Tuesday, July 23, 2019

E-Rod Shines Again, J.D. And Devers Lead Offensive Charge, Sox Win, 9-4

(Getty Images)
In the first of 14 straight games against the Rays and Evil Ones, the Red Sox started off on the right foot Monday night. Behind another solid start by Eduardo Rodriguez, Boston found their hitting shoes again in a 9-4 triumph over the Rays. E-Rod went seven shutout innings for his 12th win of the season—giving up just two hits and striking out six. Let's face it folks, he is now our ace. Home runs were launched by J.D. Martinez (#20, 3-run shot, 4 RBIs overall), Sam Travis (#2, solo) and Andrew Benintendi (#8, solo). Rafael Devers continued his magical season by doubling in two runs—he now has 77 RBIs. The bullpen faltered again—with Nathan Eovaldi coughing up three earned runs in a rusty return from surgery. The win moved Boston to within 10 games of The Bronx Embalmers and just one game back of the Rays. And, The Carmine Hose are now just two games out of the second American League Wild Card spot.