“Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter is interviewed in the visitor’s dugout before a game against the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, September 7, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross playfully tugs on the beard of second baseman Dustin Pedroia after Pedroia hit a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, September 7, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The home run was Davis’ 51st of the season, breaking the Baltimore Orioles all-time franchise record for home runs in a single season, previously held by Brady Anderson.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz reacts after striking out during the eighth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew reacts after striking out during the sixth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Baltimore Orioles outfielders Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Nate McLouth celebrate in center field after defeating the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, September 7, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
The Orioles are in town for a critical three-game series against the Sox. Baltimore finds themselves in the middle of a tight race for a wild-card spot in the postseason, while Boston entered the series with a magic number of 4 games to win the American League East division.
The O’s were able to sneak out a win last night, powered by a home run by the other main storyline of this series, first baseman Chris Davis. In the sixth inning, he hit his league-leading 51st home run, which broke the Baltimore Orioles all-time franchise record previously held by Brady Anderson, who hit 50 in 1996.
As a baseball fan who grew up in Baltimore watching Brady Anderson and the rest of those 90’s Orioles teams, it was neat to be on hand to shoot the record being broken. And, given my two previous seasons shooting for Baltimore, I was able to pass those photos along for Orioles marketing and social media.
That being said, I’m no mole, and for the record I’m still rooting (and shooting) for the Sox come playoff time.
“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz tips his helmet to the crowd from second base after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The double was Ortiz’ 2,000th hit of his Major League career.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a two run home run, his second home run of the game, during the seventh inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hugs third baseman Will Middlebrooks after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The double was Ortiz’ 2,000th hit of his Major League career.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks hits a grand slam home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks flips the bat after hitting a grand slam home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks throws toward first base after fielding a ground ball during the third inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster falls as he throws to first base after fielding a bunt during the fourth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox teammates playfully tug on the beard of first baseman Mike Napoli after scoring a run during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”“Boston Red Sox outfielders Mike Carp, Daniel Nava, and Jacoby Ellsbury celebrate in front of the Green Monster scoreboard after the Red Sox defeated the Detroit Tigers 20-4 on 19 hits and a franchise record-tying eight home runs Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
Last night turned out to be a historic, action-packed, and downright fun game to shoot. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Red Sox offense exploded, putting up 20 runs on 19 hits, including a franchise record-tying eight home runs.
David Ortiz put up a huge performance of his own, hitting two home runs as well as a double in the sixth inning, which marked the 2,000th hit of his Major League Career.
I’ve shot lots of crazy games in the past, but I can’t remember one where home runs, plays in the field, and player reactions were happening so quickly and consistently. It’s a good exercise in keeping your focus while shooting as several story lines are happening at once.
What a great way to end this home stand. We’ve got one more home stand to go, but hopefully more baseball to come here in Boston as October rolls around!
