Fenway Flashback: 1975 - Moret Works Magic as Sox Edge White Sox

August 22, 1975: Moret Works Magic as Sox Edge White Sox

After playing 35 straight games, the Red Sox finally enjoyed their second off day of the week. With a good night’s sleep in their own beds behind them, Boston returned to Fenway refreshed and ready to open a homestand against several familiar opponents. Still, thanks to wins by both Oakland and Baltimore during the Sox’ idle day, Boston entered Friday night trailing the A’s by half a game for home field and holding a 6.5-game lead in the AL East.

Fresh off taking three of four from the White Sox in Chicago, Boston welcomed the sub-.500 Pale Hose to Fenway for a three-game weekend set.

Pitching Matchup and Lineups

Roger Moret got the call for the opener, while Chicago countered with veteran lefty Claude Osteen, making what would be his final career start at Fenway Park.

Boston’s lineup for the Friday Night Opener :

Cecil Cooper (DH)

Doug Griffin (2B)

Carl Yastrzemski (1B)

Jim Rice (LF)

Fred Lynn (CF)

Carlton Fisk (C)

Dwight Evans (RF)

Rick Burleson (SS)

Bob Heise (3B)

Game Recap

The pair of lefties were dominant early, keeping the game scoreless through four innings. Moret handled Chicago in the top of the fifth, and then Boston finally broke through. The red-hot Dwight Evans launched his 12th homer of the year over the Monster to give the Sox a 1–0 lead.

In the sixth, Carl Yastrzemski created another run with his legs. After leading off with a single, Yaz stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Brian Downing. Fred Lynn followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 2–0.

The run proved crucial, as the White Sox chipped back in the seventh. Moret issued back-to-back two-out walks to Downing and Jerry…