Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Jason Giambi capped a three-run ninth with a two-run blast to right field, leading the Colorado Rockies to an 8-6 win over the Red Sox in the second of three games at Coors Field.
Ubaldo Jimenez Touched Up, But Papelbon Blows Save As Rockies Walk Off
Jonathan Papelbon (2-4) came on to protect a 6-5 lead, but Ian Stewart crushed the second pitch he saw to deep right-center, tying the score. Clint Barmes followed with a bloop single to center, setting up Giambi's fifth career game- ending homer two batters later.
“I just got a pitch that (Papelbon) made a mistake on, and I got the bat head to it,” Giambi said. “He’s an incredible closer. To get a pitch, get a mistake, you’re not going to get it very often, and I was lucky to put the bat head on the ball.”
Miguel Olivo added a two-run homer for the Rockies, who have won five of six and the first two games of this series. The comeback took Ubaldo Jimenez off the hook after the fireballer had his worst start of the season. Jimenez, who hadn't given up more than three runs in a start in 2010, gave up six runs -- four in the sixth inning -- on 10 hits while fanning seven in a season-low 5 2/3 innings.
Manuel Corpas (2-4) earned the win for pitching a scoreless frame.
Daniel Nava doubled twice and drove in three for the Red Sox, who have dropped their last four road games. Victor Martinez added three hits and a run scored, while Darnell McDonald blasted a two-run homer.
John Lackey allowed five runs, 10 hits and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.
The Red Sox trailed, 5-2, entering the sixth, but scored four runs in the frame to take the lead.
With one out, Adrian Beltre was hit by a pitch, and Nava followed with an RBI double. After Josh Reddick struck out, McDonald crushed the first pitch he saw to center for a two-run homer and a 5-5 game.
Lackey, who came into the game a career 1-for-31 batter, doubled to deep center to keep the frame alive, and he scored the go-ahead run on Marco Scutaro's single to right.
The Rockies managed just one baserunner through the sixth, seventh and eighth, setting up the dramatic finish.
“I’ve been throwing the ball well, but tonight I go out there and throw flat pitches, and it’s just unacceptable,” Papelbon said.
Olivo's two-run homer provided the game's first runs in the second inning, and Colorado doubled its lead in the third on Brad Hawpe's RBI groundout and Seth Smith's sacrifice fly.
Nava got the Red Sox on the board with a two-run double in the fourth. Dustin Pedroia and Martinez opened the inning with back-to-back singles before the next two batters were retired.
Jimenez, though, helped his own cause with an RBI single in the home half for a 5-2 Rockies lead.
Beltre had an 11-game hit streak snapped...This was the first start in which Jimenez did not receive a decision. The Rockies have won each of his last eight outings...Lackey finished with a career-high two hits.
See More:
