Verdugo's RBI single in bottom of 9th lifts Bosox past Tribe

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit an RBI single with bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.

Verdugo's two-strike hit over Daniel Johnson’s head in right field spoiled a comeback try by Cleveland, which tied with three runs in the top of the ninth.

Boston took the lead in the seventh inning when Rafael Devers hit a three-run homer, his 33rd of the season.

Bobby Bradley hit an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning, and Franmil Reyes tied the score with a two-run homer, his 25th of the season.

Adam Ottavino (5-3) got win. Bryan Shaw (6-7) took the loss.

Boston went into the ninth with what appeared to be a comfortable three-run lead.

Christian Vazquez opened the seventh with a line drive single to left off right-hander Nick Wittgren and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jack Lopez. After Jonathan Arauz grounded out, right-hander Blake Parker replaced Wittgren and walked designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Parker got ahead of Devers in the count before Devers sent a 3-2 fastball into the seats above the wall in left-center for a three-run homer.

The Indians rallied in the top of the ninth off right-hander Adam Ottavino. Reyes -pinch-hit homer with two outs after Ramirez led off the ninth with a single and scored on Bradley’s double.

In the bottom of the ninth, pinch-hitter Travis Shaw led off with an infield single off right-hander Bryan Shaw. With two outs, Devers walked and Alex Young replacing Shaw. After an intentional walk to J.D. Martinez, Verdugo stroked an RBI single as Boston won its fourth straight.

Both teams squandered chances earlier in the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning and the top of the sixth, the Red Sox and Indians each had runners on second...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Verdugo-s-RBI-single-in-bottom-of-9th-lifts-Bosox-16436336.php