The Boston Red Sox began their second half in style, earning a 8-3 series-opening victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night at Wrigley Field.
The Red Sox improved to 49-43 on the season with the win, while the Cubs fell to 42-48.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
There's an old tradition at Wrigley Field.
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Cubs fans, out of support for their hometown club, have made a habit out of rejecting home run balls from opposing teams. How do they show their disdain? Well, if you're wearing road grays and belt one out, expect to have the ball hurled back in your general direction.
The Red Sox had to keep their heads on a swivel Friday night, as they took Cubs pitchers deep on six (6!!!) separate occasions.
Rafael Devers (twice), Adam Duvall, Triston Casas, Justin Turner and Yu Chang all left the friendly confines, charging the Red Sox offense.
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The big flies were all Boston would need (though Jarren Duran did that thing where he manufactured a run with his speed, turning a routine single into a double and tagging up on back-to-back fly outs) as Brayan Bello put together his seventh-straight quality start. The 24-year-old struck out five over the course of six innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits.
STARS OF THE GAME
-- Devers didn't make the All-Star game, which is probably going to look silly by season's end. He finished 3-for-5 on Friday with two home runs and two RBIs, pushing his total to 22 homers and 72 RBIs on the season.
-- Casas had himself a nice night, finishing 2-for-4 from the plate with his home run and a great defensive play to end the fifth inning.
-- Cody Bellinger kept the Cubs in it, possibly driving up his price prior to the trade deadline, with two solo home runs.
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WAGER WATCH
Chang returned from the All-Star break in style, making fans some money in the process. He was given +650 odds by DraftKings Sportsbook to hit a home run, netting $100 bettors a $750 payout with his ninth-inning blast.
ON DECK AT NESN
The Red Sox and Cubs will continue their three-game set Saturday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET and you can watch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.
Featured image via David Banks/USA TODAY Sports Images
