If there is a team of destiny in baseball this year, it has to be the Boston Red Sox. There is no other explanation for the sheer amount of magical moments they have put together this season. From huge ninth inning comebacks, to walk off wins on an opponent error, to their closer having the most dominant season for an MLB pitcher EVER, its been an incredible season.
It continued last night, when in a tie game in the tenth inning and the bases loaded with two outs, manager John Farrell called on pinch hitter Mike Carp who on the first pitch of the at bat hammered a grand slam to dead center field. It was the first pinch hit grand slam for the Red Sox in 10 years. The slam clinched a 7-3 win for the Sox who now hold an insurmountable 9.5 game lead in the AL East, and a four game lead over any other team in the Entire American League for home field advantage in the playoffs.
And finally, its team to recognize just how earth shattering the Red Sox closer, Koji Uehara has been this season. Since taking over as closer he has a 0.36 ERA, he has retired 36 batters in a row, thats a perfect game , plus 3 more innings of another game! Opponents have just 6 hits against him over the last 104 batters faced, for an .093 batting average against. Finally, for the entire season he has allowed an average of 0.53 base runners per inning, which would be an MLB record for any pitcher in MLB history if it lasts. The previous record belong to Dennis Eckerlsey, who one season compiled an average of 0.60 baserunners per inning. its been an amazing ride.
15 games left in the season, and its time to rest some guys and get them energized for the playoffs. Yes, were talking about playoffs.
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