Tag Archives: #REDSOX

It’s World Series or Bust For the Red Sox

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After stomping the Rays 7-3, the Sox improved to 87-36, once again displaying traits of a World Series team. The Boston Red Sox are on pace for 115 wins. The major league record for wins in a season is 116, set by the Chicago Cubs in 1906. Currently, the Red Sox have a winning percentage of .707, which would make them only the third team in MLB history to have a winning percentage greater than .700 over 162 games. What the 2018 Boston Red Sox are doing could potentially be one of the greatest regular seasons in the history of baseball. It’s World Series or bust for the Sox.

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Postseason Struggles

The Red Sox are well on route to their third straight AL East crown. However, they are 1-6 in postseason play over that span. In two straight seasons, the Sox have been overwhelmed by the bright lights of October. It’s known that the Red Sox are the best regular season team in baseball. Emphasis on regular season because the playoffs are a whole new game. There will be no Orioles or Rays that the Sox can blow out even when they play poorly. Every at-bat matters down to the last pitch. Right now, no one on this Red Sox team has proven they can perform in October. Heading into a postseason where anything short of winning it all is a bitter disappointment, the pressure could not be higher for a team that has not handled pressure well in the past.

The Defining Moment of Dombrowski’s Career

If asked whose legacy would be most impacted by winning a World Series, the first person has to be Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowski has been criticized for his inability to build a team that can win it all. In Detroit, he sacrificed the organization’s future for a shot at a championship and failed. In Boston, he has done the same constructing a historically good team. As a result, he has decimated the once great farm system of the Red Sox. The team has one glaring hole, the one spot Dombroski did not address at the deadline. The bullpen has been a train wreck all season and may be Dombrowski’s undoing just as it was in Detroit.

With all the money and assets that has been invested in this team, even losing in Game 7 of the World Series would be considered a failure of a season. Consequently, it’s all or nothing for the Sox and Dombrowski.

Eovaldi

Sox Make Big Splash Before Trade Deadline, Acquire Nathan Eovaldi

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Less than 24 hours after the New York Yankees reportedly acquired former all-star closer Zach Britton from the Orioles, the Boston Red Sox made a corresponding move of their own. Nathan Eovaldi, the current Tampa Bay Rays’ flame throwing righty and former Yankee, is shipping up to Boston in exchange for triple-A prospect Jalen Beeks.

Let the AL East war of attrition begin.

Eovaldi

Courtesy of draysbay.com

Out With The Old, In With The New

While Beeks had his chances with the big league Sox this season, he failed to make much out of them. His 2018 MLB stat line sports an 0-1 record with a 12.79 ERA, having allowed 9 earned runs through 6.1 innings pitched. Though he is still young (25 years old) and still has some big league potential (just ask the Rays), Dave Dombrowski decided that the Sox can do better without him.

Out goes the flailing prospect, in comes a ready-made starter.

For now, Nathan Eovaldi comes over to Fenway with some high upside and some notable baggage. While he is known for his high heat that can occasionally eclipse 100 mph, he’s proven throughout the years to be quite hittable. Over his career, he is 41-50 with a 4.22 ERA, and a 1.35 WHIP.

That being said, Eovaldi has shown at times this season that he can absolutely bring it. In his latest start on July 8th against the Mets, the righty surrendered just one hit through 7 full innings of work while allowing no bases on balls and striking out nine batters. He was nothing short of dominant, and it stands to reason that Dombrowski was watching all along.

Rotation Remedy?

Now, with Eovaldi providing a significant and immediate upgrade to the Sox rotation, this team is primed for the postseason. It remains to be seen where Eovaldi will slot in the rotation. But odds are he will find a home either in the 4th or 5th spot. Ahead of him are clear favorites like Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello. From there, it gets a bit hairy. From the looks of it, Eovaldi joins the mix of Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright, and Brian Johnson. The former three are dealing with varying levels of injury concerns and waning self-confidence. Johnson figures to be the only level-headed, healthy of the bunch.

That leaves a clear window for Eovaldi to jump right through. The backend of the rotation is for his taking, so long as he can perform up to par.

Bring Him Home To Beantown

Sox fans will be waiting in anticipation for Eovaldi’s first start. The only thing for certain is that Alex Cora has some tough decisions to make with his pitching staff.

Down On The Farm 7/14-7/20 (@Pr1m3_Kyr1e)

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Down on the farm is a series in which every weekend, I will be providing weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA), the Portland Sea Dogs (AA), Salem Red Sox (High A), and Lowell Spinners (Class A short season). After every team is recapped, individual stats are listed and dissected. Also, a “prospect of the week” will be featured at the end.

Pawtucket Red Sox

Pawtucket went 3-4 on the week and they are now 45-51 on the season. The Red Sox started off the week with a 4-0 win on Saturday. William Cuevas threw a shutout over seven innings and Oscar Hernandez drove in three runs. They continued there momentum with a 5-3 win on Sunday. Trevor Kelley picked up the win by throwing three scoreless innings of relief and Lind and Renda knocked in two runs each. Pawtucket won again on Monday, 8-6. Robby Scott got the win in two innings of relief and Mike Olt went bridge.

The Sox lost on Tuesday in eleven innings. Trevor Kelley gave up the game-winning run and Hernandez gave up two runs. They lost again on Wednesday by the score of 3-0. Drew Pomeranz gave up one run in six innings but he picked up the loss because the offense couldn’t get anything going. Pawtucket could not survive on Thursday and fell 4-3. Ty Buttery gave up two runs in an inning of relief and the offense was stifled. They closed out the week with a 7-4 loss on Friday. They were leading, but Robby Scott and Trevor Kelley gave up six runs in the eighth to blow it.

Portland Sea Dogs

Portland started off the week with a 6-5 win on Saturday. Matthew Gorst picked up the win by throwing three scoreless innings of relief and Danny Mars knocked in three runs. They lost on Sunday by a score of 3-1. Matthew Kent allowed two runs over eight innings but he picked up the loss because the offense could not prevail. Monday was no better, as they lost 16-2. Trey Ball gave up eight runs in 1.2 innings and the offense was stymied. Portland rebounded and won on Tuesday, 1-0. Dedgar Jimenez threw seven scoreless innings and Jordan Betts knocked in a run.

The Sea Dogs continued there momentum and won 2-1 on Wednesday. Ockimey and Nunez both drove in a run and Mike Shawaryn allowed one run over six innings. They won again on Thursday by the score of 10-0. Josh Ockimey drove in three runs and Teddy Stankiewicz tossed a shutout over eight innings. Portland closed out the week with a 6-0 win. Ockimey knocked in four runs and Matthew Kent gave up no runs in eight innings.

Salem Red Sox

The Red Sox went 1-5 on the week and they are now 47-49 on the season. Salem started off the week with a 16-1 loss on Saturday. Daniel Gonzalez did not record an out and gave up six runs. They bounced back and won 7-4 on Sunday. Dalbec drove in two runs and Cooney got the win in three innings of relief. The Red Sox lost on Monday by the score of 5-2. Thompson gave up three runs in six innings and the offense was stifled.

They lost 1-0 on Wednesday after an off day on Tuesday. The offense got slowed down and Cosart gave up the game-winning hit in the tenth. Salem won on Thursday by the score of 4-1. Scott knocked in two runs and Hernandez gave up one run over five innings. They closed out the week with a 6-1 loss on Friday. The offense was not productive and Gonzalez gave up four runs in six innings.

Lowell Spinners

Lowell went 7-0 on the week and they are now 20-14 on the season. The Spinners started off the week with an 8-4 won on Saturday. LeGrant knocked in two runs and Yorvin Pantoja got the win by allowing three runs over 5.2 innings. They continued their momentum with a 6-2 win on Sunday. Cottam drove in two runs and Haworth picked up the win in four innings of relief. Lowell won again on Monday by a score of 4-3. Biondic picked up the win by giving up one run in 2.2 innings while the offense was quiet.

On Tuesday, the game got postponed and they swept a doubleheader on Wednesday. Granberg went deep in the first game and Garcia got the win in the second game. The Spinners won a high scoring affair on Thursday by a score of 13-7. Duran drove in three runs and Mosqueda got the win. They closed out the week with a 3-1 win on Friday. Pantoja picked up the win by allowing just one hit in five innings.

 

Prospect Of The Week- CJ Chatham

Chatham

Courtesy of Kelly O’Connor

Age 23, plays for Salem

Hitting .298 this year

Number 10 ranked prospect in the organization

Plays shortstop

First Ever BSE Podcast (@alykins32)

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Boston Sports Extra has a Podcast!

Get all your Boston sports news. That’s right, get your Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, and Revolutions news and information, now in podcast form.

On this Episode Anthony, Zack, and Justin get in deep about where the Red Sox stand at the break and where they can and should move forward from here. And a bonus! Get into the latest Celtics news and what it means for all the pieces that Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens has available. Get it right here for all your unbiased news of your favorite teams.

 

Download the Episode Here!

Should the Red Sox look to Bring Back an Old Friend?

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The Boston Red Sox have the most wins in the MLB at the moment, but that does not mean that they don’t have problems. An idea over the weekend was proposed by Jared Carrabis of the Section 10 Podcast that the Sox should look to try to acquire former Red Sox 3rd baseman, Adrian Beltre. This may seem like a fantasy acquisition by the Red Sox, but it seems plausible.

Rangers need to rebuild

For starters, the Texas Rangers are one of the worst teams in the MLB this year with a record of 28-44. They should look to trade their older players to contenders, like the Red Sox, for younger players. The Red Sox are most definitely in win now mode, trading guys like Yoan Moncada and others for Chris Sale. Adrian Beltre would help the Red Sox in many situations this year, and also be a clubhouse leader.

Red Sox problems VS LHP

One of the main problems with the Red Sox is their hitting vs left-handed pitchers. The Red Sox as a team are batting .235 against them with only 18 home runs. However, against right-handed pitchers, they are batting .268 with 83 home runs. Rafael Devers is batting .209, Moreland is batting .227, Benintendi is batting .197, Nunez is at .172, and JBJ is at .120, all against LHP this season. Adrian Beltre has been very successful versus left-handed pitching this year. In 44 plate appearances versus LHP, he is .359/.386/.462/.848. Beltre, in a short sample size, has shown that he can contribute to stopping this problem for the Red Sox.

Help Rafael Devers

Adrian Beltre could also help with the development of Rafael Devers. Devers is coming off a season where he had a batting average of .284 and hit 10 home runs through the 58 games he played. Through 69 games so far this year, Devers is averaging .236 with 10 home runs. Rafael’s hitting isn’t his major problem; his fielding is. Devers has a team-low fielding percentage of .931 and a team high of 14 errors. Adrian Beltre could come in and help the 21-year old out and give Devers a few days off from fielding. Beltre gives a veteran-mind to Devers that he needs in his very young career to help him grow into what he looked like in his inaugural MLB season.

 

Adrian Beltre played for the Red Sox for one season back in 2010. That season turned out to be one of Beltre’s best seasons of his career where he averaged .321/.359/.561/.921. He had 28 home runs and 102 RBIs and finished 9th in AL MVP voting. Beltre is a long ways away from that, but he is still a very productive player and a solid-veteran mind. Beltre can come in for the last half of the season and help the Red Sox bring another World Series championship back to Boston. The Red Sox are Beltre’s best option to win a title before he ends his hall-of-fame career soon.

David Price is Back

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The Red Sox have been on a tear to start the season, sitting behind the Yankees by mere percentage points while owning the most wins in baseball. Offense has been the talk of the town for this Sox team, as the team leads the majors in runs, hits, and batting average. They are second in home runs and RBIs, trailing only the Yankees. As fantastic as MLB’s top offense has been through 65 games, they have received a lot of help from their All-Star pitching core in Rick Porcello, Chris Sale, and David Price.

Price’s Hot Streak

No pitcher on the team has been hotter than Price as of late. Last night Price delivered the team a fifth win in his last six outings. He pitched for six innings and gave up only two runs on five hits. This is Price’s second longest winning streak of his career.

“I’m throwing the baseball better and I’m throwing better strikes,” said Price. “I’m throwing it better when I have two outs and that has kind of been my Achilles’ heel this year, giving up that big hit with two outs and runners in scoring position. That is something that has hurt me a lot.”

In Price’s last six starts, he owns a 2.89 ERA, 1.1 whip, and 9.64 K/9 innings. His velocity is up and his confidence is back.

Playoff Demons

After appearing in only 16 games in the 2017 season (five of which came out of the bullpen), people started to become concerned about his future. Boston gave Price the largest pitching contract in MLB history in 2016 (7-years, $217 million). He responded with a 17-9 record in his debut season, but failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs as his team was swept handily by the Indians.

In his lone playoff start, Price gave up five runs in only 3.5 innings before being pulled from the game. Playoff demons have haunted Price throughout his career, demons Boston hoped to eliminate when they signed him on.

Now it looks as if Price will be given a second chance to right the ship and prove he can step up in October. He is pitching with a purpose, like a man on a mission to prove the doubters wrong. When asked about Price’s recent stretch of success, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “There’s purpose behind every pitch”. With his team holding the second best record in baseball, all indications point to a long playoff run for the Red Sox.

David Price is Back

In a season full of purpose for the Sox, Price is delivering all the right things at the right time. He holds a 4.0 ERA on the season and has a 7-4 record. He has recorded 72 strikeouts in just 74.1 innings played thus far. As long as he can continue delivering for the team Boston will continue to roll.

Now is the time for Price to earn his record-breaking contract and show the world why the Red Sox invested so much into him only a few short years ago.

You can find me on Twitter @Celtichottakes

Velazquez

The Rise of Hector Velazquez

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Last year Hector Velazquez made his MLB debut and went 3-1 in eight appearances as a starter and reliever. The Red Sox signed Velazquez after his 2016 breakout season in the Mexican League. Over the last two seasons he has provided the Sox with rotation depth. On May 18th of last season, he made his first MLB start and gave up six runs against Oakland. Since then he has been one of the best Red Sox pitchers whenever called upon. This season has been no different.

Injuries Test Red Sox Early

The Red Sox were tested early this year as Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright began the season on the disabled list. As a result, both Brian Johnson and Velazquez made the opening day roster. Johnson started off the season well before struggling as his ERA has risen to 4.67. Velazquez has been of the Red Sox best pitchers as his 2.15 ERA ranks second on the team behind Joe Kelly. He has proven to be a reliable arm as a starter and a reliever. This has improved the Red Sox depth and has given them options when they’ve dealt with injury. Velazquez has rewarded Boston faith with his performance.

Velazquez

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Velazquez’s Value by the Numbers

In thirteen appearances this season, including two as a starter, he is 5-0. In 29.1 innings of work he has twenty strikeouts and has walked only eight batters. He has allowed thirty-two hits on the season, but he has only allowed seven earned runs. In six appearances in May, Velazquez has only allowed two earned runs. He is not a strikeout pitcher but he knows how to use the strike zone. As Brian Johnson has struggled, Velazquez has emerged as one of Alex Cora’s most trusted bullpen arms.

Velazquez

Photo Credit: Brian Blanco/Getty Images

Can Velazquez Keep This Up?

Velazquez has appeared in twenty-one games at the major league level recording a 2.50 ERA. The Red Sox showed their faith in him when they activated the righty of the disabled list and optioned Bobby Poyner who had a 1.86 ERA in nine appearances to Pawtucket. As the innings pile up, Velazquez’s durability will be tested. In Velazquez’s young major league career he has done nothing but give the Red Sox quality innings. If he can continue to pitch well, then this could be a breakout season for the former Mexican league star.

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics Series Recap

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The Red Sox will be back home in Boston after their 11 day road trip. Facing the Oakland Athletics are Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Chris Sale. The Sox have won the last seven out of 13 games, while Oakland won five out the last 12 games. The Red Sox will face pitcher Sean Manaea for the first time since his no hitter game in April. The Sox hope that being on Fenway soil will help them defeat the Athletics. This series will also be the last time that the Red Sox will face the Athletics during the regular season.

Porcello vs. Manaea

 

Sean Manaea pitched a no hitter to the Red Sox last month. J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers each hit a solo home run for the Red Sox. Porcello let up five runs and nine hits over six innings, and struck out five. Trailing in the fourth inning, the Athletics grasped the lead with three runs. Lucroy had a two-run double into the left-field corner before Fowler tripled off the Monster. The Red Sox caught up 4-3 in the fifth, when Hanley Ramirez scored a run with a ground ball. J.D. Martinez hit straight out to the Sox bullpen in the eighth to score. Benintendi and Ramirez got back to back RBI singles. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and Oakland won Monday night’s game 6-5.

“We talked about not expanding down in the zone,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Overall, we did a good job of it. His stuff is still good.”

“2B Dustin Pedroia (recovering from offseason left knee surgery) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket. He singled and scored a run in three at-bats while playing five innings at second base.”

Rodriguez vs. Mengden

Due to the weather, the 7:10 start time moved to 8:50 on Tuesday night. As a result, Oakland beat the Sox in nine innings. Rodriguez took his first loss of the season after Oakland had six hits through the first three innings, starting with back-to-back singles by Semien and Pinder to start the game. Piscotty hit a monster home run out of Fenway Park in his first at-bat against Rodriguez. Piscotty’s home run was the first he had hit since his mother’s death on May 6th. Andrew Benintendi hit a homer and Mitch Moreland hit two doubles.

“It was pure joy. It’s been an emotional week,” said Piscotty, whose mother, Gretchen, died May 6 after a one-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She was 55.”

“We haven’t been able to put them away,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “They’re young and it seems like they’re turning a corner. Whatever they’re doing over there is pretty good.”

 

Sale vs. Cahill – A Sale Day Win to Avoid an Athletics Series Sweep

In Rafael Devers’s 100th major league game, the Sox came out with a win. Xander Bogaerts hit a three run homer, and J.D. Martinez hit a two run homer. Chris Sale gave up two runs and two hits in five innings. Sale also struck out nine and walked four. Trevor Cahill gave up three runs out of the first four batters he faced. After Sale’s career high 15 strikouts in his last outing, he struggled, but hung on long enough to keep the Sox up over the Athletics. Craig Kimbrel grasped his 12th save of the season and avoided the Sox meeting their season high losing streak. The Sox beat the Athletics 6-4 after Xander and J.D. had quite the night.

“It’s pretty impressive what he does when you’re behind looking at him,” Bogaerts said. “Normally I’m a guy who gets to the on-deck circle a little bit later. I’ve got to get there early if he swings at the first pitch and gets a hit. He hits some bombs on the first pitch.”

“Four walks, that’s not my game,” Sale said. “That’s not who I am. Obviously, you want to be better than that. Anytime your bullpen throws almost as many innings as you do, that’s not what you’re looking for.”

 

Up Next

The Red Sox will be at home again to face the Orioles for a four game series starting Thursday. David Price will be up first for his Fenway return. Dustin Pedroia will play another game in Pawtucket by the end of the week as Tuesday night’s game was postponed due to the weather. Jackie Bradley Jr. is still spending an immense amount of time on the bench as he has constantly had bad games. Cora is hoping that Bradley Jr. will come out of his slump soon, as he has been working on improving both his defense and his offense.

Sources

Statcast

MLB

Red Sox Twitter

NESN

ESPN

Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Recap

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In the final leg of the road trip, the Red Sox head north to face the Blue Jays for a three game series before heading back to Fenway. Cora made the announcement that Dustin Pedroia and Tyler Thornburg will be playing on Monday and Tuesday for rehab assignment in Pawtucket. David Price is also back with the team after missing a game to get x-rays on his hand in Boston. Chris Sale, Davis Price, and Drew Pomeranz will be the starting pitchers in this series.

Sale vs Sanchez – Toronto Takes the Win

Chris Sale pitches his best game of the season. Fifteen strikeouts in nine innings. Xander Bogaerts hit a homer towards center field to bring the score 2-1 Sox leading in the second. The Sox ultimately fell to the Blue Jays 5-3 in 12 innings. Sandy Leon struck out swinging, but the ball bounced back, allowing Brock Holt to score coming from first base. Chris Sale struck out 15 of the Blue Jays and let up zero walks. He joins Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens as only the third pitcher in Sox history to do so. Jackie Bradley Jr. sat out for his third straight game to hopefully get him out of his slump. He is expected to be in the lineup the next day.

“That was impressive,” Alex Cora said. “That slider was the best of the season. He was outstanding. ”

“You’ve got to tip your cap, he had himself a heck of a night. “

Price vs Estrada – A Comeback win after Injury

David Price made his first appearance since the x-rays we’re taken on his hand to discover that he had Carpal Tunnel. The Sox took the lead 5-2 for the game win. In 93 pitches, Price let up: five hits and three walks. He struck out six Blue Jays. Hanley Ramirez hit a two run homer, after Andrew Benintendi hit a double to bring in Rafael Devers and Mookie Betts. Ramirez had himself quite a game, racking up three home runs and seven RBIs in the last four games. The Sox scored at least five runs for the 24th time this season, which is the most in the MLB. Both Hector Velazquez and Joe Kelly pitched scoreless innings before Kimbrel entered the game. Craig Kimbrel came out to get his 11th save of the season.

“I saw something different in the way he pitched today. Everything. There was a difference in speeds. Mixing up the breaking ball is very important. He induced some weak contact. They hit a few balls hard too. But I think he pitched great ” – Cora on Price’s performance

“It was good to get back out there,” Price said. “The more I threw, the better I felt. To me, that’s always a good sign.”

Pomeranz vs Biagini – Sox Return Home with a win in Toronto

All players in the MLB wore pink in honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday. Hanley Ramirez, although he wasn’t in the lineup, had on catchers gear and was ready to play. A loose Hanley leads to a fun and much looser Red Sox lineup. Drew Pomeranz let up three runs and four hits, while only making it under six innings. Toronto was up 5-3 in the fifth as Hector Velazquez came in to replace Drew Pomeranz. J. D. Martinez homered and had three RBI’s, while Mookie Betts made the unbelievable “deal catch” to prove that he really is a Gold Glove player. Joe Kelly racked up his second save of the season Sunday afternoon.

“He’s becoming a force, not only the field but in the clubhouse, in the dugout,” manager Alex Cora said. “He’s becoming a leader. It’s fun to watch. On a daily basis you’re expecting something great and he’ll do it.”

“To come out of a road trip like that is definitely something to be proud of,” said reliever Joe Kelly.

Up Next

The Red Sox will be back home at Fenway to face the Oakland Athletics Monday through Wednesday. Then the Orioles will come to town for a four game series. Dustin Pedroia will start his rehab assignment on Monday in Pawtucket with Tyler Thornburg. Pedroia hopes to return during the end of May.

Sources

Red Sox Twitter

MLB

ESPN

Statcast

NESN

Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees Series Recap

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The long-awaited face off has arrived since the early April bench clearing brawl. The Red Sox and Yankees rivalry was in full blast as Joe Kelly and Tyler Austin went at it after Austin was hit by a pitch. The meeting of the two teams was highly anticipated by all.

Pomeranz vs. Severino

Tuesday night, the Sox fell to the Yankees 3-2, allowing the two teams to tie for first place. Betts and Benintendi made it on base to lead to the Sox first run of the game. In the second inning, Drew Pomeranz broke a nail, causing some concern to bring the trainers out. Giancarlo Stanton hit two solo home runs. Luis Severino struck out 11 players against Drew Pomeranz’s six strikeouts. Mookie Betts hit an RBI triple in the seventh to tie the game. Joe Kelly came in to a sea of boos and chants from all of Yankee Stadium. Kelly came out as the Yankees loaded the bases with only one out to prevent more runs. The Yankees are now on a 16-1 win streak, and are showing true competition for first place as Porcello will face Masahiro Tanaka.

“They’re good hitters. They were fighting off a lot of pitches. They have a great team. I was trying my best, but I was battling.” -Severino on the Sox at bat

“We’re playing good baseball, doing it a lot of different ways. Tonight was tough. Boston is really good. They battle, battle, battle; kind of hung around. ” -Manager Aaron Boone on the win against the Yankees biggest rivalry

The 24 Hour Yankees AL East Lead Porcello vs. Tanaka

Rick Porcello pitches a game earlier than normal, as David Price was sent to Boston for x-rays. In the past few games, he had experienced problems in his hand, causing the x-rays to be needed. Later we found out that Price was okay and would be pitching in the upcoming series. Hanley Ramirez, Andrew Benintendi, and Mitch Moreland all hit homers on Wednesday night. But it was nothing compared to the electric eighth inning that the Yankees had. Brett Gardener hit a triple allowing two to score, and Aaron Judge’s 117 MPH homer allowed the Yankees to go up 9-6. Rick Porcello only struck out three players, ending Wednesday with a 2.79 ERA. The Yankees have taken the lead over the Sox to be in the AL East first place. Tomorrow Eduardo Rodriguez will face CC Sabathia in the series finale.

“It got my attention. I looked around a little bit that inning. It’s May and it’s bedlam.” -Aaron Boone on the win to bring the Yankees into first place.

The Sox and Yankees are Tied Again Rodriguez vs. Sabathia

The rain never stopped the Red Sox as they were 4-0 at the delay in the fifth inning. The Red Sox escaped a Yankees sweep with a 5-4 win on Thursday night. The Yankees scored four runs in the seventh to tie the game, but Martinez wanted the win and hit a homer in the eighth to take the win. Joe Kelly came in again to clean up the mess of players on base and got Giancarlo Stanton out on a grounder to retire the side. Craig Kimbrel has his 110th save. Ramirez hit a homer to the visiting bullpen to allow the Sox to reach the rain delay with a lead.

“Definitely. You saw it today. They don’t give up. I’m very confident in what we’ve got. This is our team right here and we’re concentrating on what we can do and see what we can do better to keep winning.” -Hanley Ramirez when asked if the Sox and Yankees rivalry is the best in baseball

“I hit it, and I was like blowing, praying, doing everything I can to push it over. I knew it had a chance.” -J. D. Martinez on his homer that won the game

Up Next for the Sox

The Red Sox will travel to Toronto to face the Blue Jays before heading back home to play the Oakland Athletics. Up first in the series against Toronto will be Chris Sale and Aaron Sanchez. David Price will return to pitch this series after x-rays in Boston. Alex Cora also reported that Jackie Bradley Jr. will be back in the Saturday line up while Brock Holt will return on Friday.

Sources

Red Sox Twitter

MLB.com

ESPN

Statcast