One Devil Ray Hit, but Lots of Punches

Pedro Martinez came within three outs of his first career no-hitter, leading the Boston Red Sox to a brawl-filled 8-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Tuesday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. “I don’t really care . . . I’ve achieved enough,” Martinez said. “I’ve had enough achievement in my career. A no-hitter is not what’s going to dictate what kind of pitcher I am. I think my career is more interesting than one game.”

After he hit Gerald Williams with his fourth pitch of the game, Martinez (15-4) was perfect until John Flaherty singled to the right-center. Martinez then retired the next three batters, finishing with the third one-hitter of his career.

Eight Devil Rays--five players, Manager Larry Rothschild and two coaches--were ejected in the first seven innings during five altercations, primarily caused by four hit batters. Boston’s Brian Daubach was hit twice.

Tampa Bay players thought Martinez hit Williams intentionally, and Daubach became a target for Devil Ray pitchers after the first baseman joined the fray when Williams charged the mound and landed a punch.

“The whole thing was we thought Daubach threw some cheap shots in the pile,” said Rothschild, who was ejected for arguing that Martinez should have been tossed for throwing at Williams.

“You’ve got to protect your players,” Rothschild added. “You’re not going to let that happen.”

Williams and Rothschild were ejected in the first.

Williams, hit near the left hand, took a several steps toward first base, alternating his stare between his hand and Martinez. He then charged the mound, throwing a right. Williams was tackled from behind by catcher Jason Varitek and was restrained by several people.

Williams thought Martinez should have been ejected based on his history. Martinez has hit 14 batters this season. He has walked only 27.

“I want to remain professional,” Williams said. “Sometimes it becomes increasingly difficult when you’re given a guy’s background. That’s all I want to say about it.”

After the game, Daubach was taken to a hospital for precautionary X-rays on his left arm. Third baseman Lou Merloni, who left the game with a mild concussion after winding up at the bottom of the pile, was hospitalized overnight for observation.

Seattle 5, New York 3--Edgar Martinez hit a grand slam off Jeff Nelson with two outs in the eighth inning to lead the Mariners to a come-from-behind victory at Seattle.

Andy Pettitte (16-7), who had won seven consecutive starts, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Chicago 3, Oakland 0--Chicago’s James Baldwin combined with two relievers on a five-hitter, and Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer to lead the White Sox at Oakland. Mark Buehrle pitched three scoreless innings for Chicago, and Keith Foulke pitched a perfect ninth for his 25th save in 30 opportunities.

Detroit 12, Baltimore 2--Dean Palmer homered and drove in four runs to back an effective pitching performance by Jeff Weaver (9-11), who gave up two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings in Baltimore.

Cleveland 12, Texas 1--Steve Woodard allowed one run and four hits in six innings at Arlington, Texas, for his first win since May 11. David Segui and Manny Ramirez each had two-run homers for the Indians, who have taken over the AL wild-card lead by going 17-8 since Aug. 2.

Kansas City 7, Minnesota 3--Blake Stein allowed five hits in 6 2/3 innings and Mike Sweeney had a two-run double in a four-run third inning off J.C. Romero (2-4) at Kansas City, Mo.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Numbers Game

A look at Pedro Martinez’s one-hitter against Tampa Bay:

*--*

IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA 9 1 0 0 0 13 110 1.68

*--*

Other notable Martinez numbers:

* 15-4: Record.

* 3: Outs needed to record his first career no-hitter.

* 71: Strikes thrown out of 110 pitches.

* 24: Batters retired in a row.

* 67: Double-digit strikeout games, including 13 this season.

* 14: Batters hit this season, most in the American League.

* 3: One-hitters in his career.