The Boston Red Sox survived a ninth-inning scare to defeat the Cleveland Guardians, 6-3, on Friday night at Progressive Field.
The Red Sox improved to 40-31 on the year, while the Guardians dropped to 36-30.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Guardians were practically begging the Red Sox to break things open throughout Friday’s contest. Boston batters walked six times, had 12 hits and were hit by pitches on two separate occasions, including once with the bases loaded to open up the scoring.
Despite that, Boston would leave five men on base as things remained tied at two headed into the seventh inning, where they were finally able to pull away, thanks to the returning Christian Arroyo.
Arroyo connected on a two-run home run to put the Red Sox ahead 4-2 in the top of the seventh, coming through in the clutch as he’s become accustomed to doing. Friday night represented the utility man’s first game back in 12 days after his stint on the injured list.
The home run seemed to spark Boston’s offense, who would score two runs and put 10 base runners on in the 2 1/3 innings following the blast. When Boston looked like they were stuck in mud, the Arroyo shot fueled them to victory.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Arroyo was the hero for Boston in his return from the injured list, connecting on the aforementioned two-run home run in the seventh inning, while also flashing leather on the defensive end. He finished the night 3-for-4 with three runs batted in.
— Rafael Devers’ name could be etched in this category for the remainder of the season. He had another great game Friday, going 2-for-4 with a home run and a double. He now leads major league baseball with 43 extra base hits.
— Nick Pivetta’s case to become an All-Star grows stronger with each passing start. His earned run average now sits at 3.27 following his seven innings of two-run work against Cleveland.
WAGER WATCH
Arroyo’s odds to hit a home run closed at +800, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. A $100 bet on the utility man to launch one in his return for Boston would have paid out $900 total.
ON DECK AT NESN
The Red Sox will continue their series against the Guardians on Saturday night. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m. ET, with full coverage of the game on NESN following an hour of pregame coverage.
