Jones Loses Streak in Unlikeliest Way

Mo Vaughn. Tim Naehring. Nomar Garciaparra.

Of all the players who Bobby Jones thought could end his eight-game winning streak with one hit, these Boston Red Sox would probably be the first to come to mind.

But Jones’ winning streak came to a sudden halt Sunday because of a bunt by a pitcher--worse, an American League pitcher.

Boston pitcher Vaughn Eshelman bunted for a hit in his first big league at-bat, and the Red Sox defeated the Mets, 10-1.

The Red Sox won despite losing Vaughn to a knee injury in the third inning. Vaughn’s left knee locked up while he was sliding home in the third, and he was forced to leave. X-rays were inconclusive on the two-time All-Star first baseman, who left a game Wednesday because of the same problem.

Eshelman (1-1) won as a starting pitcher for the first time since Aug. 9, limiting the Mets to four hits in seven innings. Garciaparra and Scott Hatteberg each hit home runs and John Valentin had three hits as Boston won two of three in the interleague series.

Jones (11-3) was trying to become the top winner in the major leagues. But instead of winning his ninth consecutive start, which would have broken the team record he shares with Tom Seaver and David Cone, he lasted only four innings.

Jones seemed sharp early, getting Shane Mack for his fourth strikeout to open the third. Then, he fell apart, beginning with Eshelman’s bunt.

Eshelman got a leisurely trip around the bases when Garciaparra followed with a home run. A double by Darren Bragg and a single by Vaughn made it 3-1, and Boston went on to load the bases with one out.

Valentin hit a chopper to rookie third baseman Matt Franco, who threw past Hundley. Vaughn hurt himself sliding home, and was hobbling near the plate when Naehring also scored on the play for a 5-1 edge.

Hatteberg hit a 457-foot home run off Barry Manuel in the fifth. Shane Mack’s two-run double highlighted a three-run seventh, and Naehring had a sacrifice fly in the eighth.