This one got messy towards the end. Sox jump out to a quick 8 run lead in the first inning chasing the Orioles' starter after only 2/3 of an inning. Beckett didn't look dominant but was pitching good enough but came out with a "slightly hyperextended knee" (according to NESN) after only 5 innings. Hopefully that's more precautionary than anything else. His trip to the All Star game might be in jeopardy now. Then, with 1 out in the bottom of the 8th, Gregg appears to take a couple of shots trying to hit Ortiz. He doesn't hit him but gets close three times and Ortiz takes exception. The benches clear but no punches were thrown. Both sides get warned and with the next pitch, an inside fastball, Ortiz pops out. While on his way to first, Gregg starts yelling at Ortiz and the scrum is on. Benches and bullpens clear, Ortiz, Saltalamacchia, Gregg, and Orioles reliever Jim Johnson are ejected. Messy ending to what had been a fun game.
With the high run total, everyone seemed to contribute except Varitek and Navaroo who both went 0-fer. Ortiz had a long 3-run homer in the first and Pedroia hit his 10th, a solo shot, in the 6th. Ellsbury only had one hit but was twice robbed by Adam Jones in the triangle in straight away deep center field. In a lot of parks he would have had 2 home runs.
Albers and Wheeler looked good pitching in relief. Atchison did a good job of finishing the game with everyone hot after the altercation. One slipped pitch and we could have gotten right back at each other's throats.
Two down, two to go. Third time's a charm. Hopefully tomorrow's game features the good Lackey.
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