“I grew up playing with Torii he’s one of the best outfielders I ever saw in my life.
Ortiz hugs Jared Saltalamacchia, who knocks in the winning run in the 9th inning. Just as Hunter feared the damage Ortiz could do, Big Papi was just as afraid of what Hunter would do with his ball as it headed for the bullpen. Ortiz stepped to the plate and slammed the first pitch into the Boston pen. Dustin Pedroia singled off Al Alburquerque, but third-base coach Brian Butterfield held Middlebrooks at third, not wanting to make the third out at the plate with Ortiz due up next. Will Middlebrooks doubled off Jose Veras. Scherzer left the game after the seventh, then the Red Sox went to work on the bullpen in the eighth as Jim Leyland used four relievers in the inning. This time, Boston didn’t let things get to that dire point. Then again, the Yankees were once in total control of the ALCS at Fenway, taking a 3-0 lead after a lopsided Game 3 beating of the Sox. The Tigers appeared to be in total control of the game, and with Justin Verlander slated to start Game 3 Tuesday in Detroit, the series. Dustin Pedroia (l.) greets Big Papi as he crosses the plate.
