Big Papi Helps Propel The Sox To Victory

MLB.com David "Big Papi" Ortiz comes through big for the Boston Red Sox against the Detroit Tigers in game 1 of their double-header this afternoon. Ortiz is usually known for his clutch hitting out of the designating hitter's position, but Red Sox manager, Terry Francona, decided to use Ortiz as a pinch hitter in the top of the 9th inning with the game tied at 3. The Tigers had put in their closer, Jose Valverde, in attempt to keep the game tied. Before the at bat, Ortiz had only faced Valverde one time in his career in which he hit a home run. Ian Brown, a writer for mlb.com, wrote an article about what happened during the game. Brown really puts what happened during the game into perspective as he writes:

The moment came with one out in the top of the ninth, when manager Terry Francona sent his star slugger up as a pinch-hitter. All Ortiz did was rake a go-ahead solo homer to right-center against Tigers closer Jose Valverde, leading the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory in Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader.

Ortiz was able to come off the bench, and do what he has always done since becoming a member of the Red Sox in 2003. When Ortiz was told that he was going to pinch hit he explains, "Just go in the cage get some swings in and make sure you’re loose-make sure you're ready to go. I know Valverde, he's got a good fastball. He's got a split-finger, but it's not like I have too many options when you come off the bench to pinch-hit. So, I just went for one pitch and he gave it to me." This has to excite Red Sox Nation due to the fact that Ortiz had one of the slowest starts of his career one year ago. With all of the weapons that the Red Sox have, and the emergence of Big Papi, the Sox should definitely be a strong contender in the American League "Big" East.