Garrett Richards went the distance Tuesday night, going seven innings allowing just a run with 7 strikeouts.

“He was under control on the mound,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Good fastball, good curveball, good slider. This is the guy we envisioned. We know, stuff-wise, he’s one of the best in the league. If he can repeat his delivery and stay under control, we know he can do this every five days.”

Richards picked up his first win as a part of the Red Sox, as he was 0-2 prior to Tuesday’s outing with a 6.48 ERA.

“I know I haven’t been pitching great, but I’ve been putting in some good work and we’ve been seeing improvements,” Richards said. “To be able to go out and pitch and see some positive results from the work we’re putting in is definitely reassuring and helps me move forward with some confidence.”

Alex Cora has had faith in struggling Richards the whole season.

“This guy is really, really good,” Cora said. “His stuff is that good. When you talk to (catchers Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki), they wonder sometimes how he gets hit because the ball moves all over the place, he has a good breaking ball, a good slider. The fact he made competitive pitches the whole night, that’s what it’s all about.”

Richards slightly tweaked his mechanics before the start.

“I know he worked hard in between starts and he’s going to keep working hard,” Cora said. “He deserves this one. He worked his tail off the last four days to get to this point.”

Bobby Dalbec picked up his first homer of the season in the third with a solo shot, and Rafael Devers would hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth. But two runs would be all that was needed.

Andriese would set up Barnes for the save, as the Red Sox would capture their 15th win of the season.

Next, they’ll take on Jake deGrom and the Mets Wednesday at 6:40 PM EST. Nick Pivetta will get the nod in the second, and final game of the series.

Photo Credit: Providence Journal