Rockets Smack Splinters, Freehan Sets RBI Record

Boston’s offensive woes continued. For the 3rd straight game, Splinters sluggers couldn’t score more than 2 runs. This time it was Detroit’s Bret Saberhagen who held them down. Saberhagen walked 7 and allowed 6 hits, but Boston could only muster 2 runs, and that was in the 8th as Saberhagen was tiring. Meanwhile, the Detroit Rockets pounded Catfish Hunter. Hunter lasted just 5 innings, allowing 12 hits and 9 runs. Four of those runs were unearned, thanks to rare errors by Cal Ripken Jr. and Charlie Gehringer. Bill Freehan led the Rockets’ offense from the #9 spot, going 4 for 5 with 2 HR and 7 RBI, a single-game record. Freehan needed just a double for the cycle in the 6th but lifted a 3-run blast instead. The Rockets improved to 9-6 with their 13-2 win as they look to sweep the Splinters at Fenway tomorrow. Boston has now lost 3 straight and leads the American League by just one game.

Detroit @ Boston – 4/17/22