Boston Red Sox split doubleheader with Florida Marlins
The Boston Red Sox got the first laugh in a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday against the Florida Marlins, taking the first game 5-3, but dropped the nightcap 4-2 at Fenway Park in front of 37,451.
The second game in the doubleheader saw Tim Wakefield pitch instead of projected starter Jon Lester, who was a late scratch. The fact the Wakefield got the start was a huge surprise for the 44-year-old who got the news last minute.
"I had at least an hour to prepare" Wakefield said after the loss. But not receiving a sufficient amount of time to be mentally ready and prepared was apparent on the opening play, after Ichiro Suzuki grounded the ball and Wakefield picked it up but threw it over the head of first baseman Victor Martinez. Florida jumped out to an early lead due to Wakefield’s rare error which allowed Suzuki to get on base, and he later scored making the score 1-0.
The Marlins added two more runs in the third inning and tacked on one more in the sixth. Florida took advantage of Wakefield’s last minute substitution and rust, making his first start since July 20, with a pair of doubles from Casey Kotchman and Matt Tuiasosopo, increasing Seattle's lead to 4-1.
“[I] did my best to go as long as I could," Wakefield said, "and [I] got into the sixth. I just couldn't get that last out." In 5 2/3 innings, Wakefield gave up four runs on eight hits, while striking out two on the night. The loss drops his record to 3-10 on the season, with a 5.27 ERA. But Wakefield did give his team a chance to win, by keeping it close and the Red Sox bullpen were pleased with the veteran’s performance.
"To take the ball -- and again, you're facing one of the better pitchers in the league, we gave ourselves a chance to win," manager Terry Francona said. "We didn't, but I think we're all impressed with the way he handled himself."
While Wakefield struggled in the sixth, Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez struck out David Ortiz to become the latest member to join the 1,000-strikeout club.
Hernandez, 24, became the third-youngest pitcher since 1952 to reach the 1,000-strikeout mark. “I am really happy about that, but I am [happier] to win the game," said a modest Hernandez after the game.
The Mariners ended their long road trip 6-6 having played in New York and Boston.
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