It would be somewhat fitting that Wakefield defeats the Mariners for career win No. 200, for it was the M's he defeated for No. 199. That effort came three weeks to the day before his next scheduled start in Safeco Field on Sunday. So, is the veteran right-hander frustrated at the delay?
"My job as a starter is to give quality innings and go deep in a game," Wakefield said after another no-decision in an 8-6 win at Minnesota on Monday. "Even the last few starts, we've won two out of three of them. That's the most important thing, keeping our lead in the American League East right now."
Even if he did express some frustration, one might not blame Wakefield. He has posted three straight quality starts since that victory over Seattle on July 24. Despite a 3.92 ERA, 15 strikeouts against just four walks and only 16 hits in 20 2/3 innings, the 'W' has remained elusive.
"Ultimately, that's what we need to do is win, and he knows that," manager Terry Francona said. "He left the game in a position to win."
It was there for the taking Monday night. Wakefield departed after seven and when the Red Sox scored a go-ahead run in the top of the eighth, he just needed six clean outs from the bullpen to have his historic win. Alas, Alfredo Aceves coughed up the lead in the bottom half and Wakefield was left to find satisfaction with the team win, even if the personal one remained elusive.
It's not through lack of effort, both on his part and on that of his teammates.
"Right now we’re especially trying for him," said Dustin Pedroia.
David Ortiz, who scored the run in the eighth that nearly led to No. 200, felt that same vibe.
"We want to see him win that 200," he said. "He tried. He stayed in the game, he battled. Not too much you can do about it. He's going to continue pitching good and hopefully his next start he'll get it done."
If not, Wakefield's next start after that could come in Kansas City, and after that Arlington. If it gets that far, the cross-country quest for history will be running out of landing spots. Eventually, it will find a home.
