Last night former Haverhill High and Northeastern University star Carlos Pena was hit by a Justin Masterson pitch in the first inning. The Red Sox thought he swung at the pitch and shouldn’t be awarded first base, but the umpires disagreed. Pena later smashed a double in the fourth, a home run in the sixth, and was robbed of a single in the seventh when he hit into the shift and second baseman Dustin Pedroia made a terrific play on the ball.
After the game it was discovered that Pena’s left index finger had been fractured by Masterson’s pitch. The Rays placed him on the 15-day disabled list before tonight’s game.
Manny Ramirez takes a nine-game hitting streak into the game. Only one of Ramirez’ 12 homers this season has been hit off a lefthander.
Jonathan Papelbon’s 17th save of the season last night was the 89th of his brief career, moving him past Jeff Reardon into fourth place on the Red Sox’ all-time saves list. Bob Stanley (132), Dick Radatz (104) and Ellis Kinder (91) are ahead of him.
Terry Francona’s 414th win with the Red Sox last night tied him with Don Zimmer for sixth on the club’s all-time victory list for managers. He should also pass Jimy Williams (414) and Jimmy Collins (455) before the year is over. Joe Cronin tops the list with 1,071 victories.