All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Red Sox' win over the A's, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:
HEADLINES
Pivetta answers the call: Before the game, noting how much his bullpen had been in the previous two nights, Alex Cora mused that he was hoping for seven innings from his starter and a bunch of runs to make it comfortable. He got half of what he asked for. The Red Sox managed a measly run against Oakland starter James Kaprielian and three A's relievers, but it stood up, thanks to the work of Nick Pivetta, who tossed shutout ball for -- you guessed it -- seven innings. Pivetta allowed a single in the first inning, then didn't allow another hit -- or baserunner, for that matter -- until the sixth inning. He allowed just two singles on the day. At one point, Pivetta retired 14 A's hitters in a row. In just two of his seven innings did an Oakland baserunner get into scoring position, and both times, he made sure the runner was stranded. He used an elite curveball and a good slider with his four-seamer to rack up a season-high 10 strikeouts. And just as important, he left just six outs for the bullpen in a game in which the relievers were spent from the workload. The Sox have played three 1-0 games this year -- two wins and a loss -- and Pivetta has started all three.
Series was a test: The Red Sox haven't had a lot of success in Oakland in recent years, going 3-8 at the Coliseum in the three previous years. So coming in and taking two-of-three from the A's was an achievement, especially considering all three games were one-run affairs -- two in extra-innings -- that each time went down to literally the final at-bat. Then again, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that the Sox rose to the occasion on Sunday. Throughout the season, they've played their best baseball after some of their toughest losses. After losing in Tampa two weeks ago on a ninth-inning swinging strike wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth, the Red Sox started an eight-game winning streak that didn't end until Saturday's 12th inning loss. So, naturally, they rebounded in similar fashion Sunday afternoon to take a taut, playoff-like victory. After the game, Matt Barnes noted the A's were a tough opponent and that he wouldn't be surprised if the teams meet again in October. Consider this weekend series a preview of potential coming attractions.
TURNING POINT
In the sixth inning, trying to protect a 1-0 lead, Pivetta allowed a one-out single to Tony Kemp. After getting Elvis Andrus on a foul popup, Pivetta engaged in a tense, extended at-bat with Matt Olson, Oakland's most dangerous hitter, and finally put him away with a breaking ball, stranding the runner and ending the A's biggest threat against him.
TWO UP
Matt Barnes: It wasn't the cleanest save for the closer, but ultimately, he preserved the lead and picked up his 19th save of the season two nights after letting one get away to the same team.
Alex Verdugo: Verdugo was 0-for-6 in the Saturday marathon loss, but bounced back nicely with a walk and two doubles while also scoring the game's only run.
ONE DOWN
Marwin Gonzalez: After showing some life at the plate recently, Gonzalez regressed, striking out in every one of his four plate appearances.
QUOTE OF NOTE:
"He knew what was going on. He stepped up to the challenge.'' Alex Cora on Nick Pivetta.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING:
* Matt Barnes collected his 500th career strikeout on the final out of the game.
* Rafeal Devers extended his hitting streak to six games.
* J.D. Martinez has reached base safely in 22 straight games..
* The Sox handed the A's their first Fourth of July loss since 2011.
UP NEXT
The Red Sox move on to a new series, and will meet the Angels in the first of three. It will be LHP Martin Perez (6-4, 4.04) vs. LHP Jose Surarez (3-1, 1.98) at 9:38 p.m.