Bay triples, scores winning run in 2-1 Red Sox win

[August 02, 2008]  BOSTON (AP) -- Jason Bay made a smashing debut with Boston by tripling and scoring the winning run in the 12th inning Friday night as the Red Sox began the post-Manny Ramirez era with a 2-1 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Bay was obtained from Pittsburgh on Thursday in the deal that sent the slugging Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The former Pirate took Ramirez's spot - in left field and with clutch hitting.

He had failed to put the ball in play in his first five at bats - two walks, a hit by pitch and two strikeouts - before he came up with two outs in the 12th against Alan Embree (1-4). He hit the ball high to left field with the crowd hoping for a game-winning homer.

But it hit the wall and Bay slid into third with a triple. J.D. Drew then was walked intentionally.

Jed Lowrie, who had left the bases loaded in the 10th, then hit a soft bouncer past the mound. Shortstop Bobby Crosby rushed in, grabbed it and threw to first. But Lowrie beat the throw, scoring Bay with the winning run.

[Associated Press]

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