“It’s pretty cool,’’ Wakefield said. “Just to be mentioned in the names that I’m mentioned with is pretty cool. I think it’s a testament not only to longevity and perseverance, but also the organization for keeping me around and giving me a chance to still pitch in a Red Sox uniform.’’
Wakefield also owns the most starts with his current club of anyone in the major leagues at the moment. Considering he had four seasons in which he made 17 or fewer starts - from 1999 through 2002 - that makes the achievement all the more impressive.
And though Jonathan Papelbon nearly spoiled it, allowing a blast to the warning track by Brian McCann that almost ended in a collision between Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew in the ninth, Wakefield had the tie and the win yesterday afternoon, the latter coming by a 1-0 score.
“He continues to just pitch his rear end off,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “That’s a tough day for everybody. I know it’s hot. Great baseball weather. But he just keeps going out there, doing what he’s supposed to do. It’s fun to watch. I’m proud of him.’’
Makes sense. With the outing, Wakefield ran his record to 10-3, tying him for the top win mark in MLB with Roy Halladay and Kevin Slowey.
“It feels really good to be able to have 10 wins before the All-Star break,’’ Wakefield said. “The most important thing is us winning games. Today was one of those outings where Javy Vazquez was pitching well and you’re facing a tough lineup over there that can do damage. I was able to keep them at bay for six innings.’’
He later added, “It’s pretty cool to win a 1-0 game. I’ve been on the opposite end of those quite a bit. Kind of nice to be on the right side.’’
But was that the best part of the game? Or was it his single in the third inning, one of just six hits Vazquez gave up?
“That’s a good question,’’ Wakefield said, laughing. “Maybe the hit.’’
