SCHMIDT HAPPENS
By Steve Marsi
Not unlike the 2002 motion picture starring Jack Nicholson, the finale of Boston’s series against San Francisco was About Schmidt – in this case, Giants pitching ace Jason. The right-hander won his ninth straight decision Sunday as he allowed just one hit and two walks in dominating the Red Sox. The complete game masterpiece marked his second one-hitter of the year, and powered San Francisco to a 4-0 victory. While Schmidt (9-2) stymied the Red Sox, Edgardo Alfonzo provided the decisive home run for the second straight day, breaking open a scoreless game in the seventh inning with a grand slam off Mike Timlin.
Despite allowing five walks, Sox starter Bronson Arroyo (2-6) kept the Giants off the board before being relieved with one out and two men on in the seventh. Barry Bonds then singled to shallow left, though Kevin Millar’s throw appeared to beat the advancing lead runner to third base. Manager Terry Francona was ejected after arguing the call, and Alfonzo’s home run followed, providing all the game’s offense. Arroyo is winless in his last six outings. Kevin Youkilis’ sixth-inning double was Boston’s only hit.
Managers, particularly those calling the shots for the Red Sox, are overly criticized. But Francona’s decision to give Manny Ramirez a day off Sunday is a curious one. Schmidt has been the hottest pitcher in baseball, and the Boston skipper has one of the game’s premier hitters at his disposal. Yet Francona decides to rest him. When the entire team has a scheduled day off the following day. And will face Kyle Lohse of the Minnesota Twins the day after that. Questionable timing at best.
The Yankees, 5-4 losers to the Dodgers Sunday night, remain 4 _ games ahead of Boston. The loss ended the Red Sox road trip at a disappointing 2-4, and dropped the team’s record to 8-9 in the month of June. The Sox will look to break out of their recent mediocrity in an upcoming three-game series against aforementioned Twins at Fenway Park. Curt Schilling (8-4) will take the hill Tuesday night, followed by Derek Lowe (6-5) and Tim Wakefield (4-5).
