In a game that saw six lead changes, a two-run double by JD Martinez in the sixth inning provided the difference Tuesday night as the Boston Red Sox made it five straight wins with a 7-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.
Michael Taylor led Kansas City (33-45) in the loss with three hits and three RBI, including a two-run homerun. Ryan O’Hearn also had three hits and a two-run homer. Whit Merrifield had two hits and a solo homer, while Hunter Dozier also had a pair of hits. Brad Keller went the first 5.0 innings on the mound and allowed six runs on 10 hits. Jake Brentz (2-1) took the loss in relief. Martinez led Boston (49-31) with two hits and four RBI on the night. Kike Hernandez and Bobby Dalbec also had two hits each. Nick Pivetta went 4.1 innings and allowed six runs on nine hits. Yacksel Rios (2-0) picked up the relief win. Darwinzon Hernandez and Adam Ottavino would get their 10th and 15th holds of the season respectively, and Matt Barnes pitched a perfect ninth inning striking out the side for his 18th save.
The Red Sox go for another series win on Wednesday night in game three at 7:10. Boston sends LHP Martin Perez (5-4, 4.09 ERA) to the bump against LHP Mike Minor (6-5, 5.12) for Kansas City.
