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Running wild: Youkilis' second homer keys crazy comeback

By Bill Burt
Staff writer
Published: August 13, 2008

BOSTON — Kevin Youkilis started with a whimper, striking out twice in a 10-run first inning. But, more importantly, he ended with a bang, crushing a three-run homer over the Green Monster in the eighth inning last night to give the home team a 19-17 win in a crazy evening at Fenway Park.

"Youkilis has been getting big hits for us all year," said Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.

The Red Sox had leads of 10-0 (first inning) and 12-2 (third inning) before improbably falling behind Texas 16-14 in the seventh inning.

They scored a run in the bottom of the seventh, setting up the heroics in the eighth inning. It started when Dustin Pedroia hit a wall-ball, two-out double scoring Jacoby Ellsbury from first base to tie the score 16-16.

Ortiz (more on him later) was walked intentionally, setting up Youkilis' homer.

"That's an interesting night," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "At some point you're thinking about going for a field goal."

Here are some of the highlights and lowlights from last night's game, which tied a 58-year-old American League record for runs in a game.

The highlights

David Ortiz hit two three-run homers in the first inning, tying an American League record for 6 RBIs in the first inning. He later hit what appeared to be his third homer in the fifth inning, but it was ruled a ground-rule double due to fan interference.

Dustin Pedroia had five hits, including the game-tying double off the wall in the eighth inning.

Kevin Youkilis not only had the eventual game-winning homer, but he had a two-run homer in the fifth inning and five RBIs. He was called for a curtain call after his eighth-inning blast.

Hideki Okajima entered the game with one out in the seventh inning and the Sox trailing, 16-14. He hit a batter and walked a batter before inducing an inning-ending fly ball. He pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out Josh Hamilton, looking, to set up the big eighth inning.

The lowlights

The Red Sox bullpen blew the once double-digit lead. Javier Lopez (1 run), David Aardsma (4 runs) and Manny Delcarmen (3 runs) all struggled.

Coco Crisp's troubles continued. He had only one hit and dropped a key fly ball after bumping into the wall in center in the fifth inning.

Closer Jonathan Papelbon allowed an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning, making the game close. He induced a fly out to J.D. Drew and a soft liner to Dustin Pedroia to end the game.

Zink was no Wakefield

Charlie Zink's major league debut at age 28 (he turns 29 on Aug. 26) was not the stuff of legends.

The knuckleballer, who was called up from the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket (13-4, 2.89 ERA), wasn't able to preserve leads of 10-0 and 12-2 and left the game in the fifth inning after allowing eight runs.

Zink admitted that nerves, mixed in with sitting on the bench for nearly 40 minutes during the Red Sox' 10-run first inning, didn't help matters.

"It was hard to stay focused," said Zink. "But I did settle down after that."

Zink said the last few days were so hectic after he was announced as the starter that he turned off his cell phone.

"I was getting calls from people I hadn't heard from in 10 years," said Zink. "There was a lot going on with family trying to fly in."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Zink would probably be optioned back to Pawtucket to make room for the newly acquired Paul Byrd, who will pitch Friday.

But Zink could be recalled immediately if Mike Lowell is going to be out for more than a few days.

Lowell back in trainer's room

Mike Lowell's struggles with injuries continued last night as he added a strained right oblique muscle to his strained hip flexor.

He left the game after he struck out looking in the seventh inning.

"I've never had this happen before," said Lowell of the oblique strain. "Those two swings were weird."

Lowell will get an MRI this morning and it is expected he could be out for at least two weeks.

"I'd rather avoid it, but we'll have to wait and see," he said.

Catalanotto now a Favre fan

Texas Rangers outfielder Frank Catalanotto, a native of Long Island, N.Y., says the New York Jets can finally push the New England Patriots.

Catalanotto, a life-long Jets fan, says the trade for Brett Favre puts them right around the 10-win plateau.

"I love that deal," he said. "The Jets needed help at quarterback. He makes them a lot better right away. Plus, they made some other good moves in the off-season, upgrading the offensive line."

Catalanotto said he grew up a fan of the Yankees, Islanders and Knicks.

Sundberg: Fenway better than ever

Former Texas Rangers catcher Jim Sundberg, now an executive director to the president for the franchise, is here for the three-game series and says Fenway Park has never looked better.

"The new owners have done a great job with this place," said Sundberg. "Everywhere you look there are new seats and new areas. And every time you look up there is another sellout."

One of Sundberg's favorite memories of Fenway Park was he hit his first career grand slam here.

"It went over the screen in left field," said Sundberg. "I always enjoyed coming here. The place was always filled with energy."

By the numbers

2 — Times Kevin Youkilis struck out in the 10-run first inning.

2 — Number of three-run homers hit by David Ortiz in the 10-run first inning.

3:30 — The time the Red Sox plane landed at Logan Airport from Chicago early Tuesday morning.

7 — David Ortiz's place in Red Sox history for career home runs (224), surpassing Jimmy Foxx (222) and Bobby Doerr (223).

10 — Runs allowed by Rangers starting pitcher Scott Feldman, three short of the major league record.

30 — Kevin Cash's new uniform number.

36 — Paul Byrd's new uniform number as a member of the Red Sox after Cash agreed to change his.

47 — Number of years Luis Tiant has been married to his wife Maria.

445 — Number of consecutive sellouts at Fenway Park.

Photos