``One?'' asked Delcarmen.

``The pitch,'' Ortiz said. ``It was 99. You missed 100 by one.''

While ballpark radar readings can't always be counted on to be accurate, the fact is that, after a string a pitches recorded in the 95-97 mph range, the pitch Delcarmen threw to strike out Jeter flashed on the center field scoreboard at an ooh-and-ahh 99 mph.

``And it might really have been 99,'' said Sox manager Terry Francona, acknowledging the questionable radar guns. ``That pitch was unhittable.''

At a time when the game was still close, and with the dangerous Jeter at the plate with a full count, Delcarmen decided he was ``going to throw the ball as hard as I could. With first base open, I could take a chance. If I miss, I walk him.''

Instead, the heater took a hard bite down and in, and Jeter swung and missed.

Delcarmen got a well-earned game off last night as the Red Sox closed out a three-game series sweep against the Yankees with a 4-1 victory at Fenway Park.

The Hyde Park native worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings in the 16-11 victory over the Yankees on Saturday. Having thrown 38 pitches, it was one of his longest relief outings since making his major-league debut in 2005.

It also served as a reminder that Delcarmen has come a long way since 2005. Last year, Delcarmen played an entire season in the big leagues for the first time, going 1-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 73 relief appearances, the most of his professional career.

And he has continued his good pitching this year - unscored upon in eight relief appearances, totaling 11 innings.

``I don't worry about Pawtucket any more,'' Delcarmen said. ``Before, it was on my mind. I feel more settled in now.''

With 185 career appearances, he is tied with Danny MacFayden for second place in Red Sox history for most appearances by a Massachusetts native. MacFayden, who pitched for the Sox from 1926 to 1932, was born in Truro.

Medford native Bill Monbouquette made 254 appearances for the Sox , the most by a Massachusetts native.