Game #20 - Boston Red Sox, 5 @ California Angels, 2I never considered when starting this project that a current ESPN story might somehow be relevant to the 1984 baseball season, but low and behold, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd taught me a lesson. It seems Oil Can used to lube up his nose before he pitched. And wouldn't you know it, he was scheduled to pitch today's game - go figure.
The Red Sox, who had lost the first two games of this series, obviously wanted to escape Anaheim with at least one victory. Wade Boggs got the party started with a double and Marty Barrett quickly singled him home. Jim Rice added a second run with his own double.
The Angels answered in the bottom of the second when Jerry Narron doubled in Reggie Jackson, but Dwight Evans threw out Bobby Grich at the plate on the same play. It stayed 2-1 into the top of the sixth when Jim Rice deposited a Ron Romanick pitch into the cheap seats for two more. Meanwhile, Oil Can was escaping his own jams thanks to three double plays by the Angels.
Heading into the bottom of the ninth the Sox were leading 5-1 and Oil Can was still on the mound. His magic white powder must have worn off because Doug DeCinces led off with a home run and Bobby Grich smacked a double. He was quickly yanked after that and replaced by Charlie Mitchell. Mitchell loaded the bases after beaning pinch hitter Rob Wilfong and walking Rod Carew. With two outs and the bases juiced, hulking Brian Downing stepped to the plate. Sadly for the halo fans, he flew out to center to end the game.
Winning Pitcher - Oil Can Boyd
Losing Pitcher - Ron Romanick
Save - Charlie Mitchell
Player of the Game - Jim Rice, 2-3, HR, 2b, 3RBI's
Hall of Famers in the Game - Wade Boggs, Jim Rice, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson
I've updated the standings and stats through April 4 too.
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