Fenway Flashback: 1986 - The Rocket Launches for the First Time in '86

April 11, 1986: The Rocket Launches for the First Time in ‘86

Following the performance by Al Nipper to get the Sox in the win column, they left the Motor City for another three-game set in the Windy City with the White Sox. The start of the ’86 season was not kind to either of the Sox, as the pale version were coming off a sweep at the hands of the Brewers. As the Red Sox looked to get their first weekend series of the year underway and possibly start a little winning streak, no one had any idea what type of streak was really about to begin.

Pitching Matchup and Lineups

The Red Sox opened up the series with a young right-hander from Texas who was coming off a shoulder injury, Roger Clemens. The ChiSox were hoping that their veteran left-hander from South Dakota, Floyd Bannister, could provide the club with their first win of the season.

The Red Sox lineup for the series opener vs. the White Sox:

Dwight Evans (RF)

Wade Boggs (3B)

Bill Buckner (1B)

Jim Rice (LF)

Don Baylor (DH)

Tony Armas (CF)

Marty Barrett (2B)

Ed Romero (SS)

Marc Sullivan (C)

Game Recap

The first game of the Chicago series started just like the last one of the Tigers series, with both pitchers starting off strong but the opposition getting off to an early lead. Since the Sox were 0–2 when they scored first this year, maybe allowing the other team to put a run on the board first wasn’t such a bad idea.

In the first inning, Clemens showed a little bit of nerves, allowing a hit and two walks before getting the White Sox hot-hitting first baseman, Greg Walker, to ground out. In the second inning, he wouldn’t be so lucky. After…