* TOP OF THE 1st, Athletics 0, Red Sox 0

Hello again, everybody ... it's series time ... I'm Ernie Harwell

and welcome to Boston Red Sox baseball ... we're coming to you from out here at the park

and you better keep your windows closed ... it's been raining here for awhile

Duke Robinson, Jr has been talking this over with the ground crew

they're playing games in both dugouts ... and they're finally rolling back the tarp

but the break hasn't helped the pitchers ... let's play some ball!

this is the Championship Series! ... Game Number One ... in this 4-game series

the season is over ... here we are, bound by these final rituals ... the festival begins

the Red Sox take the field here in the first

manager Duke Robinson, Jr sends out his squad this way ... Cecil COOPER '80 at first base

Jody REED '91 at second ... Rico PETROCELLI '69 the shortstop ... Wade BOGGS '87 at third

the outfield consists of ... Carl YASTRZEMSKI '67 in left field ... Fred LYNN '79 in center field

and Dwight EVANS '82 over in right ... Carlton FISK '77 is behind the plate

at DH and batting fourth ... Jim RICE '78 ... and going today for Boston

the right-hand throwing Roger CLEMENS '97 ... when he's on that strike zone gets awfully big

good control ... he'll be facing Athletics starter ... left-hander Vida BLUE '71

we'll tell you about him in the bottom half ... pitchers are penalized in this park

you can reach the fence pretty easily ... the weather ... light gusts

wind not a big factor today ... so settle in ... this is a championship game

Darrell EVANS '73 will start the 1st

* D. EVANS '73 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The delivery from CLEMENS '97 ... hit deep ... it's going ... but it won't make it

YASTRZEMSKI '67 hauls it in ... one away

Phil GARNER '79 is the next hitter

* P. GARNER '79 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

To the plate ... grounded to the right side ... and REED '91 gloves it ... the throw

in plenty of time ... for the second out

Jose CANSECO '88 is up next

* J. CANSECO '88 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 1st, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The delivery ... swung on ... fly ball right field ... EVANS '82 moves under it ... backpedals

and takes it in ... that's three away

So the Athletics go quietly ... Athletics nothing Red Sox coming up

* BOTTOM OF THE 1st, Athletics 0, Red Sox 0

The Athletics take the field here in the first ... Duke Robinson, Jr has set his opening slate

Mark MCGWIRE '98 at first base ... Phil GARNER '79 at second

Bert CAMPANERIS '70 the shortstop ... Sal BANDO '69 at third ... the outfield consists of

Jose CANSECO '88 in left field ... Rick MONDAY '76 in center field

and Reggie JACKSON '69 over in right ... Mickey TETTLETON '91 is behind the plate

batting in the one spot and DHing ... Darrell EVANS '73 ... and on the mound for the Athletics

the left-hander Vida BLUE '71 ... he'll throw it by just about any batter

Here's Wade BOGGS '87 to start it off ... hitting from the left side

* W. BOGGS '87 facing V. BLUE '71, B 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The pitch ... and it's popped up ... behind home plate ... TETTLETON '91 making the call

and the catch ... one away

Next to bat for Boston is Dwight EVANS '82 ... from the right

* D. EVANS '82 facing V. BLUE '71, B 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The pitch ... grounded hard to short ... CAMPANERIS '70 fields it ... over to MCGWIRE '98 at first

in plenty of time ... two away

Carl YASTRZEMSKI '67 coming up

* C. YASTRZEMSKI '67 facing V. BLUE '71, B 1st, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The pitch comes in ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 hits it nine miles ... deep to right field ... fair ball!

and it's long gone! ... home run for YASTRZEMSKI '67 ... he has poked one out down the line

Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

So YASTRZEMSKI '67 has his 1st homer of the series ... clubbed in his very first at bat

and the Red Sox go ahead by a run 1-0 ... 1st inning

Two down ... it's now Jim RICE '78 to bat ... he swings from the right side

* J. RICE '78 facing V. BLUE '71, B 1st, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

The pitch ... it's a ground-hugger to short ... CAMPANERIS '70 gloves it

and easily throws out RICE '78 ... and that retires the side

For the Red Sox ... a run on one hit ... and they capture the lead ... Athletics down 1-0

Oakland due up

* TOP OF THE 2nd, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

MCGWIRE '98 JACKSON '69 and TETTLETON '91 to bat next

Well ... Mark MCGWIRE '98 will start it off here in the 2nd ... a right-sider

* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

He brings it in ... banged to left center ... YASTRZEMSKI '67's running to the gap

LYNN '79's racing over ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 calls him off ... and makes the catch ... one away

Now coming to bat for the Athletics Reggie JACKSON '69

* R. JACKSON '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

And the pitch comes in ... he goes the other way ... blooper to center ... toward the gap

LYNN '79 runs in on it ... PETROCELLI '69's backing up ... LYNN '79 makes the catch ... two gone

Mickey TETTLETON '91 up there

* M. TETTLETON '91 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

Here he comes ... another wide one ... ball four ... and Mickey heads down to first

that was TETTLETON '91's first walk of the series

Two down 2nd inning ... one on ... Sal BANDO '69 is out to get his licks ... he bats right

* S. BANDO '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1

Here comes the pitch ... high ... and TETTLETON '91's off the bag ... FISK '77 pumps

but holds the ball ... ball one

* S. BANDO '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1

CLEMENS '97 delivers ... hit deep ... LYNN '79 takes three steps to his right ... backs

this should do it ... he squeezes it ... to retire the side

The half for the Athletics ... oh oh and oh ... they leave 1

Red Sox over the Athletics 1 nothing

* BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

For Boston here in the 2nd ... LYNN '79 PETROCELLI '69 and COOPER '80

Fred LYNN '79 will get it started for the Red Sox ... he swings from the left side

* F. LYNN '79 facing V. BLUE '71, B 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

BLUE '71 brings it to the plate ... BLUE '71 fans him ... one away

Rico PETROCELLI '69 is now up

* R. PETROCELLI '69 facing V. BLUE '71, B 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

The pitch ... swing and a miss ... hang up a K for BLUE '71

a pair of strikeouts for BLUE '71 here in the 2nd ... two away

Alright... ... Cecil COOPER '80 walks up ... two down

* C. COOPER '80 facing V. BLUE '71, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

BLUE '71 into the wind ... he swings ... but he held up ... and it's ball four

Cecil takes his base on the walk ... that was COOPER '80's first walk of the series

Two away 2nd inning ... one on ... next up Carlton FISK '77

* C. FISK '77 facing V. BLUE '71, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0

The pitch from BLUE '71 ... banged to right ... and it drops ... JACKSON '69 takes it on the hop

COOPER '80's well around second

TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)

they're waving him on

THROW TO THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here comes the throw

TRY FOR SECOND ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here's the play at third ... and he's ... out by inches! ... Red Sox go down

That'll do it for Boston ... no runs on one hit ... one left

so the Red Sox fail to capitalize on the runner ... after two it's still 1-0 Red Sox

* TOP OF THE 3rd, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

MONDAY '76 CAMPANERIS '70 and EVANS '73 due up for Oakland

Here's Rick MONDAY '76 to lead it off

* R. MONDAY '76 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

He cranks and fires ... wide by a hair ... free ticket to first for MONDAY '76

that was MONDAY '76's first walk of the series

Athletics hitter Bert CAMPANERIS '70

* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 3rd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1

Firstbaseman COOPER '80 ready for a throw from CLEMENS '97 ... the offering ... swung on

one-hopper to second ... shovels to PETROCELLI '69 ... for one ... back to first ... not in time!

CAMPANERIS '70 beats it out ... but they get the lead runner ... one away

Darrell EVANS '73 to face CLEMENS '97

* D. EVANS '73 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 3rd, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1

CLEMENS '97 now ... EVANS '73 waves at one in the dirt ... and he's a strikeout victim ... two down

Two gone 3rd inning ... one on ... we have GARNER '79 to bat for the Athletics

* P. GARNER '79 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1

Here comes the pitch ... taken ... there goes CAMPANERIS '70

MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)

FISK '77 strongarms it down there ... the slide ... too late

CAMPANERIS '70 dusts himself off at second ... that's his 1st steal of the series

* P. GARNER '79 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1

CLEMENS '97 working on CAMPANERIS '70 to hold him close ... the pitch

slow chopper toward PETROCELLI '69 ... he charges it ... surrounds it ... juggles it

he'll go to first ... and that's out number three

For the Athletics ... oh oh and oh ... they leave 1 ... they had a chance but could not convert

Red Sox still with a 1 run lead ... we go to the bottom of the third inning

* BOTTOM OF THE 3rd, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

For Boston here in the 3rd ... REED '91 BOGGS '87 and EVANS '82

Leading off Jody REED '91

* J. REED '91 facing V. BLUE '71, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

Now he comes home with it ... in the air to center ... MONDAY '76 has it in his sights

and he tucks it away ... one away

Alright... ... the Red Sox have ... one down bases empty ... we have Wade BOGGS '87 coming up to hit

* W. BOGGS '87 facing V. BLUE '71, B 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

BLUE '71 comes to the plate ... another wide one ... ball four ... and Wade heads down to first

that was BOGGS '87's first walk of the series

Dwight EVANS '82 up there

* D. EVANS '82 facing V. BLUE '71, B 3rd, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0

The offering to EVANS '82 ... just catches the plate ... see ya later ... two gone

BOGGS '87 on first two outs ... left-handed hitter Carl YASTRZEMSKI '67

gets set to bat against BLUE '71

* C. YASTRZEMSKI '67 facing V. BLUE '71, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0

The pitch ... swung on ... lined to short ... he leaps ... caught!

For the Red Sox ... no runs on no hits ... there were no errors ... they leave one

so the Red Sox fail to capitalize on the runner ... we've played three

Athletics still down by 1

* TOP OF THE 4th, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

Boston will now face ... the heart of the Athletics lineup

CANSECO '88 MCGWIRE '98 and JACKSON '69 coming up

Jose CANSECO '88 will start it off here in the 4th

* J. CANSECO '88 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

The offering to CANSECO '88 ... half swing ... he held up ... but it caught the corner

CANSECO '88 can't believe it ... one away

Here's Mark MCGWIRE '98 coming to the plate

* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1

The pitch ... banged to left center ... deep in the gap ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 won't get it

he's chasing it down ... MCGWIRE '98 makes second ... he looks at third

but he'll have to hold ... for Oakland ... the 1st hit in this game

For Oakland one gone one on ... JACKSON '69 is stepping up to hit against CLEMENS '97

* R. JACKSON '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1

Now CLEMENS '97 pitches ... swing and a miss ... JACKSON '69 goes down on strikes ... two gone

One on ... we have Mickey TETTLETON '91 coming up to hit ... hitting from the left side here

* M. TETTLETON '91 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1

The pitch ... breaking ball ... called strike three ... three down

The half for the Athletics ... no runs one hit ... they leave 1

they had a chance but could not convert ... the score is still 1-0 Boston

as we go to the bottom of the fourth inning

* BOTTOM OF THE 4th, Athletics 0, Red Sox 1

For Boston it'll be ... RICE '78 LYNN '79 and PETROCELLI '69

To get it going for the Red Sox here's Jim RICE '78 ... a right-sider

* J. RICE '78 facing V. BLUE '71, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0

The offering to RICE '78 ... a blast to right ... way back ... it's gone!

he just went with the pitch

Athletics 0, Red Sox 2

So they collect a solo homer ... his 1st home run of the series ... and Boston increases its lead

this ballgame now 2-0

Well ... Fred LYNN '79 to hit ... no outs a run in

* F. LYNN '79 facing V. BLUE '71, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-0

The pitch comes in ... pulled toward second ... just out of reach

LYNN '79 rounds first and holds ... he's on with a single

No one out 4th inning ... one on ... Rico PETROCELLI '69 up

* R. PETROCELLI '69 facing V. BLUE '71, B 4th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-0

Here's the pitch ... it's a shot to left center ... CANSECO '88's racing to the gap

he's on the track ... caught! ... that's one down ... LYNN '79's at second

he'll go back to first

One out 4th inning ... one on ... Cecil COOPER '80 gets set to face BLUE '71 ... batting left

* C. COOPER '80 facing V. BLUE '71, B 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-0

The pitch ... BLUE '71 fans him ... two gone

For Boston ... two outs LYNN '79 down at first ... the bottom of the fourth inning

Carlton FISK '77 up to hit

* C. FISK '77 facing V. BLUE '71, B 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-0

He lets it go ... easy bouncer to GARNER '79 ... he's up with it

over to CAMPANERIS '70 covering second ... in time ... three down

The half for the Red Sox ... one run 2 hits no errors ... they leave 1

they help CLEMENS '97 a little ... the score now stands 2-0 ... Athletics trail

* TOP OF THE 5th, Athletics 0, Red Sox 2

CLEMENS '97 will now face the bottom of the Athletics lineup

BANDO '69 MONDAY '76 and CAMPANERIS '70 coming up

Sal BANDO '69 leading off the 5th

* S. BANDO '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-2

The pitch ... grounded to the right side ... wide of first ... and it squirts by COOPER '80

and on into right for a base hit ... and BANDO '69 has himself a single

Here comes Rick MONDAY '76 to take his cuts

* R. MONDAY '76 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 5th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-2

Now CLEMENS '97 comes home with it ... towering fly ball ... back goes YASTRZEMSKI '67

he snags it ... one down ... and BANDO '69 returns to first

For Oakland ... one down BANDO '69 on first ... the next Athletics batter is Bert CAMPANERIS '70

right-hander

* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-2

The pitch comes in ... swung on ... popped up ... BOGGS '87 moves toward the line ... he's under it

and he makes the catch

Darrell EVANS '73 coming up

* D. EVANS '73 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-2

He wheels and deals ... and he misses ... ball one

* D. EVANS '73 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-2

CLEMENS '97 cranks it up ... EVANS '73 lofts an air-ball to left

YASTRZEMSKI '67 and LYNN '79 range over ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 says he'll take it

and just barely does ... a little snow cone in his glove ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 is smiling now

Athletics go down

For the Athletics ... no runs on one hit ... they leave 1

they had a chance but could not convert ... Athletics trailing by 2 ... as we go to the home half

* BOTTOM OF THE 5th, Athletics 0, Red Sox 2

REED '91 BOGGS '87 and EVANS '82 due up for Boston

Jody REED '91 starts it for the Red Sox

* J. REED '91 facing V. BLUE '71, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-0

Here's the pitch ... popped a mile high ... TETTLETON '91 throws off his mask ... he's there

takes a step back ... and brings it down ... one down

Now at bat Wade BOGGS '87

* W. BOGGS '87 facing V. BLUE '71, B 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-0

BLUE '71 delivers ... a blast to right ... that could be trouble ... JACKSON '69's chasing it

he's at the track ... against the wall ... he makes the catch ... two down

Next up...Boston hitter Dwight EVANS '82

* D. EVANS '82 facing V. BLUE '71, B 5th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-0

The pitch ... fisted to right by EVANS '82 ... JACKSON '69 will have to hustle ... he's there

and hauls it in ... that's three away

The Athletics retire the side in order ... the score still stands 2-0 Athletics down

as we head for the top of the sixth inning

* TOP OF THE 6th, Athletics 0, Red Sox 2

The big hitters coming up against CLEMENS '97 ... 2-3-4 ... GARNER '79 CANSECO '88 and MCGWIRE '98

Well ... here's Phil GARNER '79 to start it off

* P. GARNER '79 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-2

The pitch ... hit hard toward the gap in right center ... LYNN '79's racing back ... he won't get it

it's off the wall ... LYNN '79 chases it down ... GARNER '79 cruises in to second

Well ... runner on second no outs ... CANSECO '88 now walks out to bat

* J. CANSECO '88 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 6th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-2

CLEMENS '97 working on GARNER '79 to hold him close ... he's on with a lead-off double

here's a pitch ... popped up ... BOGGS '87 moves toward the line ... PETROCELLI '69's racing over

into foul territory ... he waves off BOGGS '87 ... and makes the catch ... one away

GARNER '79 holds second

One down 6th inning ... one on ... right-handed batter Mark MCGWIRE '98 now walks out to bat

he's their clean-up hitter

* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-2

GARNER '79 edges a bit more off second ... the delivery ... chopper out to the mound

CLEMENS '97 has it ... goes to first ... and throws it away ... GARNER '79's being waved home

he'll score ... and MCGWIRE '98 holds at first ... that'll be an error on CLEMENS '97

Athletics 1, Red Sox 2

The Athletics are on the board ... cutting that lead in half

and these fans just inched forward in their seats

One down 6th inning ... one on ... Reggie JACKSON '69 gets set to face CLEMENS '97 ... batting left

* R. JACKSON '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2

The pitch to JACKSON '69 ... jams him ... on the hands ... it rolls slowly toward short

PETROCELLI '69 charges in ... picks it up ... wings it to COOPER '80 ... not in time

and JACKSON '69 picks up a scratch base hit ... the tying run is now at second base

For Oakland ... MCGWIRE '98 at second...JACKSON '69 at first one gone

the top of the sixth inning ... Oakland now sends Mickey TETTLETON '91 to bat

* M. TETTLETON '91 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 6th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-2

The runners take their lead ... now he comes home with it ... rapped back to the mound

CLEMENS '97 has it ... turns and fires to second ... back to first ... yes!...double play

and they get out of the inning

That'll do it for Oakland ... a run on 2 hits ... one misadventure for the Red Sox ... they score

but still trail by 1 ... the score now stands 2-1 Red Sox

* BOTTOM OF THE 6th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 2

The Red Sox now send up ... the heart of their order to face BLUE '71

YASTRZEMSKI '67 RICE '78 and LYNN '79

Carl YASTRZEMSKI '67 to lead it off

* C. YASTRZEMSKI '67 facing V. BLUE '71, B 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

BLUE '71 now ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 blasts a drive to right center ... it might have the distance

it rattles the wall ... MONDAY '76 plays the carom ... YASTRZEMSKI '67's going for two

here's the throw ... and YASTRZEMSKI '67 pulls in to second with a long double

Carl with his 2nd hit in this game

For Boston ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 standing out at second no one out

right-handed hitter Jim RICE '78 ... gets set to bat against BLUE '71

* J. RICE '78 facing V. BLUE '71, B 6th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 2-1

BLUE '71 spins and fires to second ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 hits the dirt ... the tag

YASTRZEMSKI '67's back safely ... BLUE '71's back on the rubber

now BLUE '71 comes home with it ... grounded deep into the hole

CAMPANERIS '70 is over...stabs for it ... he stops it ... long throw to first ... one down

and YASTRZEMSKI '67 moves to third

Well ... Fred LYNN '79 steps up to face BLUE '71 ... the Red Sox have

one away YASTRZEMSKI '67 on third

* F. LYNN '79 facing V. BLUE '71, B 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 2-1

Infield deep ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 down the line some at third ... the pitch ... lined into center

MONDAY '76 charges in ... and he grabs it on the run ... the ball seemed to hang up for him

YASTRZEMSKI '67 tags

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

but they're holding him at third ... that ball just not deep enough

Two gone 6th inning ... one on ... Boston now sends Rico PETROCELLI '69 to bat

* R. PETROCELLI '69 facing V. BLUE '71, B 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 2-1

Checks third ... he wheels and deals ... swung on ... grounded hard toward CAMPANERIS '70

it's by him into left ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 scores ... PETROCELLI '69 holds first with a single

Athletics 1, Red Sox 3

So PETROCELLI '69 with a ribbie-single ... and the Red Sox add to their lead

it's now a 3-1 ballgame

Well ... Cecil COOPER '80 up ... two gone runner on first

And here comes Athletics manager Duke Robinson, Jr ... he's asking BLUE '71 for the ball

coming in to pitch is Paul LINDBLAD '75 ... the left-hander

so BLUE '71 goes five and two thirds ... his line ... 3 runs ... so far ... on 6 hits

2 homers ... walked 2 ... he fans 4 ... he's responsible for the runner ... he can only lose it

for LINDBLAD '75 his first appearance in the series ... he's a southpaw

he's looking for one out

One on ... the bottom of the sixth inning

Cecil COOPER '80 is stepping up to hit against LINDBLAD '75 ... he bats left-handed

* C. COOPER '80 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1

LINDBLAD '75 cranks it up ... hit deep ... MONDAY '76 takes three steps to his right ... backs

this should do it ... he brings it down ... for the final out

The half for the Red Sox ... one run 2 hits no errors ... they leave 1

they give CLEMENS '97 some extra room ... Athletics trailing 3-1

* TOP OF THE 7th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 3

Bottom of the lineup ... BANDO '69 MONDAY '76 and CAMPANERIS '70 coming up

Sal BANDO '69 will start the 7th

* S. BANDO '69 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3

The pitch ... easy fly ball to YASTRZEMSKI '67 ... plenty of room ... he moves under it

and brings it down ... for out number one

Rick MONDAY '76 walking up to bat

* R. MONDAY '76 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3

The pitch from CLEMENS '97 ... hit in the air to left field ... YASTRZEMSKI '67's over

he's there ... and he takes it in ... notch two

Bert CAMPANERIS '70 to hit for the Athletics ... bats right

* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3

He brings it in ... bounced up the middle ... REED '91's racing over ... he's got it

spins...fires to first ... not in time! ... and they are giving him the base hit

Darrell EVANS '73 up to bat ... he's their lead-off hitter ... the Athletics have

two down CAMPANERIS '70 on first

* D. EVANS '73 facing R. CLEMENS '97, T 7th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3

CLEMENS '97 with the offering ... an infield roller by EVANS '73 ... PETROCELLI '69 charges

the flip to first ... to retire the side

That'll do it for Oakland ... no runs on one hit ... one left ... Red Sox still with a 2 run lead

we go to the bottom of the seventh inning ... okay, folks, on your feet

take a break for the 7th inning stretch

* BOTTOM OF THE 7th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 3

For Boston here in the 7th ... FISK '77 REED '91 and BOGGS '87

Carlton FISK '77 to lead it off for the Red Sox ... he hits from the right

* C. FISK '77 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1

The pitch ... just off the corner ... a base on balls

that was FISK '77's first walk of the series

Now at bat Jody REED '91

* J. REED '91 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 7th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1

Now he comes home with it ... REED '91 pounds it on the ground ... GARNER '79 stops it on one hop

shovels to CAMPANERIS '70 for the force ... and he leaps over FISK '77 and guns it to first

not in time! ... REED '91 reaches ... but they get the lead runner ... one down

One on ... next up Wade BOGGS '87 ... we're back at the top of the order

* W. BOGGS '87 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 7th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1

They're holding REED '91 ... the pitch ... grounded deep toward the hole

BANDO '69 just reaches it ... and he won't get off the throw ... BOGGS '87 rounds first and holds

infield hit for BOGGS '87

Dwight EVANS '82 to hit ... REED '91 at second...BOGGS '87 at first one out

* D. EVANS '82 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 3-1

The runners take their lead ... the pitch ... inside ... ball one

* D. EVANS '82 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, B 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 3-1

LINDBLAD '75 comes to him ... EVANS '82 started to swing ... did he hold up?

they check with the first base ump ... a base on balls for EVANS '82 ... that fills the bases

that was EVANS '82's first walk of the series

The Red Sox have ... one out bases choked ... REED '91, BOGGS '87, EVANS '82 around the diamond

the bottom of the seventh inning ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 is stepping up to hit against LINDBLAD '75

And here comes Athletics manager Duke Robinson, Jr ... again

he's asking LINDBLAD '75 for the ball

Robinson, Jr is bringing in Rollie FINGERS '81 to face YASTRZEMSKI '67

he'll lose the platoon advantage ... so LINDBLAD '75 goes only two thirds of an inning

his line ... one hit ... 2 walks ... he's responsible for the runners

for FINGERS '81 his first appearance in the series ... he's a right-handed pitcher

he has his work cut out for him

Here's Carl YASTRZEMSKI '67 to hit for the Red Sox ... the Red Sox have ... one out bases crowded

REED '91, BOGGS '87, EVANS '82 around the diamond

* C. YASTRZEMSKI '67 facing R. FINGERS '81, B 7th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 3-1

Infielders back ... the runners take their lead ... the pitch

YASTRZEMSKI '67 drives one down the left field line ... it's in there for a base hit

CANSECO '88 is over quickly ... REED '91 scores ... BOGGS '87 is around third

EVANS '82 is well around second

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

they're waving BOGGS '87 in

TRY FOR THIRD ALSO? (1-yes, 2-no*)

THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here comes the throw home

TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here's the play at the plate ... and he's ... safe easily ... and EVANS '82 holds at second

YASTRZEMSKI '67 holds at first

Athletics 1, Red Sox 5

So the single drives in two ... the score now 5-1

Jim RICE '78 bat in hand

* J. RICE '78 facing R. FINGERS '81, B 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 5-1

The runners take their lead ... FINGERS '81 cranks it up ... popped high to the left side

BANDO '69 moves toward the line ... he camps under it ... infield fly called

and he brings it down ... and the runners hold

Fred LYNN '79 getting ready to go

* F. LYNN '79 facing R. FINGERS '81, B 7th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 5-1

He brings it home ... healthy cut by LYNN '79 ... he's out on strikes ... three down

That'll do it for Boston ... 2 runs on 2 hits ... there were no errors ... they leave 2

so the Red Sox now with a safer margin ... Athletics down 5-1 ... Oakland due up

* TOP OF THE 8th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 5

Here come the big guns for the Athletics ... GARNER '79 CANSECO '88 and MCGWIRE '98

To get it going Phil GARNER '79

Coming in to play left field for the Red Sox is Amos OTIS '78 ... YASTRZEMSKI '67 leaves the game

To get it going Phil GARNER '79

Robinson, Jr is bringing in Juan AGOSTO '88 to face GARNER '79 ... he'll lose the platoon advantage

so CLEMENS '97 gets his innings ... he pitched seven ... he yielded ... one unearned run

on 5 hits ... 2 walks ... he fans 4 ... he stands to win it

for AGOSTO '88 his first appearance in the series ... he's a southpaw

Here's Phil GARNER '79 to lead it off

* P. GARNER '79 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-5

The pitch ... fly ball center field ... should be no trouble ... LYNN '79's there

and he pulls it in ... one away

Now at bat Jose CANSECO '88

* J. CANSECO '88 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-5

AGOSTO '88 brings it home ... another wide one ... ball four ... and CANSECO '88 heads down to first

that was CANSECO '88's first walk of the series

Here comes Mark MCGWIRE '98 to take his cuts

* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-5

He lets one go ... OOOOF! ... MCGWIRE '98 flails the air ... but fails to make contact with the ball

he heads back to the bench ... two gone

Reggie JACKSON '69 is now up

* R. JACKSON '69 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-5

AGOSTO '88 kicks and delivers ... OOOOF! ... JACKSON '69 flails the air

but fails to make contact with the ball ... he heads back to the bench ... three down

For the Athletics ... nothing across ... no errors ... one left

they had a chance but could not convert ... Red Sox still leading by 4

and we'll go to the home half

* BOTTOM OF THE 8th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 5

The Red Sox will have ... PETROCELLI '69 COOPER '80 and FISK '77 here in the 8th

Rico PETROCELLI '69 to lead it off

They'll go to Blue Moon ODOM '68 ... the right-hander

so FINGERS '81 goes only two thirds of an inning ... his line ... one hit ... one strikeout

for ODOM '68 his first appearance in the series ... he's a right-handed pitcher

Here's Rico PETROCELLI '69 to lead it off

* R. PETROCELLI '69 facing B. ODOM '68, B 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 5-1

ODOM '68 with the pitch ... grounded weakly to MCGWIRE '98 ... and he steps on first for the out

one away

Next batter...Cecil COOPER '80

* C. COOPER '80 facing B. ODOM '68, B 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 5-1

The offering from ODOM '68 ... swung on ... lined to short ... he won't get it

and COOPER '80 is on at first

Red Sox hitter Carlton FISK '77

* C. FISK '77 facing B. ODOM '68, B 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 5-1

Firstbaseman MCGWIRE '98 perched right in front of the bag ... ODOM '68 comes to the plate

there's called third strike ... right down the pike ... but FISK '77 couldn't unshoulder his bat

he must have been looking for something else ... two down

Red Sox hitter Jody REED '91

* J. REED '91 facing B. ODOM '68, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 5-1

Firstbaseman MCGWIRE '98 ready for a throw from ODOM '68 ... and COOPER '80 takes off

ODOM '68 deals ... two-hopper to firstbaseman MCGWIRE '98 ... waves off ODOM '68

steps on the bag ... and that's it

That'll do it for Boston ... no runs on one hit ... one left ... they cannot add to their lead

we've played eight ... Athletics still down by 4

* TOP OF THE 9th, Athletics 1, Red Sox 5

TETTLETON '91 BANDO '69 and MONDAY '76 due up for Oakland

Mickey TETTLETON '91 will start the 9th

Bo DIAZ '82 is now catching for Boston ... Robinson, Jr takes FISK '77 out of the game

Here's Mickey TETTLETON '91 to start it off

* M. TETTLETON '91 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-5

And the pitch ... way off the plate ... that'll be ball four ... and a free pass for TETTLETON '91

Now coming up Sal BANDO '69

* S. BANDO '69 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-5

The offering from AGOSTO '88 ... swung on ... stroked solidly to left field

it drops in front of OTIS '78 ... he fields it ... TETTLETON '91 rounds second

TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)

but the coach is signaling to stop ... he'll stop there ... as the throw comes in

and Sal has himself a single ... Sal with his 2nd hit in this game

Alright... ... runners at first and second nobody out

it's now the port-side swinger Rick MONDAY '76 to bat

* R. MONDAY '76 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, No Outs, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-5

The pitch ... checked swing ... he held up ... and he walks ... that fills the bases

Here's Bert CAMPANERIS '70 to hit for the Athletics ... for Oakland ... the bases are loaded no outs

TETTLETON '91, BANDO '69, MONDAY '76 around the diamond

Athletics manager Duke Robinson, Jr looking at his scoresheet

He's calling on his reserves ... you can mark CAMPANERIS '70 out for the Athletics

Chet LEMON '79 will bat in his place ... bats right ... he grabs a bat ... heads out

Chet LEMON '79 coming up ... LEMON '79 is up here for the first time in the series

he gets his share of hits

* C. LEMON '79 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-5

Infielders back ... the pitch ... in tight ... ball one

* C. LEMON '79 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-5

Infield deep ... the runners take their lead ... to the plate ... just over the knees

the plate ump thumbs him out ... that's one! ... and he leaves the bases loaded

and he gets the strikeout just when he needs it ... but the threat is very much alive

Darrell EVANS '73 up ... he's their lead-off hitter ... the Athletics have

one away bases crowded ... TETTLETON '91, BANDO '69, MONDAY '76 around the diamond ... down by 4

* D. EVANS '73 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-5

Infield back at double play depth ... the runners take their lead ... AGOSTO '88 with the pitch

ties him up inside ... and EVANS '73 swings through it ... AGOSTO '88 notches a strikeout

two gone ... and he leaves the bases loaded

a pair of bases loaded strikeouts for AGOSTO '88 here in the 9th

Two away bases choked ... the next Athletics batter is Phil GARNER '79 ... right-hander

batting second

* P. GARNER '79 facing J. AGOSTO '88, T 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Loaded, Behind 1-5

The runners take their lead ... AGOSTO '88 with the offering ... popped foul behind first

REED '91's over ... waves off COOPER '80 ... they may get out of trouble ... and they do

and that's it

The Athletics have lost this game ... the Red Sox have won it ... Game 1 goes to the Red Sox!!

Boston shuts down the Athletics bats with a 6-hitter! ... here's the line ... for the Red Sox

5 runs on 9 hits ... one error ... they leave 7 ... for the Athletics ... a run on 6 hits

no errors ... and they leave 10 ... CLEMENS '97 gets the win...his 1st

BLUE '71 takes the loss...his 1st ... in this 4-game series ... they now stand at ... Boston

one win ... no losses ... that puts the wraps on this one ... this is WAPBA and Ernie Harwell

saying so long from Boston ... Red Sox take this one from the Athletics ... 5-1

FINAL SCORE : Athletics 1, Red Sox 5