[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_title featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|600||on|||||” text_orientation=”center”][/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Brian Cashman Yankees” title_text=”Brian Cashman – Aaron Boone” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”rgba(11,23,61,0.48)” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-69px” transform_translate_tablet=”0px|-98px” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”10px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=””]
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]The Yankees look to take the series from the Angels and the Red Sox continue to win to add on to their lead in first place. A new month is here and it’s time for teams to turn the page. As the “halfway” mark of the season approaches, let’s see what went on this week in the MLB American League East.
BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox entered the series with the Royals looking to take the series. Garrett Richards’ struggles continued as he gave up five runs in 5.2 innings. Hirokazu Sawamura and Josh Taylor kept the Royal offense quiet to let the Sox offense take the lead. Hunter Renfroe was 2-for-4 with three RBI for the night and two home runs. Bobby Dalbec hit his 19th home run of the season and went 2-for-4. Matt Barnes got his 17th save of the season.
Game two was not easy either as Nick Pivetta gave up six runs in 4.1 innings. Yacksel Rios, Darwinson Hernandez, and Adam Ottavino shut down the Royals offense and Barnes got his 18th save of the season. J.D. Martinez went 2-for-2 with two walks and four RBI. He was pretty much the reason why the Sox were able to win. The lead changed back and forth about six times until the Red Sox held onto the lead in the sixth inning.
J.D. Martinez had 4 RBI in last night’s win. Since joining the Red Sox, he has recorded 4+ RBI in a game 13 times, more than any other player in the majors during that time. (h/t @EliasSports)https://t.co/7CQ3fYdwz1 — Red Sox Notes (@SoxNotes) June 30, 2021
SEVEN GAME SWEEP
The Sox took the next two games, sweeping the Royals before heading to the west coast. This completes the seven-game sweep against the Yankees and Royals. Martinez hit his 16th and 17th home runs resulting in eight RBI in two games. He had his 20th consecutive game reaching on base in Thursday’s game with a walk in his first at-bat. Nathan Eovaldi pitched another gem on Thursday, going seven innings and not giving up any runs.
They don't call him Nasty Nate for nothing. #RedSox x @NationalPro pic.twitter.com/SVQ0l49ECD — Red Sox (@RedSox) July 1, 2021
The Sox now head to Oakland to face the A’s over the weekend.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
After an off-day on Monday, the Rays faced the Nationals in D.C. Rich Hill went six innings and gave up four runs. That was enough for the Nationals to win game one of the short series. The Rays were 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base. Wander Franco went 1-for-4.
Game two was a laugher for the Nationals as they beat the Rays 15-6. The Rays went with their opener strategy but it didn’t work this time. Wander Franco went 2-for-5 and Manuel Margot went 2-for-4 with a walk.
The Rays head to Buffalo to try to gain some ground against the Blue Jays this weekend.
NEW YORK YANKEES
After being swept against the Red Sox, the Yankees faced Shohei Ohtani and the Angels for four games. The Yanks reinstated Darren O’Day from the IL and optioned Kriske. The first game was pretty frustrating for fans as the pitching and offensive woes continued. Gio Urshela and Giancarlo Stanton both hit home runs in the game but it wasn’t enough to win. Michael King gave up three runs in 4.1 innings. Lucas Luetge and Chad Green each gave up a run as well.
Going, going, GONE-carlo. pic.twitter.com/MsyleoqFpK — New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 29, 2021