Betts was removed from Friday’s game for precautionary reasons before the top of the fifth and was replaced by Michael Martinez.
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Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) celebrates his home run against the Boston Red Sox with right fielder Miguel Sano (22) during the first inning at Fenway Park.
The right-hander became the first Red Sox pitcher to begin a season 10-0 at home since Don Schwall in 1961, striking out eight batters in 6.2 innings to lead Boston to an 8-7 series-salvaging victory over the cellar-dwelling Minnesota Twins. “Sometimes you’re challenged to dig a little deeper, but it’s one of those games where you’re really happy for the guys, the energy, and the offence staying with it”.
“Tough night from the mound, obviously”, Boston manager John Farrell said.
“I don’t know but he should keep on throwing it the rest of the season”, Ortiz said. We hit the ball well, we ran the bases well. And, as one would expect, this has translated into wins as the Sox have gone 12-3 over their last 15 games and now sit atop of the AL East. However, Centeno proceeded to continue his superb day at the plate with a two-out RBI single, giving Buxton the opportunity to deliver with the tying run on third. The 27-year-old left-hander surrendered five runs on eight hits in three innings of work. The California native surrendered five runs in 19 1/3 innings over those three turns.
“It feels good to go deep in the game”, Milone said.
Minnesota’s Brandon Kintzler had a rocky ninth, loading the bases with nobody out, but miraculously got out of the jam to post his seventh save of the season.
Ryan Pressly (4-5) earned the win after 1 1/3 innings of relief, surrendering a run on three hits and a walk with a strikeout.
The Red Sox surged ahead with five runs – four unearned – and chased Tommy Milone (3-3) in the fifth.
Sano tacked on an insurance run with his solo homer in the eighth.
Buchholz ended with three earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts over one inning.
Dustin Pedroia opened Boston’s rebuttal in its five-run second with an RBI double.
Twins: RHP Ricky Nolasco (4-8, 5.02) gets his team-high 20th start.
Should the Boston Red Sox be beating a team like the Twins easily? He said he had tests that showed no structural damage and they were “trying to get the swelling down” and “some fluid out.”… “Farrell said closer Craig Kimbrel could have his first bullpen session “(Sunday) or Monday” and could be “very close” to a simulated game. There are two games left in Boston’s series against the Twins to possibly retake their lead, before they play the Detroit Tigers.
Early strong gusts made for a unusual night. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer, a left-handed hitter, sat against Red Sox LHP David Price. He’s expected back Sunday. Another ground ball single later and it was 10-8 to Minnesota before Robbie Grossman finally struck out to end the inning.
There were a handful of stoppages as dirt from the tracks and litter swirled.
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Boston Red Sox’s Hanley Ramirez, center, celebrates his three-run home run that also drove in Xa …
