Red Sox Turn Nationals’ Mistakes Into 8-7 Comeback Win
The Washington Nationals giveth. Then they gave some more.
Capitalizing on a series of critical fielding errors and errant pitches, the Red Sox rallied to a 8-7 win over the Nationals at Fenway Park on Tuesday night. Boston trailed 7-5 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, but staged a three-run rally without recording a single hit in the frame.
The improbable offensive outburst began when Hanley Ramirez reached base thanks to an error by Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond to lead off the inning. Up next, Nationals reliever Matt Thornton hit Shane Victorino with a pitch. After Mike Napoli flied out, pinch-hitter Allen Craig was hit by a pitch from reliever Blake Treinen, who had replaced Thornton.
Then things got really interesting.
With the bases loaded, Treinen induced a chopper off the bat of Boston catcher Ryan Hanigan. Treinen charged the ball but could not field it cleanly. After finally getting a grip on the ball, he attempted a belated throw to home plate. It didn’t end up anywhere close as Ramirez and Victorino both came around to score.
“What gifts the Red Sox have got,’’ Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy said during the NESN broadcast. “Is this Christmas?’’
After Treien’s misadventure tied the game, 7-7, the Red Sox took the lead a batter later. Again, they didn’t need an actual hit to put up the run. Craig, who had advanced to third on the previous play, crossed home with the go-ahead run on a fielder’s-choice grounderby Brock Holt.
[fragment number=0]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com