Jonathan Van Every was the latest member of the Red Sox to lift them to victory in thrilling fashion. His tenth inning homer to centerfield was not only the game winner, but also capped off a big night for the fill-in, who made a highlight reel catch and had a RBI single earlier in the contest.
Forced into action due to the never ending list of ailments to starting right fielder J.D. Drew, Van Every made the most of his opportunity. On a night when more than one regular was out of the lineup, it looked early on like Boston was headed for a loss. However, Van Every and the Sox took advantage of an error by Indians third baseman Mark DeRosa to tie the game at 5 in the eighth inning. Jacoby Ellsbury's clutch single knotted the score and set up the extra inning dramatics.
Van Every crushed a Jensen Lewis change-up over the centerfield fence to put the Sox ahead, and Jonathan Papelbon came on to preserve the one run victory for Boston. The homer was Van Every's first as a Major Leaguer. Hideki Okajima got credit for the victory, while Lewis was saddled with the defeat.
Whether it's Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis or Jonathan Van Every, somebody seems to be stepping up in the big moments every night. Winning ballclubs have lots of contributors, and this team has more than most.
The Sox look to get some early-season revenge against the Rays tonight. The weekend series opens up in Tampa with Josh Beckett (2-1, 6.00 ERA) facing Matt Garza (1-2, 4.97 ERA). First pitch is at 7:08 from Tropicana Field.
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He also got the first RBI of the 8th that led to the three runs...not to mention the amazing catch in the bottom half of the 8th on a rubberized warning track...OUCH
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