On This Day in Red Sox History: April 6, 1973

April 6, 1973, brought Opening Day to Boston. The Red Sox started their season at Fenway Park against the hated New York Yankees. The Red Sox were coming off a frustrating end to the previous season, finishing a half game behind the Detroit Tigers for the American League East. The Tigers were allowed to play one more game than the Sox, giving them the opportunity to win an extra game. Both teams lost 70 games, but the Tigers got to play in the postseason. The Yankees had finished in fourth for the second consecutive season, and their powerhouse days were currently a thing of the past.

Opening Day Lineups

This game is famous for being the start of the designated hitter. The American League had just adopted the designated hitter for the season, and Ron Blomberg of the Yankees was the first player to step into a batter’s box while playing the “position.” Newly signed Orlando Cepeda was the first designated hitter for the Red Sox and batted 5th. The Red Sox were headlined by mainstays Carl Yastrzemski and Reggie Smith, along with reigning Rookie of the Year Carlton Fisk. They pitted their ace on the mound, Luis Tiant, against the Yankees Mel Stottlemyre.

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Rough First Inning

Luis Tiant got off to a shaky start to begin the season. After giving up a lead-off hit, the Sox got a strike em’ out, throw em’ out double play when Carlton Fisk cut Horace Clarke down attempting to steal second base. A double and two walks later though loaded the bases for the first designated hitter at-bat in baseball history. Ron Blomberg worked a bases loaded walk to score the game’s first run. Felipe Alou followed with a 2-run double, making two doubles for Alou brothers in the inning as Matty Alou had started the 2-out rally with a double. Tiant got out of the inning trailing 3-0.

The Sox half of the first saw only one hit; but that hit was a home run by Carl Yastrzemski. Yaz took a Mel Stottlemyre offering out to straightaway center field for the season’s first home run.

April 6, 1973: Ed Folger of Lancaster threw out the first ball on Opening Day. Folger, who had been a minor leaguer in the Red Sox system, had his leg amputated in a farm accident the previous September. (The Boston Globe)

Sox Take the Lead

Tiant enjoyed a 1-2-3 second inning, rebounding from a rough first. The Red Sox gave him some support in the bottom of the inning, taking a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Rico Petrocelli singled with 1 out, one of three hits on the afternoon for him. This brought up Carlton Fisk, who had batted .293 with 22 home runs and a league leading 9 triples the previous season when he won the Rookie of the Year Award. Fisk promptly tied the game by putting one up over the Green Monster in left field. This would be just the beginning of the damage he would do to the Yankees that afternoon. The Red Sox would add two unearned runs following a throwing error by Graig Nettles before the inning was over.

Nettles would gain a little bit of redemption the next half inning when he hit a 2-out home run to center field off Luis Tiant, pulling the Yankees back within a run. Mel Stottlemyre had nothing on the mound though and the Red Sox fortified their lead in the bottom of the third. A hit by Reggie Smith and a double by Carlton Fisk put two in scoring position for Doug Griffin. Griffin singled them both home, chasing Stottlemyre from the game. Griffin then scored on a hit by Dwight Evans and the Sox led 8-4 after three innings.

Red Sox Pull Away

With Lindy McDaniel on the mound for New York, the Red Sox did not let up in the fourth. A single by Yaz followed by a double for Reggie Smith put two in scoring position for the Sox with no one out. After striking out designated hitter Orlando Cepeda, McDaniel put Rico Petrocelli on intentionally; bad decision. Carlton Fisk had already homered and doubled on the day, and he wasn’t done yet. Fisk took a McDaniel offering deep to right-center field and over the wall for a grand slam. Fisk now had 10 total bases and six runs batted in and it was only the fourth inning. The Sox threatened with two more in scoring position before the inning finally ended; 12-4 Red Sox lead.

From there the Red Sox cruised to victory. The Yankees got one in the 5th, but Tiant shut them down over the final four innings for the complete game victory. This was Tiant’s first of 20 wins that season for the Red Sox. Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense tacked on three more runs in the 6th inning before calling it quits.

Red Sox 15 Yankees 5

Red Sox 1973 team photo (Bostonredsox.com)

Playoffs: The Celtics’ Season is Barbecue Chicken

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After the news broke, it’s become apparent that Kyrie Swerve-ing has split double teams for the last time this year. It was announced by ESPN’s Woj that he is out for the season. What does that mean for the Celtics’ high-hoped playoff run? Nothing good, with a side biscuits. Kyrie’s 24.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 5.1 APG will sorely be missed.

Playoff Push

Terry Rozier (11.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG) will become the starter for the time being. Marcus Smart (10.2, 3.5, 4.8) isn’t going to be available until about the second round of the playoffs, if they even make it that far. Last night’s showcase against #1 seeded Toronto, or lack there of, from the young Celtics showed how much they are in desperate need of a floor general heading into Round 1. So many turnovers last night, to a point where they had more turnovers than FGM during the first half. This will not bode well for Boston having to potentiality play the ready-to-go Washington Wizards.

A 2017 ECSF Rematch

John Wall and Bradley Beal will be the two names who are going to haunt TD Garden come Game 1. The two are perennial All-Stars who have more than enough to prove, having lost to this team last year in the Eastern Conference Semis. Expect Beal to light it up from deep, and John Wall to be John Wall. This isn’t the same team from 2016-2017 (obviously), and injuries have plagued the last leg of the Celtics season. The back court will absolutely have to step up. The post presence of the Celtics could ultimately be the detriment that knocks them out Round 1, as the duo of Tatum and Brown will simply not be enough. Horford also has to show up to make this interesting, and Monroe should continue his consistent play.

With Rozier and (potentially) Smart, the two together don’t equate to a Kyrie Irving, unfortunately. Theis was also a big loss as the defense since hasn’t stepped up in pivotal points of crucial games. This is going to be a tough first round for the Boys in Green. If not Washington, the Greek Freak (whose Milwaukee team sits right outside the #7 seed) has his sights set on a ‘ship. And hell, he’ll jump over the Green Monster to do it. Here’s hoping a strong outing vs. Chicago tomorrow night in Boston is used to work out some kinks.

For live Twitter updates during Celtics games, please follow @BosSportsExtra.

Cover image courtesy of Hypebeast.

Boston’s Amazing Head Coaching Success

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2018 Success of Boston Head Coaching

For a sports city it is rare for all teams to be playoff contenders. For Boston, that has become the norm, and 2017-2018 has been no different. The Red Sox have started the season 5-1. The Patriots lost in the Superbowl, and the Bruins and Celtics are playoff bound. A big reason for this amazing success is the heading coaching of these teams. Each has their own style, but has created high expectations and have impressed in their respective circles.

Photo Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Patriots Head Coach: Bill Belichick

In describing the impact of these coaches, Belichick goes first. Since the Superbowl he has come under fire for numerous things including benching Malcolm Butler. When he came to New England the Patriots were a struggling franchise. Since 2000, they’ve played in eight Super Bowls, winning five. They are constantly in the playoffs and anything less than a Super Bowl has come to be considered a failure. It’s been even more impressive considering Bill has done this in the Salary Cap Era. At times Bill’s head coaching has led to questionable decisions, but since he took over the franchise has become dominant and the envy of the entire league.

Photo Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics Head Coach: Brad Stevens

Brad Steven became the Celtics head coach in 2013. Since then he’s had one losing season, and every year the Celtics have improved. He has gotten the best of his players and his teams have become surprise contenders. This season could be considered his best work. The Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in the first game of the season. Key players such as Irving, Smart, and Daniel Theis have missed extended periods have time. Even with all the injuries, the Celtics still have the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Stevens’s head coaching has allowed his young players to excel. He is considered one of the best coaches in the league among his peers, and is a serious contender to win Coach of The Year.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty

Bruins Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

Cassidy became the head coach of the Bruins at mid-season last year. With the Bruins struggling they fired their longtime head coach, Claude Julien. Since Cassidy took over, the Bruins have sixty-seven wins and twenty-six losses. This year the Bruins have been one of the best teams in the NHL. When the season began, no one saw them making a deep Stanley cup run, which now they are poised to do. That is in large part to Cassidy, as he’s turned a team which some considered to be rebuilding into a serious championship contender. With this Bruins team being very young they will be contenders for years to come. If Cassidy keeps pushing the right buttons than he will be as well.

Photo Credit: Arthur Pollock

Red Sox Manager: Alex Cora

The last coach to be mentioned is one who is very early into his tenure. Cora became the Red Sox manager this past off-season. Through the first two series of the season the Red Sox are 5-1. When the Sox hired Cora, it was a move that many praised around the MLB. He is replacing John Farrell, who wasn’t a fan favorite in Boston despite leading them to two division titles. Under Farrell the Sox did not win a postseason series and won only one postseason game. The ultimate goal is winning a championship, but winning a playoff series would show that things have changed in Boston. Cora knows what it takes as last year he was a bench coach for the World Champion Houston Astros. So far his Red Sox tenure is off to a good start.

Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer/ AP Photo

The History of the New England Patriots by Jersey Number #27-#30

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Number Twenty-Seven

Terrell Buckley was a tremendous talent at Florida State. He parlayed those skills into a long time NFL career. Buckley has the distinction of being the player with the most interceptions in NFL history to not make a single Pro Bowl. He had some sensational seasons with the Dolphins, an excellent year with Denver and two fine seasons as a member of the Patriots.

During the Pats’ 2001 Super Bowl run, Buckley was a key contributor in the defensive backfield and on special teams. He picked off Kordell Stewart to ice the AFC championship. One week later, he played very well in Super Bowl XXXVI against the Rams.

Ron Bolton was another defensive back to last 11 seasons in the league. He intercepted 18 passes over three seasons with the Pats in the early 70s. After the ’75 season, he departed for Cleveland and had his best seasons as a member of the Browns.

It’s bittersweet to bring up our next player. Ellis Hobbs was a fine kick returner for the Patriots from 2005-08 but was beaten for the game-losing touchdown in Super Bowl XLII.

Hobbs had a crucial 80-yard kickoff return for the Patriots against the Colts at the end of the 2006 AFC Championship game and picked off passes in the 2007 AFC championship game and the subsequent Super Bowl.

He tried to revive his career in Philadelphia, but injuries forced his retirement.

Number Twenty-Eight

We have a trio of outstanding running backs to wear #28 for the Patriots. Let’s start with the best of the bunch going back to the 1990’s. If one was to look up running back in a dictionary, there should be a picture of Curtis Martin next to it. Martin was a phenomenal professional for the Patriots and Jets over his 11 seasons in the NFL. He was truly one of the best players in NFL history.

Martin was such a workhorse, as Coach Parcells pounded him into the line play after play. New England won the AFC Championship in 1996 because Martin and Drew Bledsoe were in their prime. While Martin’s best seasons were definitely in New York, his three campaigns in New England featured some amazing performances. His finest hour wearing #28 for New England occurred in a Divisional playoff game versus the Steelers, where he tore through their defense for a 78-yard touchdown run in the fog and totaled 166 yards on just 19 carries.

Dillon’s Huge 2004

In 2004, Corey Dillon had a tremendous season as a member of the Patriots. After a long career of carrying a hapless Bengals offense, Dillon found his paradise in New England and went off for over 1,600 rushing yards. His powerful rushing style complemented Tom Brady’s sharp passing attack and vaulted the Pats to their third world championship over four seasons.

He split carries with Laurence Maroney during his final season in the NFL, 2006, and played a strong final game at Indianapolis in the ill-fated AFC Championship game.

Super Bowl Hero

Finally, who doesn’t love James White? His performance in Super Bowl LI is the stuff of legends. He also had a great touchdown scamper in Super Bowl LII.

Against the Falcons, other than Tom Brady himself, nobody was as instrumental in leading New England’s comeback than White. Then, from the two-yard line in overtime, with Dion Lewis unavailable due to injury, Brady pitched right. White swept inside the two…to the one…to the goal line and as a Bob Socci said, “It was a touchdown and a title for the Patriots.” As long as there is Patriots football, the name James White will be immortalized.

Number Twenty-Nine

Sharing the backfield with White during the Patriots tremendous 2016 championship run was power back LeGarrette Blount. Blount has had a very interesting career. It started back in Oregon when he punched a guy. Then, he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he established himself as a guy who would run over people.

When New England got him in 2013, he made a big splash in a torrential downpour at Gillette in the season finale versus Buffalo. In the very next game in the Divisional Round against the Colts, Blount scored four times and killed Indianapolis.

One season later, he started with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Blount didn’t jive with the coaching staff and walked out. The Patriots picked him back up and killed the Colts again, this time in the AFC Championship game. In the 2016 AFC Championship game against the Steelers, Blount was at it again with a power run where he carried about eight guys to the one-yard line. From there, he scored. Therefore, Blount won two Super Bowls as a member of the Patriots. In 2017, he added another fine moment in his career with a touchdown run against the Patriots as he helped Philadelphia to a 41-33 Super Bowl LII victory.

The Play of the 2011 Season

Sterling Moore didn’t play very many games for New England. However, he made the key play to get them into Super Bowl XLVI. The Pats only led Baltimore 23-20 with seconds left. Joe Flacco hit Lee Evans for an apparent championship winning touchdown only to have Moore rip it away. Moore went on to play decently in the big game.

He’s bounced around the league since his Patriots’ days came to an end in 2012.

Myron Guyton wore #29 for the Patriots for his mentor, Bill Parcells, for the 1994-95 seasons. Guyton won a Super Bowl under Coach Parcells and Bill Belichick for the 1990 Giants. Guyton was a versatile defensive back and special teamer known for his hustle.

Finally, at #29, we have to go way back to a guy who played brilliantly at wide receiver for the always competitive Los Angeles Rams of the 1970’s. Before his Rams days, Harold Jackson was a Pro Bowler for the Eagles. After he plays in LA, he joined the 1978 Patriots.

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He played outstandingly for four seasons with New England. Jackson was a crafty veteran wideout by that time and teamed up with Steve Grogan to give the Pats some solid offensive production as well as a playoff spot.

NUMBER THIRTY

Mosi Tatupu was one of the first ace special teamers in NFL history and one of the most popular Patriots of all-time. Tatupu was taken in the eighth round of the 1978 draft out of USC and immediately anchored the third unit on a fine Chuck Fairbanks-coached squad. He played in New England for an incredible 13 seasons.

His son, Lofa, was a great linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Sadly, Mosi suffered a heart attack in 2010 and died.

Duron Harmon has been a clutch player for Coach Belichick’s teams over the past few seasons and even picked off a pass in Super Bowl LII after a gratuitous bounce. He’s a closer as he’s often on the field in a dime package when teams are trying to come back.

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

Boston Sports Extra’s WWE WrestleMania Predictions

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We have almost reached the end of the Road to WrestleMania 34, with just a few days to go until the “Showcase of the Immortals”. As we close in on Sunday, we now have clarity on how the event is shaping up. WrestleMania 34 is set to take place Sunday, April 8th, in New Orleans. As of now, the card is stacked and is set to be one of the biggest events in sports entertainment this year. The five hour event kicks off at 7 PM, with a two hour pregame show beforehand. With all the star-studded matches this is bound to be the WWE’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year. Now let’s break down each match ahead of Sunday:

WWE Championship: AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles could possibly be one of the most entertaining matches in WWE history. Nakamura called out Styles after winning the 30 man Royal Rumble, and the two have been in a heated rivalry ever since. While the match will not be the main event at WrestleMania, it certainly will not lack drama.

Prediction: AJ Styles Retains the Title

Shinsuke Nakamura’s journey to the biggest match of his career will not have a dream ending. AJ Styles reigns as the face that runs the place. Styles will successfully defend his title against his longtime rival Nakamura on Sunday in their highly anticipated match-up. While Nakamura came into the WWE with tons of hype, he really has not panned out. His character development has been rather lackluster, and the WWE has done nothing to show fans that Nakamura is ready to be the guy. Styles is far more developed, and is the safe route for business. Nakamura will one day be the WWE champion, but for now the phenomenal one will remain the face that runs the place.

Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

In the most anticipated match of WrestleMania the reigning, defending, undisputed heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is set to defend his title against Roman Reigns. Reigns has been calling out Brock for not respecting him or the WWE. Over the past few weeks, Lesnar has delivered multiple beat downs to Reigns to remind him why he is the champ. But this past Monday, Reigns confronted Lesnar and knocked the beast down, landing four super man punches. Setting up a fight full of real hate this Sunday for the title Universal Champion.

Prediction: Reigns Dethrones Lesnar

This is by far the easiest match to predict on the card. Roman Reigns is going to defeat Brock Lesnar; it’s all but guaranteed. There are going to be people who say Lesnar will retain the title because of some plot twist, but they are wrong. Lesnar originally won the Universal title from Goldberg at WrestleMania 33 last year. Since then, Lesnar has dominated every challenge that has confronted him, from Braun Strowman to Samoa Joe. Roman Reigns is the least respectable opponent who stands in Lesnar’s way. As of late, WWE has made an effort to get fans behind Reigns by painting him as the hard-working guy who shows up to work everyday. While Lesnar has become the entitled champ who only cares about himself. This is Reigns’s time to finally get the WWE universe behind him.

United States Championship: Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Rusev

The four-way match has potential to be the underrated match of the night. Randy Orton won the title at Fastlane over Bobby Roode, completing his career grand slam. Now Roode is seeking to take back his title from the viper. However, with Jinder Mahal and the newest member of the match, Rusev, standing in the way, it’s one of the few matches at WrestleMania that really could go anyway.

Prediction: Orton Remains United States Champion

Orton is not the hottest pick or the boldest. But it seems like the route WWE is going to go at WrestleMania. While Jinder Mahal will be champion one day, it’s not his time yet. Rusev got into the match by pinning Orton on Smackdown, but he will not have the same luck on the big stage. Expect Orton to swoop in out of nowhere and retain the title for the time being.

Raw Tag Team Championship: The Bar vs. Braun Strowman & TBA

While it would be quite hilarious to see Braun Strowman be his single man tag team, WWE has made it quite clear that is not going to happen. So Strowman is going to have to pick a partner. The Bar and Strowman have been going at it on Raw the past few weeks, and the Bar has shown they can hang with Strowman one on one. Now, the Bar the tag team champs are going to get a chance to show why they are the best tag team going. But will their tag team talents be able to overcome the monster among men?

Prediction: The Bar Wins

As of now, rumors are flying around on who Strowmans partner is going to be. But it’s not really going to matter, since whoever gets picked is only there to take the fall. WWE cannot have their only really representable tag team on Raw lose to Strowman. While it will be quite entertaining watching Strowman work on a team, in the end the Bar will pull out the victory to retain their title.

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

Seth Rollins and Finn Balor have provided some of the best matches on Smackdown and Raw over the past few weeks. Now the two will get their opportunity to dethrone the Intercontinental Champion, The Miz. Miz is closing in on the record for most days as Intercontinental Champion. But both Finn Balor and Seth Rollins are more than deserving of the title. Do they have enough to take down the champ?

Prediction: Finn Balor Takes over as Intercontinental Champion

While Miz is closing in on most days as Intercontinental Champion it seems like its time for a title change. It seems like The Miz may be moving on to compete for the Universal Champion, which means that the title is going to have to change hands. While both Rollins and Balor are more than deserving of the title, Balor needs the title way more than Rollins at this point. Balor will get his WrestleMania moment by pinning the reigning champ giving him the pop he needs in the WWE.

Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Would WWE really have Daniel Bryan lose in his first match back? Hell yeah they will! Bryan and McMahon have a bumpy relationship to say the least. Many have been waiting for the big blow up between the two, and that is exactly what’s going to happen on Sunday. McMahon will turn on Bryan, giving the victory to Owens and Zayn, reinstating the polarizing stars.

Prediction: Owens and Zayn Wins

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka

914 days. That’s when Asuka’s streak will end. Yep, the Queen Charlotte Flair will dethrone the empress Asuka at WrestleMania. New Orleans is the place that Undertaker’s historic streak ended, and it’s where Asuka’s will too. Flair will remind the WWE universe that she is the greatest female performer in WWE history. One thing all fans will enjoy is it is destined to be one hell of a match between two hard-working champs.

Prediction: Flair Ends the Streak

Women’s WrestleMania Battle Royal: Ruby Riott Wins

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Elias Wins

Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander Wins

SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Bludgeon Brothers Win

Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax Wins

Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle vs. Stephanie McMahon & Triple H: Rousey and Angle Win

John Cena vs. The Undertaker TBD: Cena Wins

Down the Farm: 2018 Paw Sox Outlook

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For Pawtucket Red Sox Opening Day on Friday, April 6^th , there is a 100% chance of rain. Somewhat fitting for all the news that surrounds the team and their future. Nevertheless, the excitement for a new upcoming season is what Pawtucket needs. Tickets remain cheap, parking is free, and amazing fan giveaways will continue this season. Attendance is going to make or break the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox this season. I encourage all readers to make the trip down, it is well worth it.

Roster

The powerhouse Bryce Brentz and his 30 homeruns will not be on display in Pawtucket this season. The roster is hurting following the prospects that were sent away in trades involving Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel. I am not saying those trades are bad. However, the Red Sox farm system is not what it once was. Also, players graduating to the majors as well. Although this may be true, there are some names to look out for this season at McCoy Stadium.

Sam Travis continued his tradition of raking in Spring Training. Although the first base position is currently in use, Travis is not out of the running for the foreseeable future. In spite of Hanley Ramirez, Mitch Moreland, maybe even Blake Swihart and Brock Holt manning the bag this season, it is unclear if they will be here next season. Tzu-Wei Lin, who made his name known this past season, is also a guy to watch out for. The $72.5 million man, Rusney Castillo looks to repeat his strong 2017 Minor League campaign. Ivan DeJesus Jr. and his Mexico career .289 batting average looks to make his name known as well.

Michael Chavis, who is currently recovering from his oblique injury, is going to start the season in Portland. If Chavis can continue to put up impressive numbers, a Triple-A call up is in his future. When that happens, all eyes are going to be on him. The only way Chavis is going to play at Fenway Park this season is if they continue the Futures at Fenway Series. Be that as it may, the McCoy Stadium faithful look upon future stars with high expectations.

Jeremy Barfield is looking to be the reincarnate of Bryce Brentz. The 29 year-old sent 27 long balls over the fence in Portland last season. If he mashes the ball in Pawtucket like he did last season, fans are going to be clamoring for him to make an appearance during September call ups.

Giveaways

Minor League baseball is famous for the wacky and incredible giveaways throughout the season. This season is no different for the Paw Sox. The Paw Sox will be giving away wall calendars, ceramic mugs, replica jerseys, and everyone’s favorite; bobbleheads. Rafael Devers, the G.O.A.T., and Mo Vaughn bobbleheads will be given away to the first 3,000 fans on the respective day. Replica jerseys will include Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs. Of course, Saturday night fireworks will continue with a new theme each week.

This season for the Paw Sox can sway the relocation process either way. If it is successful and every game is sold out, it makes it harder for Larry Lucchino to move them away. If every game is empty, what is the point in staying?

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Cover image courtesy of Rhode Island Public Radio.

Can We Get Chris Sale a Win?

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One of the most dominating pitcher in the American League has two no decisions. When will the cards fall for Chris Sale?

With his second start of the season on Tuesday against the Marlins, Chris Sale did Chris Sale things. He went five innings, allowing one run and five hits. He also struck out six. Just like last season, he had a no decision to start the season. But after this start can we please get him into the win column?

The dominant left hander made a huge run towards AL Cy Young Award last year, finishing second to Corey Kluber. While some consider that a questionable call one thing is for certain, he needs support. Against the Rays, he had the run support, yet the bullpen lacked the electricity it had last season. On Tuesday, it took 13 innings for someone to score more than one run. He needs stability in order to sign an extension.

A Chris Sale extension could very well look like a Clayton Kershaw type deal. While he might not get a seven year/ $215 million deal, he could easily command that or a deal in similar to teammate David Price. Price, who is 1-0 on the season, takes the mound on the home opener Thursday afternoon. While most signs point at an easy victory, the Rays will hope to have another Opening Day win versus the defending AL East champs.

While his next projected start might very well be against the New York Yankees, all sights are set to see two teams fight fire with fire. Electric power featuring Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge against the unhittable prowess of Chris Sale, David Price, and potentially Eduardo Rodriguez.

The David vs. Goliath match up is just around the corner, follow that series as well as the entire push for October glory at bostonsportsextra.com.

Julian Edelman is a True Patriot

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“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work,” as said by retired four-star general, Colin Powell.

Sweat, determination, and hard work is what got Julian Edelman where he is today. He came into the NFL as a seventh-round quarterback out of Kent State. Now, he is a star wide receiver with two Super Bowls to his name. He made this illustrious transition because he took action to achieve success. Julian Edelman is a true Patriot, not only for this organization, but for the country.

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2017 - Show

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Story

Recently, Julian Edelman took action on a matter unrelated to football. The wide receiver just potentially saved lives. According to the New York Times, he received a DM from one of his followers that read, “Dude, there is a kid in your comment section saying he is going to shoot up a school, I think you should alert the authorities.” Edelman notified his assistant who then called 911. They located the boy in Port Huron, Michigan. The 14-year old had admitted to posting the threat and two rifles belonging to the mother were also found. He is now in a juvenile-detention center.

Thoughts

Edelman, and the person who notified him, are both heroes to this country. The fact is that the boy could have shot up a school and killed people. People with families who love them. As a South Florida boy myself, I can see the effects of the lives lost on people close to me from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. It can change one’s whole perception on life. Mass shootings should never happen, and I for one am proud of the students at MSD who are bringing about change. I also want to personally praise Julian Edelman and the boy who notified him. Hearing about this down here, you don’t understand how much this means. You guys are true Patriots. Thank you.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Sox Sweep Marlins

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Going In

The Red Sox started the series 3-1 while the Marlins were 2-2. The first game saw Trevor Richards face off against Brian Johnson. The second and final game saw Chris Sale square off José Ureña. The Red Sox’ bats came in quiet, only scoring ten runs in the first four games. The pitching staff has been great, as the starters gave up two runs in 24 innings. Miami was inconsistent in their opening series, with scores ranging from 10-6 to 2-1. On paper, the Red Sox should have had no trouble sweeping the rebuilding Marlins. The Red Sox swept the series, and here’s how that happened:

Improved Hitting and Consistent Pitching

The Sox scored seven runs in game one, the most so far this season. They got twelve hits, and home runs by Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez put the game away in the seventh. In the second game, they only got four runs, but the hitting was timely. Andrew Benintendi gave the Sox a 2-1 lead in the 11th with a single that knocked in Eduardo Nunez. After the Marlins, Hanley Ramirez hit a go-ahead double in the 13th that made it 4-2. The Red Sox hung on to win by the score of 4-2.

The pitching staff has been amazing through the first six games of the season. In the first game, Brian Johnson tossed six innings of one-run ball. Johnson has been a 4-A player for a few years now. He is out of options, so he will be in the major leagues for a long time if he can keep this up. In the second game, Chris Sale threw five innings of one-run ball. This is mediocre for Chris Sale standards, but good enough to give the Sox a chance. The bullpen threw eight innings, only giving up one run to get the win. Heath Hembree ended up with the save, making him the third Sox pitcher to get a save this season.

This staff has been great and should get even better. Drew Pomeranz, Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright, and Tyler Thornburg should help the rotation when they return from their respective injuries. Drew Pomeranz has been good ever since he was traded to the Sox, and was great last year posting a 17-6 record. Eduardo Rodriguez has tons of potential, but his various injuries have shunned that potential. If he can live up to said potential, he will be a very good starter. Steven Wright had a great first half of 2016, and the knuckleballer could be a help if he can get his 2016 magic back. Tyler Thornburg has not pitched in 18 months because of injuries, but he could be a great late inning reliever when he comes back.

Other Notes

Andrew Benintendi is hitting .158, and JD Martinez is hitting .200. No need to overreact six games into the season, but they are two key guys in the lineup.

Gabe Kapler is the biggest idiot on the planet. Aaron Boone is a close second.

Alex Cora has been conservative with his starters as he said he was going to. Sale could have gone more than five innings, but no need to wear him out.

@Prime_Kyrie2

Red Sox Finish Road Trip with a Huge Win

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The Road Back to Boston

The Red Sox first road trip of the year is over, and boy did it end well. Chris Sale took the ball and clearly wasn’t at his best. He had some control issues and worked up a high pitch count early. But nonetheless, Sale threw five innings of one run ball. Not your usual Chris Sale start, but he did enough.

The relievers began coming in by the 6th, starting with Bobby Poyner, who went 1.2 scoreless innings. Carson Smith followed him to get one out, and left the game tied at one apiece. Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th and send the game to extras. After that, Kimbrel threw a shutout in the 10th to keep the game going.

Things Get Crazy

With one out in the top of the 11th, Eduardo Nunez was at second base with Andrew Benintendi at the plate. Benintendi, who’s been struggling thus far, came through and singled to right field to break the tie and give the Sox the lead. The only problem was, Kimbrel had already pitched. So who were they going to put in to try and get the save? Matt Barnes. Buckle up.

Barnes got the first two hitters out quickly, and everything was going smooth until he decided to walk two Marlins hitters. Not a good idea. But what was about to transpire is what I will applaud the most about this game. With two outs and runners on first and second, Cameron Maybin hit a rocket over Andrew Benintendi’s head to tie the game. Justin Bour racing around would be sent home, the Marlins were about to win the game. But nobody panicked.

Benintendi picked the ball up and made a perfect throw to the cutoff. Bogaerts, The X Man, threw a perfect one hopper to Vasquez to nail Bour at the plate, and continue the ballgame. They didn’t panic, executed the play perfectly, and got the job done.

Hanley Game Winner

Fast forward to the 13th, Hanley came on with two outs and Mookie Betts standing at second, Benintendi over at first. Hanley, who has been seeing the ball well all Miami series, took a breaking ball from Tayron Guerrero and drove it into left field, over Derek Dietrich’s head to drive in two runs. Clutch.

Heath Hembree, who pitched a scoreless 12th, came back out for the 13th to try and close the game. He worked around a one out base hit and closed the game out to give the Sox the 4-2 win and their fifth straight win.

What we saw in this game was heart. Every time time the Marlins did something well, Boston came back with something even better. You have to tip your cap to the bullpen (except Matt Barnes, of course) for doing what they did. Hanley coming through in a big moment like that was huge. Everything about the win was huge.

The Red Sox will end their road trip successful taking three from Tampa, and two from Miami, finishing with a record of 5-1. Up next is to Fenway for the home opener on Thursday at 2 PM.

Cover image courtesy of NBC Sports.