Manny finally hit #500, becoming just the 24th Major Leaguer to eclipse the 500 milestone. It was a solo shot that came in the 7th off former Sox reliever Chad Bradford. Although reaching 500 homeruns isn't as amazing as it was 15 years ago - what with Mark McGwire at 583, and Jim Thome at 517 - Manny does hold the distinction of having the 4th highest batting average amongst 500 homerun club members. The higher averages belong to Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Jimmie Foxx. That to me is what makes Manny's career so great, his ability to hit for average AND hit for power.
Back to last night's game...
Jon Lester had a typical Jon Lester start. He went 5 innings, allowed 7 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and threw 103 pitches. But the bullpen was once again magnificent. David Aardsma threw 2 shutout innings and collected the win. Okajima got his 11th hold in the 8th, and Papelbon recorded his 16th save in the 9th.
Pedroia and Ortiz hit back-to-back solo shots in the 3rd. Jacoby Ellsbury stole 3 more bases and now has 26 on the season. Jason Varitek was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI, but he also allowed his first passed ball of the season.
David Ortiz left the game in the 9th with a sprained left wrist. X-rays were negative, and he's listed as day-to-day. It's not very likely that he'll start this afternoon's game in Baltimore. Speaking of which, Bartolo Colon looks for his 3rd solid start in a row as he faces Brain Burres.
Sources:
ESPN.com
Associated Press
Photo Credits:
Greg Fiume/Getty Images
AP Photo/ Steve Ruark
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