Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Red Sox Win 'The Muddy Chicken Show' In Extras, 7-5

(AP Photo)
Dustin Pedroia was pretty much the entire ballgame last night in Arlington, Texas. Not only did The Laser Show knock in four of Boston's seven runs, he pulled off at least three spectacular defensive plays—one of which may be the best of his career. Backing up first base on an errant throw in the ninth (after the Rangers had tied the game), he bare-handed a weird carom off the bricks and threw out the runner at first who'd rounded the bag. Ridiculous. As good (if not better) than the overly-glorified Jeter "flip" play. Boston won things (7-5) in the 11th inning—on a base-loaded bloop single by Andrew Benintendi (after Pedroia was intentionally-walked). Rick Porcello was actually moderately good—going six innings and giving up three earned runs. Other than the blown save by Craig Kimbrel, the bullpen was solid again—particularly Matt Barnes and Heath Hembree.