Red Sox Wrap: Quality Start Sparks Boston’s Extra-Innings Win

The Boston Red Sox opened a three-game series against the Texas Rangers with a 5-4 victory in 10 innings on Monday night at Fenway Park.

Boston improved to 62-55 with the win, while Texas fell to 55-64.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Boston needed a good start from Brayan Bello after a lengthy weekend for the Red Sox bullpen.

Saturday saw a bullpen day from Boston before the Red Sox had to get 25 outs from their relievers on Sunday when James Paxton had a very quick exit due to a calf injury.

Bello looked better entering Monday’s outing after an improved last five starts. He struggled early this summer before returning from the All-Star break with a reset. That continued with one of his better outings against the Rangers.

Bello had good stuff, attacking hitters with his slider and getting good action on his changeup while continuing the reintroduction of his four-seam fastball. The young righty did walk three hitters but did his job to keep runs off the board. Bello allowed just one run in six innings, providing needed length for the Red Sox pitching staff while striking out five hitters.

Boston did have to call upon five relievers as Texas fought back to tie the game as the series opener headed to extra innings. The Red Sox made sure Bello’s start did not go to waste when Enmanuel Valdez tied the game in the 10th inning to set up a walk-off hit for Rob Refsnyder to snap a four-game losing streak.

STARS OF THE GAME
— David Hamilton scored a run and stole his 30th base of the season.

— Refsnyder delivered the walk-off RBI for the Red Sox.

UP NEXT
The Red Sox and Rangers continue their series on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. You can catch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.