BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Brock Holt #12 of the Boston Red Sox reaches to catch a fly ball during the third inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brock Holt
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox high fives Xander Bogaerts #2 after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dustin Pedroia; Xander Bogaerts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox runs to catch a fly ball during the fourth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: James McCann #34 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Boston Red Soxon July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James McCann
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Xander Bogaerts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with David Ortiz #34 after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Xander Bogaerts; David Ortiz
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox hits a triple during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox pulls up as he rounds third base after hitting a triple during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a game tying triple during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers hits a go ahead solo home run during the ninth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox watches as a home run ball hit by Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers goes over the wall during the ninth inning of a game on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Brad Ziegler #29 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during the ninth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Miguel Cabrera; Brad Ziegler
BOSTON, MA – JULY 27: Justin Upton #8, Tyler Collins #18, and Mike Aviles #14 of the Detroit Tigers celebrate a victory against the Boston Red Sox on July 27, 2016 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Upton; Tyler Collins; Mike Aviles
Another tough one today for the Sox. It was hot out there, as it’s been throughout this entire week. I’m relieved that the home stand is over and I’ve got a chance to refresh from baseball for a little bit!
“The Kenmore Square Citgo sign is shown before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy delivers during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“A young fan eats ice cream during the eighth inning of a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy reacts after the fifth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia avoids a tag by catcher Alex Avila as he slides into home plate to score on an infield single by first baseman Mike Napoli during the fifth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Brock Holt steals second base as shortstop Andrew Romine jumps for a wild throw during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”“Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez high fives first baseman Miguel Cabrera after hitting a two run home run during the third inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, May 18, 2014.”
This was a tough series for the Red Sox, but there’s a long way to go this season! Here are a few edits from Sunday Night Baseball.
“Fans watch batting practice in the Green Monster seats before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“The 2013 World Champion flag is shown before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli reaches into the stands to catch a foul ball during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz laughs during a mound visit during the fourth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts hits a solo home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey tosses the ball as he is taken out of the game during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino avoids a tag from pitcher Rick Porcello during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell argues with the home plate umpire after right fielder Shane Victorino was called for interference while running out a ground ball during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”“Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera gestures after Detroit defeated the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, May 17, 2014.”
“Former Boston Red Sox player Dave Roberts waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during a pre-game ceremony before game two of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Major League Baseball Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Joe Torre signs autographs before game two of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes hops over second base during the first inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia makes a diving stop on a ground ball during the third inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia throws to first base after making a diving stop on a ground ball during the third inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder waits on deck during the fourth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta celebrates with first baseman Prince Fielder after Fielder scored during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz gives the ball to manager John Farrell as Buchholz exits the game during the sixth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”“The eyes of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz are displayed on the video board at Fenway Park as he rounds the bases after hitting a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks congratulates designated hitter David Ortiz after Ortiz hit a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz gives a curtain call after hitting a game-tying grand slam home run during the eighth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes celebrates as he scores the game-winning run on a walk-off single by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (right) celebrates after hitting a game-winning walk off RBI single to score left fielder Jonny Gomes during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes and shortstop Stephen Drew celebrate as Gomes scores the game-winning run on a walk-off single by catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes high fives teammates after catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a game-winning RBI single during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox players mob catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia after Saltalamacchia hit a game-winning RBI single during the ninth inning of game two of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Tigers 6-5.”
I feel like a broken record writing that this was the most amazing game I’ve ever been on hand to shoot. I know I’ve said that at least several times this season. The Red Sox have had so many incredible games in 2013, but somehow they seem to outdo themselves with every one of these improbable wins.
This one was more special, more dramatic, and more meaningful than any of the other eleven Red Sox walk-off wins this season. After being held to just one hit by Detroit Tigers pitching in game one of the ALCS, the Red Sox frustrations continued, as 22-game winner Max Scherzer was absolutely dominant. Yet after managing to put up a run in the sixth inning and ensuring Scherzer’s eventual exit in the eighth, the boys pulled off one of the most incredible wins in playoff history.
After a double by Will Middlebrooks, a walk by Jacoby Ellsbury, a base hit by Dustin Pedroia, and a series of bullpen pitching changes by Detroit, David Ortiz stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. In classic Big Papi fashion, Ortiz knocked the first pitch he saw just out of the reach of Torii Hunter in right field for a grand slam to tie the game.
The Fenway crowd went nuts, and after Ortiz crossed home plate and made it back into the dugout, I found myself turned around giving high fives to the fans sitting behind me in the first row. I’m usually able to separate my emotions while shooting, but in this case, it was impossible.
Even though the game was still tied at that point, I knew that we would win it. Sure enough, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Jarrod Saltalamacchia knocked a single into left field to score Jonny Gomes and even the series at 1-1.
These photos above are the highlights of my take from beginning to end. What a night. It still feels like a dream.
"Detroit Tigers right fielder Magglio Ordonez bats during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, August 12, 2011 in Baltimore.""Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera spits after striking out in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, August 14, 2011 in Baltimore." "Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander looks on during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, August 14, 2011 in Baltimore.""Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland walks towards the dugout in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, August 14, 2011 in Baltimore."
Here are my visual impressions of the Detroit Tigers. I’m glad I got shots of Verlander, Cabrera, and Leyland while they were in town.
