2004 World Series Game 4: A Thrilling Red Sox Victory

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

What's up, baseball fanatics? Today, we're diving deep into a game that still gives goosebumps to Red Sox Nation: Game 4 of the 2004 World Series. This wasn't just any game; it was a pivotal moment, a testament to grit, and a massive step towards breaking an 86-year curse. If you're looking for the 2004 World Series Game 4 box score, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down every inning, every crucial play, and why this game is etched in baseball history forever. Get ready to relive the drama, the tension, and the sheer elation of a comeback that seemed impossible.

The Stage is Set: Red Sox Fight for Survival

The atmosphere heading into Game 4 of the 2004 World Series was thick with anticipation, but also with a heavy dose of dread for Red Sox fans. Boston was down 2-0 in the series against the formidable St. Louis Cardinals. After a heartbreaking loss in Game 1 and a tough defeat in Game 2 at Busch Stadium, the pressure was immense. This game, played at Fenway Park, was virtually a must-win. The weight of the 86-year curse felt heavier than ever, and the specter of another World Series sweep loomed large. The Red Sox, having just completed an unprecedented comeback against the Yankees in the ALCS, needed to channel that same magic. Their backs were against the wall, and the faithful at Fenway were ready to roar, hoping to will their team to victory. The Cardinals, on the other hand, were riding high, feeling the championship within their grasp. They had a powerful lineup and solid pitching, and they were not about to let the Red Sox off the hook easily. The energy in Fenway was palpable, a mix of desperation and unwavering hope. Every fan knew this game was more than just a baseball game; it was a battle for redemption, a chance to keep the dream alive. The players could feel it, the coaches could feel it, and the city of Boston was holding its collective breath.

Pitching Matchup and Early Innings

For Game 4, the Red Sox turned to the dependable Derek Lowe on the mound, hoping he could deliver a crucial win. The Cardinals countered with Chris Carpenter, their ace, who had been dominant throughout the postseason. The early innings were a tense pitcher's duel, a classic cat-and-mouse game that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the top of the second inning, the Cardinals struck first. With one out, Edgar Renteria doubled, and then a clutch single by Reggie Sanders brought him home, giving St. Louis a 1-0 lead. It felt like a familiar story unfolding for the Red Sox, a moment where doubt might creep in. However, this 2004 Red Sox team was different. They had shown incredible resilience throughout the postseason, particularly in their ALCS comeback. They weren't about to fold. In the bottom of the third, Boston responded. With two outs, Kevin Millar drew a walk, and then David Ortiz, the man of the series, came up big. He crushed a two-run homer to left field, sending Fenway Park into a frenzy. It was Ortiz's second home run of the series and a massive momentum swing. The Sox now led 2-1, and the curse seemed a little less intimidating.

The Mid-Game Slugfest

The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair, a true slugfest that showcased the offensive firepower of both teams. In the fifth inning, the Cardinals showed their mettle. With two outs and runners on first and second, Scott Rolen hit a towering two-run homer to right-center field, putting St. Louis back on top, 3-2. It was a crushing blow for the Red Sox faithful, a reminder that this Cardinals team was not going down without a fight. The tension ratcheted up with every pitch. The sixth inning saw the Cardinals extend their lead. A sacrifice fly by David Eckstein scored a run, making it 4-2 Cardinals. It felt like the Sox were slipping away again. But again, this Red Sox team had other plans. In the bottom of the sixth, Boston rallied. With one out, Kevin Millar singled, and then Manny Ramirez, ever the showman, hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 4-4. Fenway erupted! The crowd noise was deafening, a testament to the unyielding spirit of Red Sox fans. The game was knotted up, and the possibility of a Red Sox victory was once again very real. This game was living up to the hype, showcasing the best of what the World Series has to offer: incredible pitching, clutch hitting, and sheer determination from both sides. The momentum was swinging wildly, a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone watching.

The Eighth Inning and the Decisive Blow

The game remained tied at 4-4 heading into the eighth inning, and the tension was almost unbearable. The Cardinals threatened in the top of the eighth, putting runners on first and second with one out. However, the Red Sox bullpen, which had been solid, managed to get out of the jam. Then came the bottom of the eighth, a moment that Red Sox fans will replay in their minds forever. With one out, Kevin Millar stepped up to the plate. On a 1-0 count, he hit a towering fly ball towards the Green Monster. Cardinals left fielder Larry Walker, playing shallow, misjudged the ball. It bounced off the top of the wall and into play. Millar, with surprising speed, legged out a triple. The crowd roared. The next batter was Manny Ramirez. Facing the Cardinals' reliever, Julian Tavarez, Ramirez worked the count to 3-1. Then, with the wind at his back and the hopes of a city on his shoulders, Ramirez connected. He hit a sinking line drive into left field, falling just beyond the reach of the charging outfielder. Millar, sprinting from third, easily scored the go-ahead run. The score was now 5-4 Red Sox. Fenway Park was a scene of pure pandemonium. The possibility of taking a lead in the World Series, after being down 2-0, was electrifying.

The Ninth Inning and the Clincher

With the Red Sox now leading 5-4, the responsibility fell to their closer, Keith Foulke, to shut the door in the ninth inning. Foulke, who had been lights out throughout the postseason, took the mound with the hopes of an entire fanbase resting on his shoulders. The Cardinals weren't going down without a fight. They managed to put runners on first and second with two outs, bringing Edgar Renteria to the plate. Renteria, a veteran who had been clutch throughout his career, represented the tying run. The tension was suffocating. Every pitch felt monumental. Foulke, however, was determined. He worked Renteria, throwing his best stuff. On a 1-2 count, Foulke delivered a wicked slider that Renteria swung at and missed. Strike three! Game over. The Boston Red Sox had won Game 4 of the 2004 World Series, 5-4. The field at Fenway Park erupted. Players streamed out of the dugout, mobbing Foulke. Fans poured into the streets, celebrating a victory that felt like a lifetime in the making. This win wasn't just about tying the series; it was about belief. It was about proving that comebacks were possible, even against the best teams. It was the moment the curse truly began to crumble.

The 2004 World Series Game 4 Box Score

Here's a look at the key stats from this unforgettable game:

St. Louis Cardinals (4):

  • Runs: 4
  • Hits: 10
  • Errors: 0
  • Home Runs: Rolen (1)
  • Winning Pitcher: N/A (Bullpen game)
  • Losing Pitcher: Julian Tavarez

Boston Red Sox (5):

  • Runs: 5
  • Hits: 10
  • Errors: 0
  • Home Runs: Ortiz (2), Ramirez (1)
  • Winning Pitcher: Keith Foulke
  • Losing Pitcher: N/A

Key Offensive Performances:

  • David Ortiz (BOS): 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Manny Ramirez (BOS): 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Scott Rolen (STL): 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Kevin Millar (BOS): Triple, scored winning run

Key Pitching Performances:

  • Derek Lowe (BOS): Starter, 5 IP, 3 ER
  • Keith Foulke (BOS): Closer, 1.2 IP, 0 ER, Save
  • Chris Carpenter (STL): Starter, 6 IP, 4 ER

Legacy of Game 4

Guys, Game 4 of the 2004 World Series is more than just a box score; it’s a symbol of never giving up. This victory was monumental. It wasn't just about winning a single game; it was about shifting the entire momentum of the series and, arguably, the psychological burden of the curse. The Red Sox, down 0-2 and facing elimination, found a way to win. They showed incredible heart, resilience, and clutch hitting when it mattered most. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez once again proved why they were the heart of that lineup, delivering crucial home runs. Kevin Millar's hustle play to get a triple and score the winning run was pure grit. And Keith Foulke, the stoic closer, slamming the door shut, securing a win that kept the dream alive. This game paved the way for the Red Sox to become the first team in MLB history to come back from an 0-3 deficit in the ALCS and then go on to win the World Series. It was the ultimate redemption story. The 2004 World Series Game 4 box score represents a turning point, a moment where the impossible started to feel possible. It’s a game that will forever be celebrated by Red Sox fans as the start of the end of the curse, a true testament to the power of belief and perseverance. It’s a reminder that in baseball, and in life, you should always fight until the very last out.

So there you have it, folks. A deep dive into one of the most iconic games in recent baseball memory. The 2004 World Series Game 4 box score tells a story of a team fighting for survival and ultimately finding a way to win. What are your favorite memories from this game? Let us know in the comments below!