The Boston Red Sox scored nine unanswered runs to overcome a four run deficit and defeat the Chicago White Sox 9-4 on Thursday night at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Red Sox scored four in the seventh inning capped by a two run homer off the bat of Mookie Betts. They took the lead when Jackie Bradley JR singled home Ian Kinsler in the top of the ninth inning. JD Martinez hit a three run homer to finalize the scoring. It was the 39th homer of the season for Martinez, tying him with Khris Davis of the A’s for the league lead.
Rick Porcello struggled on the mound from the start. The White Sox scored four runs in the first two innings. Porcello did get through five innings without allowing any more runs. He allowed eight hits and three walks while striking out seven.
The Red Sox bullpen was excellent in the final four innings. Brandon Workman, Joe Kelly, Ryan Brasier, and Heath Hembree each pitched a scoreless inning. Brasier picked up the win to improve to 3-0.
Betts had two hits, including his 29th homer. Kinsler had three hits, Blake Swihart came off the bench to reach base twice and score two runs.
The Red Sox are now 93-42, 8.5 games ahead of the Yankees at the top of the American League East. The Red Sox and White Sox will play game two of the four game series on Friday night at 8:10. Nathan Eovaldi is scheduled to pitch for Boston while former Red Sox prospect Michael Kopech will take the ball for the White Sox.
