The Red Sox are finally over .500.
Boston scored an easy 14-1 win over Seattle in Fenway Park on Friday night to move to 20-19, its first time above .500 all year.
That seemed a long shot as recently as April 28, when Boston was six games under .500 at 11-17. Since then, the Red Sox have won nine of 11 games and have looked better in all aspects of the game, as epitomized by the win over the Mariners. Andrew Benintendi, Mitch Moreland and Rafael Devers clubbed home runs and left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out five, to earn the victory.
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The Red Sox had made headlines in recent days for the wrong reasons: Some questioned their decision to visit the White House on Thursday. There was speculation that the visit had unearthed underlying racial discord, as most of Boston's minority team members skipped the ceremony with President Donald Trump.
Friday's victory and Boston's current hot streak are putting the focus back where it belongs — on the field, where the defending World Series champions have returned to form.
Studs of the Night
Twins right-hander Jake Odorizzi pitched seven scoreless frames, striking out five and yielding only one hit, in a 6-0 victory over the Tigers. He now has thrown 20 consecutive scoreless innings.
Justin Verlander yielded one hit and struck out eight in seven scoreless innings in a victory over the Rangers.
Royals left fielder Alex Gordon hit two home runs and drove in three runs in a 5-1 win over the Phillies.
The Rockies' starting lineup: Eight of the nine starters had either two or more hits or RBIs in a 12-2 rout of the Padres.
Duds of the Night
Marlins starter Pablo López (10 hits and 10 earned runs in three innings) had a very bad day at the office against the Mets.
Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins went hitless in four at-bats with three Ks and left five men on base.
Highlights
Amed Rosario's grand slam highlighted an eight-run first inning for the Mets.
The best way to start a Friday night. 💪💪💪 @Amed_Rosario pic.twitter.com/RZudZsLpiS
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 10, 2019
Byron Buxton took flight to make a great catch at the wall.
Feeling like a million Bux. pic.twitter.com/CrWcoonDcr
— MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2019
What's Next
Brewers (24-16) at Cubs (22-14) 2:20 p.m. ET — Both teams entered this series red hot. The Cubs had won 10 of 11, while the Brewers had won six straight. They ran that streak to seven with a 7-0 shutout of the Cubs on Friday that left the two teams effectively tied for first in the NL Central. Both of Saturday's starters have yet to lose in 2019; the Brewers send Zach Davies (4-0, 1.56 ERA) against Cubs veteran Cole Hamels (3-0, 3.38 ERA).