Red Sox History: Pedro Martinez Dominates in Relief
By David Hill
Every postseason, we see a starting pitcher pressed into service as a reliever in a desperate attempt to extend their season. On this day in 1999, Pedro Martinez put together one of the most dominant performances seen in such a role.
The Boston Red Sox desperately needed Pedro Martinez on this day in 1999. The Game One starter in the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians, Martinez allowed only three hits and a walk, but lasted only four innings. However, as he was hampered by an injury, it was expected that his brief start would be his only appearance in the series.
Then Game Five came around. Boston turned to Bret Saberhagen to start the pivotal game, but he allowed five runs in his only inning of work. Derek Lowe pitched the second and third, and was likewise hammered. However, as Charles Nagy was equally awful that day, the Red Sox were tied at 8-8 heading into the bottom of the fourth.
It was then that manager Jimy Williams made a surprise move. Figuring that he may go down with his best pitcher, Martinez came to the mound to start the fourth inning. The fact that he was healthy enough to head to the mound was a bit of a surprise on its own, but it was expected he would pitch an inning or two before turning the game over to the bullpen.
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As it turned out, Pedro had a little something left. He shut down the Indians in the fourth, and after a one out walk in the fifth, struck out Jim Thome and Harold Baines. Deciding to ride the hot hand, Williams left Martinez in, leading to one of the more memorable postseason performances in recent history. He fired six no hit innings, walking three and striking out eight to end the offensive outburst.
Meanwhile, the Indians had trouble with another member of the Red Sox. Planning on keeping Nomar Garciaparra from hurting them, they intentionally walked the shortstop to get to Troy O’Leary. That move backfired, as O’Leary had two homers and seven RBI, helping lead the Red Sox to a 12-8 victory, and another postseason date with the Yankees.
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Pedro Martinez became a legend during his time in Boston. On this day in 1999, the Red Sox ace started to cement his legacy.