The Boston Red Sox scored four runs in the first inning on Saturday night. That was plenty for David Price and the Red Sox pitching staff.
Price allowed two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out eight (seven called) in a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.
JD Martinez smashed his league leading 38th homer. Andrew Benintendi had two hits, including a double to start the first inning rally. Martinez and Mitch Moreland each had a stolen base in the first inning.
Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Brasier now holds an ERA of 1.00. Craig Kimbrel pitched a flawless ninth with one strikeout to record his 37th save. The Red Sox have won 15 of the last 17 games Price has started.
The Red Sox improved their record to 88-36. They will face the Rays in the final game of a three game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 PM. Chris Sale was originally scheduled to start in that game. He was placed on the 10 day disabled list on Saturday afternoon. That sets it up to be a bullpen day for the Red Sox with Hector Velesquez scheduled to be on the mound for the first few innings.
