In a day filled with lasting images, perhaps the one that will stick in the minds of Red Sox fans the most will be the picture of Adrian Gonzalez striking out to Baltimore positional player (first baseman/designated hitter) Chris Davis in the 17th inning.
Davis pitched two scoreless innings in the marathon game Sunday, as Baltimore beat Boston, 9-6, at Fenway Park to sweep the Red Sox in Boston for the first time since 1994.
Davis wasn’t the only positional player to pitch in relief as both teams drained their bullpens. Boston’s Darnell McDonald also worked the 16th and 17th, but didn’t fare as well as Davis as he allowed a three-run homer to Adam Jones to snap a 6-6 tie.
The Red Sox had plenty of chances to grab the win, including the 16th in which Marlon Byrd was gunned down at the plate off a great relay throw by Baltimore’s J.J. Hardy.
Will Middlebrooks had a grand slam for the Red Sox as they climbed out of a 5-0 hole.
Notes: Dustin Pedroia had a highlight reel catch in shallow right field in the 16th to give Boston a momentary lift … Sox reliever Rich Hill threw the most pitches he ever has in relief … The Red Sox are now 4-10 at Fenway Park this season … Middlebrooks’ homer was the first of his MLB career.
