The Boston Red Sox were welcomed by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Rogers Centre on Monday for the first of three games, and Alex Cora’s squad earned a 7-3 victory.
Boston’s offense continued their hot streak over the last few games, as they got two home runs from Tyler O’Neill (2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk) and one home run for Rafael Devers (1-for-4 with two RBIs) and Ceddanne Rafaela (2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk). They also got RBIs from Rob Refsnyder (1-for-4 with a walk) and Bobby Dalbec (1-for-4).
The Red Sox’s pitching staff was just as strong, as starter Nick Pivetta allowed just three runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings. Brad Keller followed with 1 2/3 innings with Kenley Jansen coming in to get the final out with two on in the bottom of the ninth.
Boston has had one of the worst defenses in the league this year, but on Monday they showed up. Rafaela made an incredible diving play in center field, and Romy Gonzalez made an equally impressive play to rob a hit to his right at shortstop.
CEDDANNE RAFAELA TAKES FLIGHT! pic.twitter.com/65cwN9ngF1
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 18, 2024
Welcome back, Romy Gonzalez! pic.twitter.com/YTIYZSKNgL
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) June 18, 2024
The win improves Boston’s record to 38-35 on the season and 20-15 on the road. This is the first time the Red Sox have been three games above .500 since May 5 when they were 19-6, as they’ve now won three in a row after taking the last from the New York Yankees last series. Boston and Toronto will meet again for the middle game of this series on Tuesday.
