Andrew Benintendi had three hits and three RBI, including a homer and a triple in an 8-6 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox trailed 3-0 early but evened the score with a three run third inning. The Braves scored two more to take a 5-3 lead in the top of the fourth. Benintendi drilled a solo homer to cut the deficit to 5-4 in the bottom of the fourth. The Red Sox took control when Mitch Moreland drilled a two run triple to give the Sox a 6-5 advantage in the sixth inning. They added two more in the seventh.
Drew Pomeranz struggled, allowing five runs in 3.1 innings. His ERA is now 6.75. Steven Wright (1-0) pitched three scoreless innings. Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless inning, while Craig Kimbrel allowed a solo homer. Kimbrel earned his 16th save is the season.
Moreland had two hits and two RBI. Xander Bogaerts reached base three times. Dustin Pedroia walked and scored a run in his first game of the season. Chris Sale will be on the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.
