The 2019 Boston Red Sox have had trouble hitting with runners in scoring position and winning series against teams with winning records. Both those things changed when the Red Sox defeated Minnesota 9-4 on Wednesday night.
The Red Sox pounded out 12 hits, including going 7-14 with RISP. They put three runs on the board in the fifth inning to take a lead they wouldn’t give back.
While the offense was doing their thing, Eduardo Rodriguez was given his team a much needed lift on the mound. Rodriguez allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks, while striking out nine in seven innings. Those innings were needed after the teams played a 17 inning marathon game on Tuesday night. The Red Sox took two out of three at Minnesota against a Twins team that has the best record in the American League.
The cleanup spot went 4-5 for the Red Sox. Rafael Devers had two hits before leaving the game with hamstring tightness. Eduardo Nunez, Mookie Betts, and Michael Chavis also had two hits each. Chavis had two RBI. Xander Bogaerts reached base three times and scored two runs. JD Martinez scored two runs.
The Red Sox will have Thursday off before starting a three game series against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Friday night. Chris Sale and Trent Thornton is the scheduled pitching matchup.
Xander Bogaerts (shown here earlier in the season) reached base three times in a Red Sox win at Minnesota on Wednesday night.
