The Boston Red Sox had a chance to clinch their second straight four-game series last night when they faced the Orioles in game three of their set. After taking the first two contests, Boston knew that a win would lock up the series regardless of the finale. The Sox seized the moment, pulling out a hard-fought 3-2 win that reinforced their playoff push.
The game opened with another Roman Anthony spark, as the rookie sensation launched a leadoff home run to left. From there, it became a battle of the pitching staffs. Brayan Bello delivered another outstanding start, allowing just four hits and one run while striking out five across six innings. His dominance has become routine, as he owns a 2.50 ERA since June 10, ranking fifth-best in the majors. Despite his efforts, a miscommunication between Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela in the seventh led to an unearned run that briefly put Boston behind.
The Orioles’ staff was equally sharp, with Enns and Contreras combining for seven strong innings, nearly matching Bello pitch-for-pitch. But Boston’s offense came through late. In the ninth, Rafaela redeemed himself with a towering two-run homer to give the Sox the lead. Aroldis Chapman then slammed the door, extending his streak to 41 straight batters retired without a hit allowed.
With the win, Boston secures back-to-back series victories, keeping itself firmly in the wild card chase while staying within striking distance of Toronto in the division race.
