A’s Catch Red Sox in the Long Run

BOSTON â€”  Terrence Long figures it was the best catch of his career. He wasn’t getting any arguments from the team he robbed.

Oakland’s center fielder raced to the right-center field fence, reached into the Boston bullpen and made a game-ending, backhanded catch that robbed Manny Ramirez of a three-run homer and preserved the Athletics’ 3-2 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday night.

“A little bit of surprise, and a little bit of luck,� Long said. “Once I got close to the track, the ball was hit high enough that I was able to slow down in case I had to jump.�

He didn’t have to, but he couldn’t avoid jubilant right fielder Jermaine Dye’s tackle after the play

“Somebody’s got to tell him he’s 6 feet 6, 220 pounds,� Long said. “He can’t be jumping on me like that.�

Long’s catch helped reliever Billy Koch escape a jam for the second consecutive inning to earn his 28th save.

Koch walked Johnny Damon and gave up a single to Trot Nixon with one out in the ninth before striking out Nomar Garciaparra. Ramirez, who hit his 19th homer leading off the fourth, sent a drive that kept carrying.

Koch ran out to shallow center to give Long a grateful hug. Several other A’s ran out to celebrate.

“It was a great catch,� Boston bullpen coach Bob Kipper said. “No. 1, he gets to it. No. 2, he catches it. No. 3, he hangs on to it.�

It was the fourth consecutive victory for the A’s, who tied the Red Sox for second place in the American League wild-card race, 1 1/2 games behind the Angels.