Hanson, Red Sox Baffle M’S
Even without his best pitch, his wicked curveball that turns hitters into jello, Erik Hanson keeps piling up the victories.
“I can’t wait to get it back. It makes things so much easier,” Hanson said after winning his fourth straight decision as the Boston Red Sox beat Andy Benes and the Seattle Mariners 4-3 Saturday night.
Hanson has not been able to use his curve since the beginning of July because of a strained muscle in his right elbow. He’s getting by with his fastball, a slider and a changeup.
John Valentin made it easier on Hanson with his 21st home run as the A.L. East leaders bounced back for their 15th victory in 17 games, a day after the Mariners stopped knuckleball ace Tim Wakefield 9-3. Boston’s 64 wins are 10 more than it had last season.
Valentin’s 21 homers are the most by a Red Sox shortstop since Rico Petrocelli hit 29 in 1970.
“John has been a great player for us,” Boston manager Kevin Kennedy said. “This is not a fluke. I think he’s the best all-around shortstop in the American League and he might be the best all-around shortstop in baseball, period.”
Hanson (12-4), facing his former team for the first time, allowed three runs on three hits, struck out nine and walked four in 7-1/3 innings.
“I was looking forward to pitching here,” Hanson said. “I really enjoyed playing in Seattle. But I tried to put the memories and the friendships out of my mind.”
Benes, acquired July 31 from San Diego, lost for the first time in the A.L. He lasted only 1-2/3 innings in his fourth start for the Mariners, giving up four runs on four hits and four walks.
In two starts in the Kingdome, he’s walked 10 batters in 5-1/3 innings. He threw 35 balls and 34 strikes Saturday night.
“It’s ridiculous,” Benes said. “It’s a matter of throwing strikes and making them put it in play. I feel comfortable here. I just haven’t been able to put the ball in the strike zone.”
Hanson gave up a single to Vince Coleman and Edgar Martinez’s 20th homer in the first inning.
“They know me real well and I know them real well,” Hanson said. “I threw that pitch to Edgar down the middle and he killed it.”
The Mariners scored a run in the eighth. Ken Griffey Jr. walked and reliever Stan Belinda walked Edgar Martinez. Eric Gunderson relieved and Tino Martinez hit an RBI single.
Rick Aguilera pitched a hitless ninth for his 21st save, nine for the Red Sox. It was Aguilera’s 200th career save in his first appearance in eight days because of right shoulder tendinitis.