April 13, 1984 - Defeated

Before we get started with the review of today's game, I want to give a well earned plug to Play at the Plate.  He let me participate in a "pack war," and though I haven't fared too well in the scoring, it was an honor just to be a part of it.

Game #95 - Detroit Tigers, 5 @ Boston Red Sox, 6
If I'm not mistaken (and I'm too lazy to verify it) this was the home opener for the Red Sox.  I'm sure they would have rather faced someone else besides the undefeated Detroit Tigers.

The score was 1-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth when Tigers starter Milt Wilcox had a meltdown of epic proportions.  Tony Armas and Bill Buckner led things off with back to back solo shots.  Wilcox proceeded to walk Rich Gedman, induce ground outs from Jerry Remy and Jackie Gutierrez, and walk Wade Boggs.  This brought up Dwight Evans with runners on the corners.  He proceeded to bomb Wilcox with a three run homer and the third round-tripper of the inning.

The Tigers started clawing back though, as large jungle cats are apt to do.  It was 6-3 in the eighth with runners on the corner when the scorching-hot Howard Johnson stepped into the batter's box.  But before he could hit, the Red Sox challenged the bat HoJo was using.  The umpire declared it was improperly weighted and called Johnson out.  Not corked, mind you, but "improperly weighted."  The incident cut the Tigers comeback short, and Detroit lost for the first time this season.

Winning Pitcher - Al Nipper
Losing Pitcher - Milt Wilcox
Save - Charlie Mitchell
Player of the Game - Dewey, 2-4, HR, 4RBI's This is his second POG.
Hall of Famers in the Game - Wade Boggs, Jim Rice

I'm sorry for the long time between posts - I was out of town for a few days.  Thanks for hanging in there!