Refsnyder returns with a home run and the Red Sox sweep the Orioles
Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder homered in his return from a left oblique injury, contributing to Boston’s 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. This win completed the Red Sox’s first four-game sweep of the Orioles since August 2018.
Romy Gonzalez drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, sealing Boston’s success, which had a 7-1 record on its recent eight-game road trip.
Trevor Story also hit a home run for the Red Sox, who lead the New York Yankees by one game in the race for the American League wild card.
Refsnyder, who was out of action for 12 games due to injury, came into the game with a batting average of .272, six home runs and 22 RBIs in 54 games.
Alex Jackson hit a home run for the Orioles, who went 1-7 in their home series against Houston and Boston. The Orioles, located in last place in the American League East Division, are 18 games out of first place.
Roman Anthony drew a walk in the eighth inning against Rico Garcia, advanced to second base, and scored when Gonzalez singled to left field.Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder watches his home run during the fourth inning in Boston’s 3-2 victory over the Orioles on Thursday afternoon in Baltimore.Garrett Crochet allowed two runs in six innings for Boston, striking out seven batters and raising his season total to 214, two more than Tarik Skubal of Detroit.
Jordan Hicks pitched a scoreless seventh inning. Garrett Whitlock got Boston out of a jam in the eighth, striking out pinch-hitter Dylan Beavers with runners on base. Steven Matz worked the ninth inning for his second save.
Baltimore’s opener, Cade Povich, allowed solo home runs to Story in the first inning and to Refsnyder in the fourth. He allowed two runs in five innings and struck out five.
Before Thursday’s game, the Red Sox placed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe on the paternity list and activated right-handed pitcher Justin Slaten from the 60-day injured list. Boston also sent left-handed pitcher Jovani Moran to Triple-A Worcester.
