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| (Getty Images) |
This was a game that—
against all odds—was almost lost. After the Boston offense built a seemingly insurmountable 6-0 lead,
Rick Porcello and
Joe Kelly nearly gagged it away—allowing the Angels to tie the game at six by the seventh inning. Even when it was clear that Porcello's pitch count and command were troublesome, manager
Alex Cora allowed things to deteriorate before even getting anyone
warm in the Boston bullpen. The early Red Sox offense was powered by three home runs by:
Eduardo Nunez (#5);
Sandy Leon (#3) and
J.D. Martinez (his MLB-leading #25). An eighth-inning, two-run rally allowed Boston to move back in front, 8-6—and they tacked on one more in the 8th for
the eventual 9-6 win.
Rafael Devers (who had three hits on the night) delivered the key game-winning blow—a run-scoring double in the 8th. The victory vaulted
The Carmine Hose into sole possession of first-place in the American League East—as
The Evil Ones were shut out by the Phillies, 3-0.
