Brayan Bello took the hill last night and grabbed himself a 24th birthday present: a 12-4 victory. Bellow went five innings and struck out seven Mariners hitters while surrendering just three hits and one earned run, he also walked a career high five batters and tossed 107 pitches. Did I mention just five innings ?
“Of course, I was super happy, very happy to be able to have my birthday and a win, so it was a very nice day,” Bello told reporters after the game
While it isn't quite October baseball it was quite a chilly night for the players and fans at Fenway last night.
“Yeah, it was a tricky situation today. I was battling every inning to get a feel for my pitches, the hands were getting cold very quickly, so it was a good battle with the conditions today.” Bello told reporters.
On the offensive side of the evening. Recently acquired Pablo Reyes doubled twice and drove in 4 runs on the night. Justin Turner ( of the i should be at first every day Turner’s) hit his second home run in as many days. a two run shot. Devers and Keki Hernandez both drove in two on the night.
Bello gave up his lone run in the fourth when Cal Raleigh hit a ground rule double and Jose Caballero drove him in with a two out single. The Mariners didn't do any more damage until the game was long out of reach. Joely Rodriguez gave up back to back walks in the sixth to Caballero and Sam Haggerty. They both came in on a fielder's choice and a throwing error by Reyes at second. So the new kid drove in four but gave up two. Let's call him even on the night?
The Sox hit a rough patch this past week. After winning eight straight they won just three of their next nine contests. But two of those wins came in the last two games. This has to feel good as the Sox board their charter for a nine game west coast trip that kicks off with three against the shockingly below .500 (20-24) San Diego Padres on Friday night. Then skips up to LA to take on the surprise .500 LA Angels of Anaheim and Orange County. And finishing in Arizona with a three game set against the who saw this coming ( 25-19) Diamondbacks.
Right now at this very moment the sox are 8 games behind the div leading Rays. this nine game set could determine if the Sox are contenders or pretenders. ( 24-20 ) would be good for second place in any other division in the American League. But not here in the tough AL East. The Sox need to do better than .500 on this trip to keep pace with the Rays, Orioles , Yankees and Jays.
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