Live-Blogging: Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins 08/31/2022

Hello, and welcome to another edition of 'Live-Blogging Shish on Baseball'. Tonight, it is an American League Wild Card battle, between Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.

Red Sox are endanger of being in last place in the American League East. They are the lone team in that division that is below .500. And they are 9 games back of Toronto Blue Jays. They need to start getting some wins and somebody in their division needs to swoon.

For the Twins, they are playing great. They are on a 5-game winning streak. And they are about to have a showdown with the Cleveland Guardians.

Twins have won the first two games of this series. They are looking for the sweep of the Red Sox.

Tonight's Starting Pitchers are a pair of right-handed pitchers. Michael Wacha will go for the Red Sox. And Joe Ryan will go for the Twins. 

It is Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, coming up shortly.

Starting Lineups:
Boston Red Sox:
1. Tommy Pham (RHB), LF
2. Alex Verdugo (LHB), RF
3. Xander Bogaerts (RHB), SS
4. Rafael Devers (LHB), 3B
5. J.D. Martinez (RHB), DH
6. Trevor Story (RHB), 2B
7. Kiké Hernández (RHB), CF
8. Bobby Dalbec (RHB), 1B
9. Kevin Plawecki (RHB), C

Minnesota Twins:
1. Luis Arraez (LHB), 1B
2. Carlos Correa (RHB), SS
3. Jose Miranda (RHB), DH
4. Max Kepler (LHB), RF
5. Kyle Garlick (RHB), LF
6. Gio Urshela (RHB), 3B
7. Nick Gordon (LHB), 2B
8. Gilberto Celestino (RHB), CF
9. Sandy León (SHB), C​

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins 08/31/2022

Red Sox are in their traveling gray uniforms, navy caps, and red 'B' on the hat. While Twins are in their alternate red jerseys and caps, and white pants.

Top of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Pham
2. Verdugo
3. Bogaerts
Joe Ryan (RHP) now starting as Twins Pitcher.
​MLB Scores:
​​First Pitch around 6:42 pm CDT.
Pham gets called out on strikes (5 pitches). 1 out.
Verdugo singles to left center field (4 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Bogaerts draws a base on balls (5 pitches). Verdugo advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Verdugo strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Martinez flies out to Kepler (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox stranded a pair of base runners.

Middle of 1st Inning:
BOS 0, MIN 0

Bottom of 1st Inning:
Due Up:
1. Arraez
2. Correa
3. Miranda
Michael Wanda (RHP) now starting as Red Sox Pitcher.
​Arraez grounds out to Story (1 pitch). 1 out.
Correa strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Miranda lines out to Pham (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins go down 1-2-3, in their half of 1st Inning.


End of 1st Inning:
BOS 0, MIN 0

Top of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
6. Story
7. Hernandez
8. Dalbec
Ryan currently at 23 pitches.
Story strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 1 out.
Hernandez flies out to Kepler (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Dalbec strikes out swinging (9 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 2nd Inning.


Middle of 2nd Inning:
BOS 0, MIN 0

Bottom of 2nd Inning:
Due Up:
4. Kepler
5. Garlick 
6. Urshela
Wacha currently at 9 pitches.
Kepler fouls out to Plawecki (3 pitches). 1 out.
Garlick strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Urshela grounds out to Bogaerts (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins go down 1-2-3, in their half of 1st Inning.


End of 2nd Inning:
BOS 0, MIN 0

Top of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
9. Plawecki
1. Pham, 0-1
2. Verdugo, 1-1
Ryan currently at 39 pitches.
Plawecki hits a lead-off single (4 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Pham singles to left center field (8 pitches). Plawecki advances to 3rd. Runners on 1st & 3rd. 
Verdugo reaches on a fielder's choice (2 pitches). Bases Loaded.
TWINS MOUND VISIT #1: Mound Visits Remaining (MVR)-BOS 5, MIN 4
GRAND SLAM: Bogaerts lines a grand slam off Joe Ryan, into left field (2 pitches). BOS 4, MIN 0
​Devers flies out to Celestino (3 pitches). 1 out.
HOME RUN: J.D. Martinez hits a solo homer off Joe Ryan (5 pitches). BOS 5, MIN 0
​Story hits a single off the right field wall (1 pitch). Runner on 1st.
TWINS MOUND VISIT #2: MVR-BOS 5, MIN 3
Ryan looking for a double play ball to end the inning. 
Hernandez flies out to Garlick (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Dalbec strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox scored 5 runs, in their half of 3rd Inning.

Middle of 3rd Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 0

Bottom of 3rd Inning:
Due Up:
7. Gordon
8. Celestino
9. Leon
Wacha currently at 22 pitches.
​Gordon grounds out to Bogaerts (2 pitches). 1 out.
Celestino flies out to Pham (8 pitches). 2 outs.
Leon hits a 2-out single to left field (3 pitches). Runner on 1st.
HOME RUN: Luis Arraez hits a 2-run homer off Michael Wacha (9 pitches). Leon scores. BOS 5, MIN 2
​Correa grounds out to Wacha (2 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins get a pair of runs, off the homer by Luis Arraez.


End of 3rd Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 2

Top of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
9: Plawecki, 1-1
1. Pham, 1-2
2. Verdugo, 1-2
Ryan currently at 71 pitches.
Plawecki hits a lead-off single to center field (1 pitch). Runner on 1st.
Pham gets hit by a pitch (2 pitches). Plawecki advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Verdugo lines out to Garlick (3 pitches). 1 out.
Bogaerts flies out to Kepler (4 pitches). 2 outs.
MLB Scores:
Devers strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox strand a pair of base runners.

Middle of 4th Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 2

Bottom of 4th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Miranda, 0-1
4. Kepler, 0-1
5. Garlick, 0-1
Wacha currently at 46 pitches.
Miranda flies out to Verdugo (2 pitches). 1 out.
Kepler gets called out on strikes (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Garlick reaches on a fielding error by Bogaerts (3 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Urshela hits an infield single to third base (2 pitches). Story advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
Gordon strikes out swinging (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins strand a pair of base runners.


End of 4th Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 2

Top of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
5. J.D. Martinez, 1-2, HR, RBI
6. Story, 1-2
7. Hernandez, 0-2
Ryan currently at 85 pitches.
Martinez pops out to Correa (1 pitch). 1 out.
Story strikes out swinging (6 pitches). 2 outs.
Hernandez hits a 2-out single to left center field (2 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Dalbec strikes out swinging (6 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox strand a base runner.

Middle of 5th Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 2

Bottom of 5th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Celestino, 0-1
9. Leon, 1-1
1. Arraez, 1-2, HR, 2 RBI
Wacha currently at 61 pitches.
Have you tried Russell's BBQ when in Chicago, Dick Bremmer?
Celestino strikes out swinging (7 pitches). 1 out.
Big road trip for the Twins, as Minnesota's Broadcast team is currently talking about. White Sox on the South Side, This Weekend. And then they head to the Bronx, to face the Yankees for four games. 
Leon strikes out swinging (5 pitches). 2 outs.
Arraez grounds out to Bogaerts (5 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins go down 1-2-3, in their half of 5th Inning.

End of 5th Inning:
BOS 5, MIN 2


Top of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Plawecki, 2-2
1. Pham, 1-2
2. Verdugo, 1-3
PITCHING CHANGE: Jovani Moran (LHP) replaces Joe Ryan (Twins Pitcher of Record), as Twins Pitcher.
​Back in July, I Live-Blogged Red Sox 4-2 Triumph Over Cubs in 11 Innings 
Plawecki hits a lead-off double (3 pitches). Runner on 2nd.
Pham strikes out swinging (5 pitches). 1 out.
You obviously don't get a hot dogs when in Chicago, Twins Announcing Team.
Verdugo strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
RBI-DOUBLE: Bogaerts hits a RBI-Double to right field line (4 pitches).Plawecki scores. Runner on 2nd. BOS 6, MIN 2
STOLEN BASE: With Devers at-bat, Bogaerts steals 3rd Base. Runner on 3rd.
Devers strikes out swinging (7 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox scored a run, in their half of 6th Inning.

Middle of 6th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 2

Bottom of 6th Inning:
Due Up:
2. Correa, 0-2
3. Miranda, 0-2
4. Kepler, 0-2
Wacha currently at 78 pitches.
​Correa draws a lead-off walk (6 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Miranda lines out to Verdugo (3 pitches). 1 out.
Kepler doubles to right field (3 pitches). Correa advances to 3rd. Runners on 2nd & 3rd.
RED SOX MOUND VISIT #1: MVR-BOS 4, MIN 3
Matt Strahm (LHP) warming up in Red Sox Bullpen.
Garlick grounds out to Dalbec, unassisted (2 pitches). 2 outs.
This looks like Michael Wacha's last batter with Gio Urshela, regardless of outcome.
Urshela gets called out on strikes (6 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins strand a pair of base runners. 

End of 6th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 2

Top of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
5. J.D. Martinez, 1-3
6. Story, 1-3
7. Hernandez, 1-3
​Moran currently at 23 pitches.
Martinez lines out to Celestino (2 pitches). 1 out.
deGrom & Mets Outlast Dodgers 2-1; MLB Scores:
Story singles to right field (3 pitches). Runner on 1st.
STOLEN BASE: With Hernandez at-bat, Story steals 2nd Base. Story reaches on a throwing error by Leon. Runner on 3rd.
Hernandez gets called out on strikes (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Dalbec strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Red Sox strand Story at third base. 

Middle of 7th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 2

Bottom of 7th Inning:
Due Up:
7. Gordon, 0-2
8. Celestino, 0-2
9. Leon, 1-2
​PITCHING CHANGE: Garrett Whitlock (RHP) replaces Michael Wacha (Boston's Pitcher of Record), as Red Sox Pitcher.
Gordon hits a lead-off double to left center field (7 pitches). Runner on 2nd.
Gary Sanchez on deck. He is looking at pinch-hitting for Sandy Leon.
Celestino grounds out to Dalbec, unassisted (6 pitches). Gordon advances to 3rd. Runner on 3rd. 1 out.
PINCH-HITTING: Gary Sanchez pinch-hitting for Sandy Leon.
Sanchez draws a base on balls (6 pitches). Runners on 1st & 3rd.
RED SOX MOUND VISIT #2: MVR-BOS 3, MIN 3
RBI-SACRIFICE-FLY: Arraez hits a RBI-Sacrifice-Fly to Hernandez (3 pitches). Gordon scores. Runner on 1st. 2 outs. BOS 6, MIN 3
Correa strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins scored a run, but stranded a base runner.

End of 7th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 3

Top of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
9. Plawecki, 3-3
1. Pham, 1-3
2. Verdugo, 1-4
​Moran currently at 35 pitches.
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Gary Sanchez stays in the game at catcher.
Plawecki grounds out to Urshela (6 pitches) 1 out.
Pham grounds out to Moran (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Verdugo grounds out to Miranda, unassisted (7 pitches). 3 outs.
​Red Sox go down 1-2-3, in their half of 8th Inning.


Middle of 8th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 3

Bottom of 8th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Miranda, 0-3
4. Kepler, 1-3
5. Garlick, 0-3
Whitlock currently at 26 pitches.
Miranda strikes out swinging (3 pitches). 1 out.
Kepler singles to center field (2 pitches). Runner on 1st.
PINCH-HITTING: Jake Cave pinch-hitting for Kyle Garlick.
RED SOX MOUND VISIT #3: MVR-BOS 2, MIN 3
Cave strikes out swinging (4 pitches). 2 outs.
Urshela singles to right field (2 pitches). Kepler advances to 3rd. Runners on 1st & 3rd.
RED SOX MOUND VISIT #4: MVR-BOS 1, MIN 3
2-RUN-DOUBLE: Gordon hits a 2-run double off the right field wall (1 pitch). Gordon is out on the throw by Verdugo. Verdugo to Devers on the putout. Kepler & Urshela score. BOS 6, MIN 5
Twins scored a pair of runs.

End of 8th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 5

Top of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
3. Bogaerts, 2-3, HR, 5 RBI
4. Devers, 0-4
5. J.D. Martinez, HR, RBI
PITCHING CHANGE: Trevor Megill (RHP) replaces Jovani Moran, as Twins Pitcher.
DEFENSIVE SWITCH: Jake Cave stays in the game at left field.
Bogaerts grounds out to Urshela (2 pitches). 1 out.
Devers fouls out to Sanchez (3 pitches). 2 outs.
Martinez hits an infield single to third base (1 pitch). Runner on 1st.
Story hits a 2-out double to right center field (3 pitches). Martinez advances to 3rd. Runners on 2nd & 3rd.
Hernandez grounds out to Miranda, unassisted (5 pitches).  3 outs.
Red Sox strand a pair of base runners in scoring position.

Middle of 9th Inning:
BOS 6, MIN 5

Bottom of 9th Inning:
Due Up:
8. Celestino, 0-3
9. Sanchez, 0-0
1. Arraez, 1-3, HR, 3 RBI
PITCHING CHANGE: Matt Barnes (RHP) replaces Garrett Whitlock, as Red Sox Pitcher.
Celestino hits an infield single to shortstop (4 pitches). Runner on 1st.
Sanchez draws a base on balls (5 pitches). Celestino advances to 2nd. Runners on 1st & 2nd.
PINCH-RUNNING: Caleb Hamilton pinch-running for Gary Sanchez.
Arraez flies out to Pham (4 pitches). 1 out.
RED SOX MOUND VISIT #4: MVR-BOS 1, MIN 3
DOUBLE PLAY: Correa grounds into 6-4-3 double play (2 pitches). 3 outs.
Twins strand a base runner to end the Game.

Final:
BOS 6, MIN 5
BOS: (63-68)
MIN: (67-62)
W: Wacha (10-1)
L: Ryan (10-7)
SV: Barnes (4)
PoG: Bogaerts (BOS) 2-4, GS, 2B, 5 RBI
ToG: 3:19

Final Thoughts:
The difference of the game tonight is the 5-run Top of 3rd Inning. That is where Xander Bogaerts lined a grand slam off Joe Ryan. And a batter later, J.D. Martinez hits a solo shot. 

Twins come back with Luis Arraez driving in 3 runs. Gordon scored a couple in the Bottom of 8th Inning.

However, the Twins let the Red Sox off the hook in the Bottom of 9th Inning, with runners on 1st & 2nd, only to end the game with a Carlos Correa ground into double play. 

With the loss, the Twins are now 1.5 GB Cleveland Guardians for the A.L. Central. 

Red Sox will head home to face the Texas Rangers, Tomorrow Night. While Twins will head to the South Side of Chicago, to face White Sox, for a crucial 3-game series. 

This is Paul Shishkoff, Junior. This has been 'Live-Blogging Shish on Baseball'. Thanks for visiting this post.