BOSTON - Best drama of last night's game –– Manny Ramirez batting against flame-throwing Arizona reliever Tony Pena.

One run was in, the Sox were trailing, 2-1, but had runners at first and second with two outs in the eighth when the duel began.

Pena threw a 97-mph fastball that Ramirez looked at for a strike. Pena missed with a 91-mph slider, and then Ramirez fouled back a 97-mph fastball. Pena missed with a 97-mph fastball, making the count 2 and 2. Ramirez fouled back a 91-mph slider. He fouled back a 96-mph fastball.

Then Ramirez absolutely scorched a 92-mph slider — right at third baseman Mark Reynolds. It was hit with such force, Reynolds was lucky to get his glove up in front of his face in time. As it was, the force of the blast knocked Reynolds to the dirt, but he held on for the final out of the inning, preserving Arizona’s 2-1 lead.

skrasner@projo.com