought why give the columnist the satisfaction of a response?
Back to work for me (yes, I'm working all weekend--at least from home, but still!)