It was Jackie Bradley Jr. day at Fenway Park.
Well, not officially, but he provided the necessary offensive spark to lead the Red Sox to a 5-1 victory over the Yankees.
Bradley went 2-for-3, including a triple, single, three RBI and a walk.
His two-run triple in the bottom of the second inning gave the Sox a 2-0 lead. It remained that way until the Yankees’ Brett Gardner provided his 20th home run of the season when he deposited a 0-1 offering from Rick Porcello into the right-field seats.
Bradley added a broken-bat, RBI-single to right field in the bottom of the sixth to give Boston a 3-1 lead. Getting that type of production from the No. 9 spot in the order will be key down the stretch.
With no outs in the bottom of the eighth, Sandy Leon provided some big-time insurance with a two-run double en route to a 5-1 advantage.
Rookie sensation Rafael Devers, who has been dialed in at the plate of late, went 0-for-3. He did reach base on an intentional walk in the third inning. It was only the fourth time in 21 games this season he went 0-fer.
It won’t get any easier for the Sox as they travel to Cleveland to begin a four-game set against the first place Indians.
“We’ve been in this stretch of games for this entire month,” said John Farrell. “There’s no break in the schedule and our guys are handling it great.”
GAME NO.: 123
WHO: Red Sox (70-52) vs New York Yankees (66-56)
WHEN: 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park
TV: NESN
RADIO: WEEI (93.7 FM)
PITCHERS: Rick Porcello (7-14, 4.59) vs. Sonny Gray (7-7, 3.37)
BOX SCORE: MLB Gameday
PRE-GAME NOTES
- Drew Pomeranz, who came out of Friday's game in the fourth inning with back spasms, was improved Saturday, though still experiencing some soreness on the right belt-line area. “He’s responded really well to treatment,” said Farrell. “We expect him to go out and play catch today. He’s right at full range of motion. The intent would be for him to get on the mound [Monday] in Cleveland in preparation for his start on Wednesday.”
- David Price did not throw again for a fifth straight day due to some soreness and stiffness and is still undergoing treatment.
- Dustin Pedroia, who’s on the 10-day disabled list with left knee inflammation, will not travel with the team to Cleveland and will remain in Boston to continue his rehab. He said he’s feeling better.
