Monday, October 14, 2013

The Unsung Heroes Of Boston's Game Two Win

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
The obvious heroes of last night's miraculous 6-5 comeback win in Game Two of the ALCS were David Ortiz and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. But, as President John F. Kennedy once said, "Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan." There were indeed many hidden heroes last night—not the least of which were the hurlers out of the Red Sox bullpen. After Clay Buchholz had his worst game of 2013, Brandon Workman, Felix Doubront and Koji Uehara combined for 3 1/3 hitless innings. Then there's Will Middlebrooks, who laced a crisp one-out double to start the rally in the eighth. How about Jacoby Ellsbury's patient walk against a tough lefty? Then, Dustin Pedroia roping a base hit to right. But then, you have to also credit third base coach Brian Butterfield for having the presence of mind to hold Middlebrooks at third—with visions of Papi Salamis swimming in his head. And of course, Jonny Gomes placing a ground ball where even the amazing Jose Iglesias could not make a play to lead off the ninth. All in all, a veritable parade of unsung heroes.