Texas Shootout At Fenway

It must have been "jack up your stats up night" at Fenway on Tuesday, as the Red Sox and Rangers kicked off the series in a way that only two American League teams could have. Final score: 19-17, Boston. The Red Sox opened up with ten runs in the bottom half of the first inning, then slowly watched the lead diminish. Texas scored two runs in the 2nd, only to be countered by a two-run 3rd by the Sox, thanks to a bases loaded walk and an infield single by newly acquired Jason Bay. In the fifth, Texas came back with eight runs to Boston's two on a Kevin Youkilis long ball. Score update: End of the 5th inning, Boston: 14 Texas: 10. Top of the 6th rolls around and the Rangers put up a five spot to take a one run lead, and get another one in the top of the 7th. Bottom of the 7th, Boston puts one on the board, then sticks a four spot in the 8th. Papelbon comes in to close the door and allows a double and a run, but finishes it off. You know it's a tough night for pitchers when Jonathan Papelbon gives one up...I mean it's not like he has a career 1.71 ERA or anything.... A quick overview and some interesting facts about this joke of a baseball game:

• David Ortiz, AKA Big Papi, had 2 homers and six RBI's....in the first inning...
• The 36 total runs put up by both teams is tied for the AL record.
• Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman gave up 10 runs in the first and stayed in the game, becoming only the second pitcher to ever do that, along with...and this doesn't surprise me a bit...Mark Redman.
• The game showcased 400 pitches, 37 hits, 36 runs, 13 walks, 11 different pitchers, 11 doubles, two 5-hit performances, and despite putting up a football score, the teams combined to only strand 15 runners.
• Scott Feldman allowed 12 runs in 2 and 2/3 innings of work (in which he threw 90 pitches!)...only half of them were earned.
• The sellout crowd at Fenway witnessed a 3 hour 58 minute 9-inning game.
• Every starter on each squad had at least one hit, with the exception of Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash.
• 12 of the 18, or 67% of the starters had multi-hit game.
• Texas joined elite company of being one of only four teams since 1900 to score 17 runs and lose, notably joining the Marlins who lost 18-17 earlier this year against Colorado.