David Ortiz Grand Slam Sends Boston Crowd into Delerium; Red Sox Win, 6-5, over Detroit

Players of the Day for Sunday, October 13, 2013

American League

David Ortiz

Max Scherzer was at his best, mowing down the Red Sox over the first five innings without allowing a hit, finally surrendering a run in the sixth, when Boston's Dustin Pedroia doubled home Shane Victorino, the Red Sox run coming after Detroit had scored four runs in the top of the inning on a solo homer by Miguel Cabrera, a pair of doubles by Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez and a two-run blast off the bat of Alex Avila.

After retiring the side in order in the seventh and fanning 13 overall, Scherzer was relieved by Jose Veras to start the eighth, which is where the game turned from Detroit looking at a commanding 2-0 lead in the series to a tie game, and finally, a Red Sox victory in the ninth.

Veras got the first out in the eighth, but then allowed a double to Drew Middlebrooks and was replaced by Drew Smyly, who walked leadoff hitter, Jacoby Ellsbury. Al Alburquerque followed to the mound, striking out Shane Victorino. Pedroia singled to load the bases, prompting Tiger manager Jim Leyland to insert closer Joaquin Benoit to pitch to David Ortiz.

With one quick swing of the bat, Ortiz tied the game with a grand slam, sending Benoit's offering into the right field stands, the crowd erupting in jubilation, Scherzer's heroic effort wasted, four relievers (maybe a few too many for one inning) charged with a run apiece.

After the Tigers failed to score in the top of the ninth, in the bottom of the frame, Rick Porcello, normally a starter, didn't record an out, allowing a single by Gomes, who took second on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Iglesias and made it to third on a wild pitch, Jerrod Saltalamacchia's single to left bringing Gomes to the plate with the game winner, tying the series at a game apiece with the sudden, 6-5 win.

The series tied, 1-1, game three takes place in Detroit on Tuesday, at 4:07 pm EDT.

National League

There was no National League game on Sunday. The NL championship series resumes Monday night at 8:07 pm EDT when the Cardinals play at Los Angeles in game three. St. Louis holds a two-games-to-one lead over the Dodgers.

Today's Trivia: Who holds the NL record for most post-season innings pitched? (answer tomorrow)

Yesterday's Answer: In 2001, Curt Schilling struck out 56 batters in 48 1/2 post-season innings.