Texas catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia grew up watching John Smoltz pitch, then began his major-league career on the same team.
While Saltalamacchia never got to catch Smoltz in a game before being traded halfway through his rookie season two years ago, he finally got to hit against him last night — and knocked him out of the game.
Saltalamacchia homered on the next pitch after David Murphy’s two-run shot in the sixth, chasing Smoltz as the Rangers beat the suddenly slumping Red Sox 6-3 in Arlington.
“It was surreal,” Saltalamacchia said.
Smoltz (1-3) was still with Atlanta when Saltalamacchia made his major-league debut before being traded to Texas. They finally played in the same game when the 42-year-old Smoltz made his fifth start for Boston since shoulder surgery last summer.
“He was throwing a great game,” Texas’ Michael Young said. “He still has good life on his fastball, has a really tight bite on his slider. … Fortunately, we strung together some good at-bats.”
White Sox 4, Rays 3
In Chicago, Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer to back a solid start by Gavin Floyd and lift the White Sox.
A’s 14, Twins 13
In Oakland, Matt Holliday hit a tying grand slam in the seventh, and Jack Cust followed with another shot, helping the A’s rally from a 10-run deficit in a slugfest that featured eight home runs.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Dodgers 7, Reds 5
In Los Angeles, Manny Ramirez hit his 537th home run to pass Mickey Mantle into 15th place on the all-time list, and Jason Schmidt won his first major-league start in more than two years.
Ramirez went deep for the fourth time in 14 games since his 50-game drug suspension ended on July 3. The crowd of 48,110 chanted his first name in unison, hoping for a curtain call that never came.
Phillies 10, Cubs 1
In Philadelphia, Raul Ibanez hit a three-run homer, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard each went deep, and the Phillies won their ninth straight.
Braves 11, Giants 3
In Atlanta, Tommy Hanson struck out 11 to remain unbeaten and Chipper Jones hit a two-run homer.
Astros 3, Cardinals 2
In Houston, Carlos Lee’s three-run homer lifted the Astros.
Rockies 10, D’backs 6
In Denver, Jorge De La Rosa pitched seven strong innings in his fifth straight win and drove in two runs to lead the Rockies.
Pirates 8, Brewers 5
In Pittsburgh, Delwyn Young and Garrett Jones homered to help the Pirates end a 17-game skid against the Brewers.
Marlins 3, Padres 2
In San Diego, Rick VandenHurk pitched six strong innings to earn his first win in more than a year, leading the Marlins.