“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.
“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew dives for a ground ball during the seventh inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, September 3, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes smiles between innings during a game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, September 3, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder reacts between innings during a game against the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, September 3, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer reacts as he exits a game against the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning Tuesday, September 3, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. At 19-1, Scherzer was going for his 20th win of the 2013 season.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara reacts after retiring the side and recording a save against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning Tuesday, September 3, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
Last night was the second of a three game series between two of baseball’s best, the Red Sox and the Tigers. This was slated as a pitcher’s duel between Jon Lester and league leader in wins, Max Scherzer. With that in mind, I wasn’t expecting much action to shoot, and that’s exactly how things went.
Instead, this game’s pictures were more about emotion and reaction than plays on the field, which there was quite a bit of.
Perhaps this is a preview for things to come in the playoffs.
