"Now the two biggest hits of Dan Johnson's career have come against the Boston Red Sox.
Johnson hit a lead-off homer in the 10th inning that gave the Tampa Bay Rays a 3-2 victory Saturday night.
He sent a 2-2 pitch from Scott Atchison (2-2) into the right-field stands for his second big homer against the Red Sox in three years. Before Saturday night, Johnson's most memorable moment was a game-tying homer off closer Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon on Sept. 9, 2008, that keyed an important comeback win en route to Tampa Bay's AL pennant.
""In the year 2,100, they're going to be talking about Dan Johnson and what he did against the Red Sox in '08 and '10,"" Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. ""It's awesome. He has not been a regular player. He made to the big leagues with Oakland. Battled and got back and then he shows up with two of our biggest hits that we've had.""
Johnson started this season at Triple-A Durham — after playing in Japan last season — and was recalled on Aug. 2. He was 0 for 3 and had just three hits in his last 35 at-bats before the game-winning drive.
""The moment was special for me after having such a rough night,"" Johnson said. ""Getting a chance to redeem myself. I was like, please get out. After it did, I was just like relieved."""
