As the first-place Boston Red Sox prepared to go to war with the New York Yankees this weekend for American League East Supremacy, it was clear Jacoby Ellsbury and the Sox weren't looking past the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday night. Ellsbury stole a Red Sox-record five bases in a 9-2 win.
For video of Ellsbury's five stolen bases click here.
After the game, Ellsbury spoke about his tremendous night on the basepaths. It's pretty neat," Ellsbury said of the record. "As long as the Red Sox have been around . It's pretty special."
Red Sox manager John Farrell looked past the shock factor of seeing five steals by one player in a single game, and put into context the massive effect Ellsbury had on the entire matchup. "Single-handedly, he changed the game," Farrell said. "When you have that kind of base-stealing threat, it's a huge asset." He has now stolen 21 bases in 2013, while being caught just twice.
Ellsbury finished the night with three hits, a walk and a hit by pitch, while pushing his batting average up to .268. "Getting on base that many times, you want to take advantage and put pressure on the defense," Ellsbury said.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was not happy with the way his team countered Ellsbury's rampage. "He was getting a walking lead and we've got to stop that," Manuel said.
Ellsbury's three-hit, five-steal explosion in Philadelphia showcased his staggering production in away games. This season Ellsbury, away from the confines of Fenway Park, is hitting .312, with his lone home run, 11 RBI, and 13 of his 21 stolen bases. At home, Ellsbury's average dips to .230, and his on base percentage drops by 100 points.
Ellsbury was not the only prime performer Thursday night, though. David Ortiz and Jonny Gomes both swatted homers while Franklin Morales picked up a victory in his first start of the season. The Boston bullpen combined to throw four scoreless innings after Morales' first five.
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