All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Red Sox' 2-1 win over the Phillies, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:
BOX SCORE
HEADLINES
Sox scratch it out: The Red Sox managed only six hits, but two of them 0f them in the ninth helped to set up the winning run. The big at-bat came from pinch-hitter Andrew Benintendi, who came to the plate with the bases loaded and one out in the inning. After sitting around for three hours, Benintendi didn't waste any time, swinging at a tough breaking ball and lofting it in the air to left. It wasn't terribly deep, but it was enough for pinch-runner Chris Owings to score from third base. That won't go down as another hit for pinch-hitters this season -- the Sox have been remarkably successful in that situation this year -- but the RBI was the difference between going ahead or perhaps going into extra innings.
https://twitter.com/brendan_camp/status/1173057419989192705
Rodriguez loses chance at win: For the second straight outing, Eduardo Rodriguez deserved a better fate. Last time out, he allowed just one run over six innings against the Yankees, but with the Red Sox getting shutout in that one, he was tagged with the loss. On Saturday, he was even better, shutting out the Phils for six innings. The Sox finally managed to get him a run in the top of the seventh, but in the bottom of the inning, the Phillies had two on before Rodriguez, ahead 1-and-2, hit Adam Haseley and, with the bases loaded, walked Maikel Franco to force in the tying run. That was it for Rodriguez, who was lifted with the game tied, losing any chance to pick up the win. But after the game, Alex Cora said the Sox would pitch Rodriguez Thursday in regular rest -- despite the off-day Monday -- enabling him to get 20 wins with three more scheduled starts. Rodriguez finished with 12 strikeouts, one run on four hits allowed and one very costly walk.
Sox can't solve Nola: Aaron Nola faced the Red Sox last season ... and allowed one run. He faced them last month at Fenway ... and allowed one run. He started against the Sox Saturday night ... and allowed one run. Sensing a pattern here? Nola hasn't had the season expected of him, but don't tell that to the Red Sox, who can't seem to get anything going against him. They were blanked for six innings before they managed their requisite run against him in the seventh. "He's a good pitcher,'' said Cora. "He was able to expand the zone with the breaking ball and the fastball. We've seen him the last few years. With all due respect to the pitchers we've faced, he's been the best one. I love the way he competes, love his stuff ... They really have a good one. He's a special one.''
SECOND GUESS
In the top of the seventh inning, with the bases loaded and the Sox leading 1-0, Cora allowed Rodriguez to hit for himself. Predictably, Rodriguez, whose futility with the bat has been an ongoing joke with his teammates this season, struck out to end the inning. Cora undoubtedly was motivated by his desire to help Rodriguez get the win and keep alive the chances of a 20-win season. But it would have been better to send up a hitter in the hope that a base hit stretches the lead to 3-0, and then entrust the bullpen to protect a three-run lead with nine outs to go.
ONE UP
Christian Vazquez: Vazquez had four plate appearances and reached base three times, with the biggest one coming in the seventh when his double to the left-center gap scored Rafael Devers. He later singled to set up the game-winning rally in the ninth.
https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1173042519065669632
ONE DOWN
Marco Hernandez: Inserted into the leadoff spot for the night, Hernandez was unable to get on base in any of his five plate appearances.
QUOTE OF NOTE:
"He's throwing like an ace.'' - Alex Cora on Rodriguez.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING:
- Vazquez has set career highs in doubles, homers, RBI and runs scored.
- The Red Sox improved to 8-8 in interleague play.
- Fifty-five of Brandon Workman's 66 appearances have been scoreless this season.