When this game started, I figured we didn’t have a hope. Pedro Martinez was pitching against us, and that’s usually enough reason to lose hope. He’s got an ERA at the Ballpark under 2! However, Colby Lewis hung with Pedro, matching him almost in every category along the way which was a nice surprise.
It was a great battle up until the 6th when we got a two run hit from Shane Spencer to put us up, 3-2. It stayed that way until the 9th inning when Cordero came on for the save, and gave up a solo home run to Trot Nixon to tie it. We couldn’t push anything across in the 9th and 10th, but in the 11th, we managed to load the bases against Boston reliever Todd Jones. That set the stage for Arod to come up – and given his frustrations, I was expecting a strikeout, but he got us the first walk off win of the 2003 season – and in style too, with a grand slam over the bullpen in right field. Was a great moment, and a great ending to a great game. Isn’t that great? Can I say Great anymore? Great.
As much as I liked winning, I can’t say I truly enjoyed taking 2 of 3 from Boston, as it helped the Yankees. Helping the Yankees is almost a crime, IMHO.
I do find it odd though that Arod came off the field after getting the traditional gang pile at home plate, and ran up the tunnel – he disappeared almost immediately, while the rest of the team was celebrating on the field. I wonder why he ran out so quickly? That just seemed odd.
Game notes are available here and here.