June 23, 1985: Boston Red Sox (37-29) @ Toronto Blue Jays (37-30)
If there’s panic among the group we sure aren’t showing it yet, but rather a steely determination to get things back on track in as quick and orderly fashion as we can. As so often happens in this sort of situation, however, we’re going to need to beat one of their best if that turnaround is to start this afternoon – Dave Stieb, who has racked up 50 wins the past 3 seasons and another 9 already in this one. I have singled twice and driven in a run in the 7 times I have faced him, and would dearly love to add to that total in this one. Bruce Kison going for us. A warm day with the wind blowing out might make this a high-scoring affair.
Bill Buckner YTD stats entering the game
Game Recap
We go ahead early when Steve Lyons leads off the game with a trip and comes in on a sac fly from yours truly. We put ourselves under undue pressure with a couple errors but still hold that lead thru 4.
We go further ahead in the 5th with a strong rally that nets us two on a Jim Rice triple (after they choose to walk Boggs intentionally with two out and face him) and a third on a Billy Buck double and tack on yet one more in the inning after that on an error.
Kison has looked sharp all game but gives up a run in the 7th to spoil the shutout, although Barrett cancels that run out with an RBI single in the 8th to make it 6-1. Charlie Mitchell comes in and holds his nerve to close out a much-needed win by that score.
Best Performances, News & Highlights of the Day
(click link for BBRef boxscore)
- MLB Debuts: Glen Cook
- Daily Notes: On this day in 1963, Red Sox 1B Dick Stuart handles three 1st-inning grounders and tosses each to pitcher Bob Heffner for a putout, making him just the second pitcher to have three putouts in an inning after Boston's Jim Bagby in 1940. Rick Reuschel will be the next to achieve the feat in 1975.