The Red Sox and Blue Jays clashed in a run festivity Thursday night, but a J.D. Martinez two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to give Boston the 8-7 lead proved to be the difference.
- Nick Pivetta’s rough start: Pivetta’s start Thursday was unusually rough. The Canadian went only five innings, surrendering five runs (four earned), off seven hits including two walks. He did in fact strike out eight batters though. Pivetta has been consistent with solid starts this season, and has only given up four earned runs in a start once this season, aside from Thursday.
- Sawamura gives up two runs: Hirokazu Sawamura gave up two runs in the sixth, and wasn’t even able to finish the inning as Darwinzon Hernandez came in to get the last out.
- Red Sox tally five in the second: After a 1-2-3 first inning, the Red Sox rallied in the second inning for five runs off Steven Matz. Bobby Dalbec smashed a three-run homer, followed by RBI singles later in the inning from Kike Hernandez and JD Martinez.
- J.D. Martinez, Red Sox rally in ninth: With one out, runners on second and third in the top of the ninth, Alex Verdugo grounded out to drive in a run to make it 7-6. That would bring up the go-ahead run J.D. Martinez, with two outs, and the tying run on third. On the 0-1 delivery, the righty hitter delivered a towering blast into left center for his 250th of his career, to give the Red Sox the 8-7 lead.
- Barnes picks up save: Matt Barnes would surrender a walk with two outs, but would fan Danny Jansen to pick up his 10th save of the season. His ERA stands at 2.53 currently.
The Red Sox capture the series victory over the Jays, and they’ll take on the Phillies for a three-game split.