Peavy Debuts and Sox Win 5-2

Jake Peavy‘s Red Sox debut, fittingly in Fenway Park, was dominant. The right hander hurled 99 pitches, allowing only 4 hits and 2 earned runs. His 2 walks and 7 strike outs impressed.

Aug 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) prior to a game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks scored first on a solo homerun by Paul Goldschmidt in the 4th inning. The Sox answered in the 5th inning with a solo homerun by Shane Victorino. But the Sox offense really came alive in the 7th. Jacoby Ellsbury singled off a previously strong Patrick Corbin and scored Stephen Drew. Victorino’s sacrifice fly scored Brock Holt. Jacoby also had his 40th stolen base. He’s leading majors, three ahead of San Diego’s Everth Cabrera.

Things got tense in the top of the 8th inning when Peavy came out but after giving up a no-out single to Will Nieves, he was pulled. He exited the field with a nice tip of the cap. Craig Breslow came in and hit Cliff Pennington with a pitch and gave up a single to Gerardo Parra. Junichi Tazawa was called upon to deal with the no-out, bases-loaded mess. Aaron Hill singled, scoring Nieves (run charged to Peavy). Pennington was called out at home, preserving the Sox lead. Tazawa went on to strike out Goldschmidt and get Eric Chavez to line out. (Big sighs of relief escaped the Fenway Faithful.)

In the bottom of the 8th the Sox extended their lead when Mike Napoli walked and Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered to right field.

Koji Uehara started the 9th inning off with a walk, but thankfully got Cody Ross to ground into a force out and Jason Kubel to hit into a double play, preserving the Sox 5-2 victory and first place.

The Sox face the Diamondbacks again tomorrow at 1:35.