Red Sox Wrap: Boston’s Bullpen Blows Lead In Late Loss To Orioles

The Boston Red Sox took a six-run lead after two innings, but the Baltimore Orioles stormed their way back to a 12-8 win at Fenway Park on Friday.

The Red Sox fell to 21-24, and the Orioles improved to 19-27.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Red Sox offense continued their hot run through the first two innings. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts blasted a three-run home run in the first inning, and Boston gave Orioles starter Kyle Brandish a quick exit after 1 2/3 frames. After five innings, the Red Sox led 8-2.

The Orioles offense then came alive in the seventh. Boston’s bullpen gave up 10 runs in three innings of work, including home runs from Jorge Mateo (three-run homer) and Austin Hays (two-run homer). The Red Sox offense could not respond as Baltimore tied the game in the eighth and took the lead in the ninth.

STARS OF THE GAME
— Devers led the Red Sox in hits, batting 3-for-5, and the third baseman scored three runs.

— Anthony Santander scored in the ninth inning off an RBI single. The Orioles left fielder hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, as well, while batting 2-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs.

— Bogaerts’ first-inning home run was his fifth of the year and traveled 423 feet. The Red Sox shortstop wennt 2-for-4 (one run, three RBI) on Friday night.

WAGER WATCH
The game’s total closed at 10 runs (-110). Boston and Baltimore went well over the total, and a bet on the Over would have paid out $190.91.

UP NEXT ON NESN
The Red Sox and the Orioles will continue their series Saturday with a double-header. The first game will start at 12:10 p.m. ET and the second game is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. Both games will be on NESN following an hour of pregame coverage.