When doing my salute to Jed Lowrie, I made a note that of the 16 post season series won by the Red Sox, three ended on an offensive walk off play by the Red Sox.Larry Gardner hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning of Game 8 to end the 1912 World Series.
David Ortiz hit a walk off 2 run homer in the 10th of Game 3 to clinch the 2004 Division Series.
And Jed Lowrie slapped a series ending single in Game 4 of the 2008 Division Series.
But in double checking that fact, I reviewed the end of each series the Sox won and saw the names of each pitcher who threw the last pitch to clinch a post season series for Boston.
Some were names forgotten by all but the most studious baseball historian.
One is one of the biggest names in Red Sox history.
Two of the great clutch relievers in Boston history are on the list.
And two relievers usually associated with blowing games had a moment of glory on the mound.
Those of you who know me know I am mildly obsessed with the pitchers who are on the mound when a series ends.
And in case any other Red Sox fan is out there wondering "Who are all the pitchers to clinch a post season series for my team?" consider your question answered.
Here are the pitchers, the game they pitched, and how was the last out recorded.
BILL DINNEEN1903 World Series – Game 8
Red Sox 3, Pirates 0
October 13, 1903
At Huntington Avenue Grounds, Boston.
Complete Game 4 hit shutout.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Honus Wagner.
RUBE FOSTER1915 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 5, Phillies 4
October 13, 1915
At Baker Bowl, Philadelphia.
Complete Game victory.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Bill Killefer grounds out to shortstop Everett Scott who throws to first baseman Del Gainer for the out.
ERINIE SHORE1916 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 4, Robins (Dodgers) 1
October 12, 1916
At Braves Field, Boston.
Complete Game victory with no earned runs.
LAST OUT: Brooklyn third baseman Mike Mowrey popped up to shortstop Everett Scott.
CARL MAYS1918 World Series - Game 5
Red Sox 2, Cubs 1
September 11, 1918
At Fenway Park, Boston.
Complete Game victory.
LAST OUT: Cubs left fielder Les Mann hit a grounder to second baseman Dave Shean who threw to first baseman Stuffy McInnes for the out.
DICK DRAGO1975 American League Championship Series - Game 3
Red Sox 5, A's 3
October 7, 1975
At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
1 2/3 innings to save the game for winner Rick Wise.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Jim Holt grounded to second baseman Denny Doyle who threw to first baseman Cecil Cooper for the out.
CALVIN SCHIRALDI1985 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 8, Angels 1
October 15, 1986
At Fenway Park, Boston
2 innings to save the game for winner Roger Clemens.
LAST OUT: Three pitch strike out of pinch hitter Jerry Narron.
PEDRO MARTINEZ1999 American League Division Series - Game 5
Red Sox 12, Indians 8
October 11, 1999
At Jacobs Field, Cleveland.
Out of the bullpen for 6 no hit innings in relief of starter Bret Saberhagen and reliever Derek Lowe.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of Omar Vizquel.
DEREK LOWE2003 American League Division Series - Game 5
Red Sox 4, A's 3
October 6, 2003
At Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland.
1 inning of relief to save the game for winner Pedro Martinez.
LAST OUT: Called third strike of pinch hitter Terrence Long.
ALAN EMBREE2004 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 10, Yankees 3
October 20, 2004
At Yankee Stadium, New York.
1/3 of an inning of relief for winner Derek Lowe and relievers Pedro Martinez and Mike Timlin.
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Ruben Sierra grounded to second baseman Pokey Reese who threw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the out.
KEITH FOULKE2004 World Series - Game 4.
Red Sox 3, Cardinals 0
October 27, 2004
At Busch Stadium, St. Louis
1 inning of relief to save the game for winner Derek Lowe.
LAST OUT: St. Louis shortstop Edgar Renteria grounded back to Foulke who threw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the out.
ERIC GAGNE2007 American League Division Series - Game 3
Red Sox 9, Angels 1
October 7, 2007
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
1 inning of relief for winner Curt Schilling
LAST OUT: Pinch hitter Robb Quinlan flies out to right fielder J. D. Drew.
JONATHAN PAPELBON2007 American League Championship Series - Game 7
Red Sox 11, Indians 2
October 21, 2007
Fenway Park, Boston
2 innings of relief to save the game for starter Daisuke Matsuzaka
LAST OUT: Casey Blake hits a long drive to centerfield where Coco Crisp crashes into the wall for the catch
2007 World Series - Game 4
Red Sox 4, Rockies 3
October 28, 2007
Coors Field, Denver
1 2/3 innings relief to save the game for starter Jon Lester.
LAST OUT: Strikeout of pinch hitter Seth Smith.
So there you have it.
Papelbon is the only one to have done it twice. And I am sure Calvin Schiraldi and Eric Gagne are honored to be on a list with Pedro Martinez.
I love that Pedro relieved Lowe in 1999...
Lowe saved Pedro's clincher in 2003...
And Pedro came out of the bullpen to relieve Lowe in 2004.
There is a nice circle of life there.
And I'm glad to see solid veterans like Dick Drago and Alan Embree here.
All of them deserve Red Sox fan's respect (yes even Calvin and Gagne.)
Hopefully I can add to this list soon.
Until then, enjoy 2007 again.
