Red Sox Wrap: Boston Drops Critical Series Opener Vs. Orioles

The Boston Red Sox opened up their four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles with a 5-1 loss at Camden Yards on Thursday night.

With the loss, Boston dropped to 63-57 while Baltimore improved to 72-50.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Boston ended its six-game homestand on a discouraging note after coughing up a three-run lead with two outs in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers, which positioned the Red Sox — yet again — to find a much-needed fresh start. With 43 games left in the regular season as Boston arrived in Baltimore, time is of the essence for the Red Sox who are clinging to their postseason hopes.

The first of four with the Orioles did not provide that start. Instead, it re-emphasized the biggest flaw that haunted the Red Sox from sweeping the Rangers: pitching.

Right-hander Nick Pivetta made the start for Boston, tossing five innings while allowing three runs off three hits, including two home runs — continuing the trend of coughing up round-trippers against opposing offenses. The Red Sox first broke open the score after a pitcher’s duel start through three scoreless innings, but immediately after getting on the board, Pivetta coughed up a two-run home run to Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson, opening the window for the Orioles to silence the Red Sox — which they did.

Baltimore held Boston scoreless through the game’s final five innings as the Red Sox went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position, recorded just one hit for extra bases, and struck out 10 times, leading to a second-straight loss.

Boston did no justice by its placement in the American League East or wild card standings and lost its chance to record its first sweep since the All-Star break, but can still take the series over the Orioles before continuing the road trip.

STARS OF THE GAME
— Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu provided the team with all of its run production by blasting a solo home run in the fourth inning, giving the 25-year-old rookie 14 this season. Abreu finished the night by going 2-for-3 at the plate.

— Henderson’s fourth-inning home run put the Orioles ahead for good. The All-Star shortstop went 1-for-3 at the plate for Baltimore while also recording his sixth career dinger when facing the Red Sox.

— Baltimore right-hander Zach Eflin logged a quality start on the mound by tossing six innings and allowing one run off five hits with eight strikeouts. Eflin improved to 9-7 this season with the victory.

ON DECK AT NESN
The Red Sox and Orioles will continue their division-rival clash on Friday night in Baltimore. First pitch from Oriole Park at Camden Yards is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET, and you can catch the game, along with an hour of pregame coverage, live on NESN.