Sox Sweep Mariners, Manny Hurts Knee

By KC Downey in Featured, Red Sox ⋅ July 24, 2008 at 5:59pm ⋅ Post a comment

The Red Sox took care of business out in Seattle via a sweep after losing the first three games of the west coast swing against the Angels. The Sox completed it, winning 6-3 in 12 innings Wednesday night ahead of an off-day Thursday and a big weekend series at home against the Yankees.

Manny Ramirez continues to dominate sports headlines in the city, after being caught jaywalking Monday night after Game 1 and sitting out with an undisclosed knee injury on Wednesday. So undisclosed, that Manny didn’t mention his knee was bothering him until that day. Yes, not even the trainers had a clue. In an ideal world, Manny was planning this rest day for awhile, so he can get two off-days before facing the Yankees with the return of David Ortiz to the cleanup spot.

Sox Stud of the Series

Many Sox hitters contributed in two of the games but not all three (Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia) and Manny Ramirez shouldn’t be the stud of the series after missing the final game with an injured knee. What was consistent? Well, obviously the most inconsistent portion of the team: the bullpen! Sox relievers tossed 10 scoreless innings in the series, with Jonathan Papelbon earning two saves and a win. Craig Hansen loaded the bases in Game 3, but saved the game for Papelbon to complete the sweep.

Diamond Dud of the Series

Sox rookie Jacoby Ellsbury got on base in each game of the series, but had just one hit in each game. He finished the series 3-14 (.214), lowering his batting average to .259 and his OBP to .327. Despite having 35 steals, Ellsbury hasn’t snagged a bag since July 1. My guess is that he’s injured, but let’s hope not.

Series Notes

Boston’s last sweep in Seattle was July 2-4, 1993.
David Ortiz hit three home runs during his rehab stint in Triple-A Pawtucket and Double-A Portland, and is slated to return to the Red Sox lineup Friday night against the Yankees.