CLEVELAND — Jonathan Arauz failed to get a bunt down. He then belted a three-run homer to give the Red Sox a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning Friday night, against the Indians. They never looked back.

Arauz wasn’t even on the roster Friday morning, but after Kiké Hernandez tested positive for COVID-19 and Christian Arroyo was listed as a close contact, him and Yairo Munoz were recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

The long ball was just the second of his career, as he hit one at the very end of 2020 and has struggled to make an impact this season.

Eduardo Rodriguez hurled seven strong innings after surprisingly heading out for a seventh, despite having his pitch count in the early 90’s. He served up a two-run shot to Indians slugger Jose Ramirez in the fourth, and gave up a solo big fly to Yu Chang in his last inning of work. Surprisingly, he struck out just two guys but was able to give Boston a fine start.

The Red Sox’ only source of runs other than Arauz’s big fly was in the fifth, as Christian Vazquez grounded into a double play, but it was able to drive in a run with Alex Verdugo on third. The Sox struggled against Logan Allen, who entered the night with an ERA above 9.00, as they recorded just one hit off of him as he dazzled through six innings. Even though they were able to grab four runs on the night, the Sox got just three hits.

With a fired up clubhouse after Arauz’s homer, Garrett Richards pitched a 1-2-3 eighth setting Adam Ottavino up for the save.

Ottavino walked the leadoff batter, Franmil Reyes, and Andres Gimenez pinch ran for him before he stole second with still nobody out. Ottavino was able to strike out Wilson Ramos and Bradly Zimmer, and retired Owen Miller on a groundout to end the ballgame.

(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)