Did the Boston Red Sox need that, or what? After a back-and-forth contest with the Athletics, the Red Sox found themselves in the tenth inning. Murphy struck out Kurtz, giving the Red Sox a chance to win the game. Sogard rewarded his manager by getting the ball in play, hitting a weak ground ball to second base, scoring Nate Eaton to win the game. The Red Sox needed a win to stave off their rivals in the playoff chase, and the role players came through when it mattered.