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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Well-rested Johnson rescues bullpen


New York Yankee's Robinson Cano admires his three-run home run on Saturday. 
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Randy Johnson couldn’t stay awake long enough to watch the New York Yankees sweep the rival Red Sox in a doubleheader to open a rare five-game series.

It wasn’t until he woke up on Saturday morning that he realized his team needed something extra from him.

“He sucked it up,” manager Joe Torre said after Johnson overcame midgame wildness to beat Boston 13-5, lasting seven innings to rescue the Yankees bullpen after a successful, but exhausting, sweep. “It was enormously important. Especially considering how dry we were in the bullpen.”

Johnson (14-9) went to bed Friday night with the Yankees losing 10-7 in the second game of a day-night doubleheader. New York came back to win 14-11 and complete the sweep in a 4 hour, 45 minute epic that was the longest nine-inning game in major league history.

“I knew our bullpen was tired,” he said after throwing a season-high 121 pitches. “For me to make them go to the well in the sixth inning again is unacceptable.”

Mets honor ‘86 champs

Darryl Strawberry and the 1986 World Series champion Mets were honored in pregame ceremonies at Shea Stadium.

Strawberry was the final former player introduced to a sellout crowd.

Strawberry, wearing a replica Mets jersey with orange pinstripes and tan pants, made his way through the stands, high-fiving fans on the first-base side, and took his place in a light rain next to Keith Hernandez on the outfield grass behind second base.

Strawberry was serenaded with chants of “Dar-ryl, Dar-ryl” as he made his way out to the field carrying a Mets umbrella.

Gammons attends game

ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons was at Fenway Park, his first visit to a major league stadium since his brain aneurysm in June. Gammons visited both clubhouses before the game between the Yankees and the Red Sox.

Gammons and his wife, Gloria, watched the game from owner John Henry’s box. A note welcoming him to the game was posted on the scoreboard during the sixth inning, drawing an ovation.

Clearing the bases

Houston pitcher Brandon Backe was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow, and the Astros recalled left-hander Wandy Rodriguez from Triple-A Round Rock to fill his roster spot. … Padres shortstop Khalil Greene was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left middle finger. … Boston recalled right-hander Jermaine Van Buren from Triple-A Pawtucket and designated righty Rudy Seanez for assignment.