leaving a mark

On this date in 2009, Jonathan Papelbon became the Boston Red Sox’s all-time saves leader, closing out a 6-5, extra-inning win against Baltimore for No. 133. The ex-Mississippi State ace would go on to save 235 more games in a career that may have ended on Aug. 13, 2016. Papelbon was released on that date after a tumultuous couple of seasons with Washington. Though there were reports of interest from other teams at the time, he never signed on anywhere, nor has he announced his retirement. He is now 36 years old. Papelbon, also the Philadelphia Phillies’ all-time saves leader, posted a 2.44 ERA over his 689 MLB appearances, all but three as a reliever. His 368 saves ranks ninth all-time. He made six All-Star Games and won a ring in 2007 with the Red Sox. Papelbon’s trademark intensity, on and off the mound, sometimes went over the top and created problems. But when he was good – see 2006-09 with the Red Sox — he was very good. P.S. Former Mississippi Braves standout Alex Wood moved to 9-0 and cut his ERA to 1.83 in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers past San Diego 10-4 on Friday night. Wood yielded two hits and one run and recorded eight strikeouts in six innings. Some perspective here: The great Fernando Valenzuela started 8-0 in his historic 1981 season — but lost in his next outing.