Dying for an offensive spark, the Boston Red Sox exploded for 11 runs in their 11-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday at Target Field.
Boston got the bats going early, as it posted an eight-run outburst in the second inning. Two of the Red Sox’s 11 runs came by way of Chris Young solo homers.
Minnesota couldn’t solve Red Sox starter Rick Porcello, who limited the Twins to only one run over seven innings of work. The Boston ace allowed seven hits and struck out six en route to his second victory of the 2017 campaign.
With the win, the Sox improved to 16-14 while the Twins fell to 15-13.
Here’s how it all went down.
GAME IN A WORD
Finally.
After getting off to a painfully slow start to the season, Boston’s bats finally woke up and posted their highest run total of the 2017 campaign.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
The Sox erupted for an eight-run second inning and chased Twins starter Nick Tepesch after just 1 2/3 innings of work. Young got the scoring started with a home run, and Dustin Pedroia added a three RBI double later in the frame.
ON THE BUMP
— Porcello, like several other Red Sox starting pitchers, had been plagued by a lack of run support to start the season. But Boston’s 11-run outburst Saturday was more than enough to earn Porcello his second win of the season.
The reigning American League Cy Young winner was brilliant against the Twins, surrendering seven hits over seven innings of work with six strikeouts. Porcello never was really in danger at any point Saturday, as his lone run allowed came on a Robbie Grossman solo shot in the third inning.
— Ben Taylor came on in relief in the eighth inning. After allowing a leadoff single to Joe Mauer, the right-hander got Ehire Adrianza to fly out to center, followed by an inning-ending double play off the bat of Kennys Vargas.
— Fernando Abad entered in the ninth inning and sat down the side in order.
IN THE BATTER’S BOX
— Young had his best game of the season. The Red Sox outfielder went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs.
— Andrew Benintendi smacked a two-RBI double down the left field line in the second inning. The 22-year-old outfield went 3-for-6 on the afternoon.
— Xander Bogaerts is starting to heat up offensively. His 3-for-6 performance Saturday afternoon extended his hitting streak to 10 games.
— Sandy Leon broke out of his recent slump, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two singles.
— Pedroia went 1-for-4 with a three-RBI double in the second inning.
— Mitch Moreland recorded a 2-for-4 performance, including an RBIÂ double. The Red Sox first baseman leads the majors in two-baggers with 14.
— Hanley Ramirez (1-for-5) and Josh Rutledge (1-for-3) both logged RBI singles.
— Mookie Betts was the lone Red Sox starter to not record a base hit, going 0-for-5 with a walk.
TWEET OF THE DAY
A very cool moment for Young.
UP NEXT
The Red Sox and Twins will square off in the finale of their three-game series Sunday afternoon. Chris Sale is scheduled to get the ball for Boston and will be countered by Minnesota’s Ervin Santana. First pitch from Target Field is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Jesse Johnson/USA TODAY Sports Images
