By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Red Sox beat the Orioles 4-0 on Sunday at Fenway Park, taking game three of their weekend series behind a strong pitching performance from David Price.
W: David Price (1-0)
L: John Means (1-2)
Here are three takeaways from the win:
1. Price leads Sox to victory:
Price delivered the best performance by a Red Sox starting pitcher so far in 2019, scattering three hits over seven shutout innings. The lefty struck out seven hitters and did not issue a walk.
2. Bogaerts powers Sox offense:
Xander Bogaerts burst the game open in the eighth inning with a three-run homer. He had already driven in Boston’s first run in the fourth inning.
Insurance business is booming for Bogie. ❌ pic.twitter.com/w5bbe5s2HH
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 14, 2019
Bogaerts has easily been one of the best players on the Red Sox to start the year. He improved his average to .308 with a 2-for-3 afternoon Sunday.
3. Sox outfield depth tested:
Jackie Bradley Jr. was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms, and Andrew Benintendi left the game after fouling a ball off his foot (x-rays were negative). With Brock Holt on the disabled list and J.D. Martinez already playing right field, the Sox turned to the versatile Blake Swihart to play left field.
If Benintendi has to miss some time, it’s possible Swihart could see more action in the outfield in the coming days. Steve Pearce has played some left field in the past as well.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Hardcore Baseball podcast and on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.