Red Sox beat Tigers, even ALCS at 1-1

BOSTON — David Ortiz revived the Red Sox with a tying grand slam in the eighth inning, then Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a winning single in the ninth as Boston stunned the Detroit Tigers 6-5 Sunday night to even the AL championship series at 1-all.

The Tigers were cruising to their second straight win at Fenway Park, with starter Max Scherzer taking a no-hitter and a 5-0 lead into the sixth inning.

But with one swing, Big Papi flipped everything. Ortiz hit a two-out shot that sent right fielder Torii Hunter jack-knifing into the Boston bullpen in a futile attempt to catch the ball, making it 5-up.

Saltalamacchia’s single came after a series of Tigers misplays in the ninth. A wild throw, a wild pitch and a missed catch by first baseman Prince Fielder on a foul ball set up the game-ending hit.

The teams head to Detroit for Game 3 on Tuesday. Justin Verlander will face Boston’s John Lackey.

Boston’s big comeback followed a dramatic New England Patriots’ victory right down the road in which Tom Brady threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 5 seconds left to beat New Orleans. The score was greeted with cheers by Red Sox fans waiting for the baseball game to start.

A day after Anibal Sanchez and the Detroit staff combined on a one-hitter for a 1-0 win, Scherzer excelled. He fanned 13 while allowing two hits in seven innings, and was pulled after 108 pitches.

“It’s playoff baseball,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. “Looked like we had one in hand and we let one get away, there’s no question about that. But there have been two great games.”

Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila homered off Clay Buchholz in Detroit’s four-run sixth inning.

Boston scored once in the bottom of the sixth and then loaded the bases against three relievers in the eighth before closer Joaquin Benoit came in to face Ortiz.

On his first pitch, Ortiz hit a line drive into the glove of the Red Sox bullpen catcher, with Hunter flopping headfirst over the chest-high wall in pursuit.

The fans waited until the trainers verified that Hunter was OK to start chanting, “Papi!” and call the Red Sox slugger out of the dugout for a curtain call.

It was the first career postseason grand slam for Ortiz, a star of the 2004 playoff run that ended in Boston’s first World Series title in 86 years.

“When you consider down four runs, not a very likely scenario that you come back from that many runs that late in the game,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said.

Koji Uehara pitched a perfect ninth for the win. Rick Porcello took the loss.

Jonny Gomes led off the bottom half against Porcello with groundball to the left of shortstop Jose Iglesias, a defensive replacement. The former Red Sox prospect fielded it but rushed the throw and it bounced past Fielder and into the Boston dugout as Gomes slid headfirst into the bag with an infield hit.

With Gomes on second because of the error, Saltalamacchia hit a high popup near the rolled-up tarp that bounced off Fielder’s glove.

A fan reached up trying to catch the foul. Fielder looked as if he wanted an interference call — replays showed he simply let the ball glance off his glove.

Gomes took third on Porcello’s wild pitch and Saltalamacchia hit a sharp grounder through the left side of the drawn-in infield to set off a celebration on the Fenway infield.

Scherzer, who led the majors with 21 wins, struck out 13 and did not allow a hit until Shane Victorino singled to left with two outs in the sixth.

It was an unprecedented third consecutive playoff game in which a Tigers starter took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. That had never been done even twice in a row before this year’s Detroit staff, which boasts the AL ERA leader, the major league leader in wins and the 2011 AL Cy Young winner and MVP.

In his first career ALCS start, Buchholz allowed five runs on eight hits in 5 2-3 innings while striking out six.

One night after Jon Lester absorbed a 1-0 loss, Buchholz kept the Red Sox in the game despite allowing three straight hits in the second and spotting Detroit to a 1-0 lead.

But Cabrera hit a solo shot off the light tower above the Green Monster in the sixth, then Fielder lined a double off the left-field wall. Victor Martinez followed with an RBI double to right-center and Avila hit a two-run shot over the Tigers bullpen to make it 5-0.

Scherzer continued to coast, striking out at least one batter in every inning. The favorite for the AL Cy Young Award after going 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA in the regular season, Scherzer allowed one run on two hits and two walks before leaving after seven innings with a 5-1 lead.

NOTES: Dave Roberts, whose stolen base sparked Boston’s comeback in the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. … Ortiz’s 63rd postseason game tied Jason Varitek for the Red Sox franchise record. … Buchholz had a 1.20 ERA against the Tigers in four career starts at Fenway Park. … Victorino’s nine career hit by pitches in the postseason tie him with Alex Rodriguez for the major league record. .. Scherzer lost 2-1 at Fenway Park on Sept. 9 when going for his 20th win.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.