Fenway Flashback: 1986 - Darrell Evans Powers Tigers past the Sox in Extras

April 9, 1986: Darrell Evans Powers Tigers past the Sox in Extras

After stewing over their Opening Day loss to the Tigers, the Red Sox were hoping to record their first W of the 1986 season. Today, the Red Sox had to battle more than just the Tigers’ lineup though. The noon start, along with a high of 40 degrees, was a big shift from the comfortable temperatures of Opening Day.

Pitching Matchup and Lineups

John McNamara felt comfortable giving his winningest pitcher from the previous year, Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, the second start, while the Tigers were counting on their crafty lefty, Frank Tanana, to keep the team undefeated.

The lineup for Day 2:

Dwight Evans (RF)

Wade Boggs (3B)

Bill Buckner (1B)

Jim Rice (LF)

Don Baylor (DH)

Tony Armas (CF)

Rich Gedman (C)

Marty Barrett (2B)

Glenn Hoffman (SS)

Game Recap

Like Game 1, the Sox got out to an early lead…just not quite as early. Tanana and Boyd kept their opponents off the board for the first two innings, but in the top of the third, Boston put up a crooked number. Dwight Evans started the inning with a leadoff walk and scored on a two-run homer by Wade Boggs. Oil Can held the Tigers scoreless in the bottom of the third, and Boston struck again in the top of the fourth.

Tony Armas led off with a booming double to left and advanced to third on Rich Gedman’s single to right. After Marty Barrett walked to load the bases, Glenn Hoffman delivered a run with a sac fly to right. Boston looked poised to take a more commanding lead with men on the corners and only one out, but Evans lined one right back to Tanana, who snagged it and doubled off Barrett at first.…