Red Sox survive latest bullpen issues, beat Orioles 8-6
BALTIMORE – The Red Sox survived another rough late-innings performance by their bullpen and completed a series sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with an 8-6 victory in 10 innings Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
The Red Sox led 2-1 entering the eighth inning when Marcus Walden, out for his second inning of work, issued a walk to Orioles second baseman Jonathan Villar, but it wasn’t without controversy:
https://twitter.com/NickQuag/status/1140356433726312448
Villar then stole second, took third on a delayed steal when Christian Vazquez lobbed the ball back to the mound, and scored on a wild pitch.
Walden picked up two outs in the inning before Alex Cora went to the bullpen again, calling on right-hander Travis Lakins. Lakins gave up a triple to Steve Wilkerson and a single to Hanser Alberto to put Baltimore ahead 3-2.
But Marco Hernandez homered to tie the ballgame in the ninth inning. It was only the second career home run for Hernandez.
Marco picked a great time to hit his first home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/uYf6DeySlE
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 16, 2019
Mookie Betts would follow that up with a triple, but Christian Vazquez and J.D. Martinez would strikeout swinging to strand the go-ahead run 90-feet from home.
The Sox exploded for five runs in the 10th inning. Rafael Devers launched an opposite-field blast to open the scoring in extras:
Raffy, you are cleared for takeoff. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/QXjoqBX1Ii
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 16, 2019
Betts and Vazquez would go on to drive in two runs each to round out the inning.
Josh Smith gave up home runs to Trey Mancini and Steve Wilkerson in the bottom of the 10th inning, but would hold on to finish up the game.
Starter Brian Johnson, in his first game back from the injured list, went just three innings, giving up one run on five hits. The Sox used eight pitchers in total.
The Red Sox now head to Minnesota where they will open up a series with the AL Central-leading Twins Monday. Rick Porcello (4-6, 4.69 ERA) will oppose Twins ace Jose Berrios (8-2, 3.01 ERA).
