August 9, 1985: New York Yankees (55-51) @ Boston Red Sox (57-49)
Back home again for three against the Auld Enemy, by which I of course mean the Yanks. They are only two back of us in this crowded AL East field and would still believe they are in the mix, which means this series should be particularly ferocious in tone. I know our boys are worked up for it, and there’s a big crowd in at Fenway tonight to see Bruce Hurst face Ed Whitson in the opener.
Bill Buckner YTD stats entering the game
Game Recap
Mattingly quietens the crowd with a 2-run bomb in the 1st, then an RBI double in the next by Marty Barrett cuts their lead in half.
But Hurst is having real problems getting the ball by their hitters, who tag him for two more on 4 hits in the 4th to make it 4-1.
We get it back to square in the next, however, with Boggs going deep with a man on and Billy Buck then putting one in the seats as well.
The pitchers take control from there and this one goes into extra innings, by which time I have been subbed out for Dave Stapleton as is our usual strategy when he's available.
Both sides score a run in the 11th and on it goes. They go ahead again in the top 13th and we are quickly down to our last out before Marc Sullivan singles and Dewey Evans walks. Cue Wade Boggs, cape optional, who belts it out of there for the huge walkoff win. About the loudest I have ever heard Fenway since I’ve been here.
Best Performances, News & Highlights of the Day
(click link for BBRef boxscore)
- MLB Debuts: Gene Walter
- Daily Notes: On this day in 1960, Ted Williams blasts the 511th home run of his career, tying him with Mel Ott for third on the all-time list.