Youkilis Blasts Walk-Off HR in Extras

By KC Downey in Featured, Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ June 22, 2008 at 8:53pm ⋅ Post a comment

The Red Sox entered extra innings tied 3-3 and it didn’t seem like they would score again. They led off the 10th, 11th, and 12th with doubles but failed to bring one run home. In the 13th, Mike Lowell led off with a scorching shot of the monster that could’ve been a double, but ended up being a single because it was hit so hard. That changed the luck for the Red Sox, as Kevin Youkilis hit his second HR of the game to earn the 5-3 victory.

The Red Sox earned their 11th win the last at bat Sunday, which is tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for most in the American League. They had the chance to win it thanks to a play at the plate in the top of the 13th. With a man on second, Javier Lopez allowed a single to right field. J.D. Drew grabbed the ball and gunned Chris Duncan down at home plate to preserve the tie.

Sox Stud of the Game:

Kevin Youkilis is definitely the Stud of the Game after going 2-5 with two HRs, one BB, and three RBIs. Last year, Youk was really hot before the break, then fizzled out at the end. This year, Youk is still hot and should get consideration for the All-Star Game. We’ll see if he stays consistent.

Diamond Dud of the Game:

Jonathan Papelbon (1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K) blew his fourth save of the season. This one was really weird though. Pap struck out the first two hitters pretty easily. Then he allowed a walk and a double and the game was tied. Luckily, he and the Sox didn’t take the loss.

Game Notes:

The walk-off HR for Kevin Youkilis was the first of his career.
Former Sox SP Joel Pineiro started and went seven innings, allowing only two runs on seven hits.
The game was delayed at the start for more than 40 minutes because of rain.