BSJ Game Report: Red Sox 16, Orioles 2 - Offense gives Chris Sale a smooth landing in first start

All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Red Sox’ win over the Orioles, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Chris Sale very effective in first start: He was backed by four runs in the first inning, which always helps, but Chris Sale's first MLB start in two years and one day couldn't have gone much better as he went five innings and allowed two runs on back-to-back homers in the third inning. Probably most impressive was Sale didn't walk a batter and struck out eight. "He was amazing, he was great," said Alex Cora. "This was a great day for the Red Sox organization."

Top of Red Sox lineup dominates: The first four spots in the Sox' lineup — Kiké Hernandez, Alex Verdugo, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers — combined to go 11 for 14 with 16 total bases, 10 runs, 7 RBI, two doubles and one home run. Basically, the Red Sox could have won the game with Sale and those four hitters. The Orioles didn't keep one of those batters off base until the fifth inning when Devers struck out and it was 11-2.

"My guys brought it today," said Sale. "I stepped out of the car and the guys in the parking lot, made me feel great. When I got in this clubhouse I felt it. I knew something was going on. I knew today was gonna be incredible. I didn't know how I was going to do, but I knew my guys were gonna frigging bring it. And to be able to have that in my first one back ... they carried the load. They made this game what it was and without that, who knows what happens."

TURNING POINT

In the first inning, with one run across on a wild pitch, Devers quickly fell behind 0-2 against Jorge Lopez. Devers was able to work the count full, fouled off a pitch and then crushed an 83-mph knuckle curve 424 feet with a 107.7 exit velocity.

THREE UP

Chris Sale: To come back after two years and not walk a batter — especially after the Sox gave him a lead — was huge. "He's in a great spot physically, he's ready to contribute, he just wants to be part of something special," Cora said. "This is what he asked for. He just wanted to pitch meaningful innings."

Alex Verdugo: Was 4 for 5 with three runs scored and looked in complete control at the play. He's 13-for-27 (.481) with 3 2B, 1 HR, and 5 runs in his last seven games.

Bobby Dalbec: Hit a two-run homer in the fifth, and had a solo shot in the sixth for his first multi-HR game in his career. Dalbec, who has three homers in two games has 11 RBI in his last 3 games. Dalbec is 11-for-22 (.500) with 6 XBH and 12 RBI in the last eight games.

TWO DOWN

MLB Instant Replay: That Alex Cora is even in the position that he can challenge Richie Martin barely leaping off third base on a non-competitive play, is just dumb. He was safe. He should have been safe. Yes, he came off the bag, but we don't need that in the game.

The Orioles: The Red Sox, after Sunday's finale that I'm sure will be riveting, still have six games against Baltimore. What is the point? Can't MLB take over this franchise and sell it? Orioles have now lost 10 straight games. 

QUOTE OF NOTE

"I gave up two runs. Was it good? It was good enough. Am I satisfied? Not even close. ... The guys brought it today. When I got in this clubhouse today, I could feel it. ... Those guys carried the game." — Chris Sale.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

• The Red Sox have won 4 of the last 7 games after losing 8 of their previous 9.
• Kiké Hernandez (2-for-3, 4 R, 2B, BB, HBP) scored a career-high 4 runs.
• Orioles allowed a season-high 16 runs and lost by a season-high 14 runs, both their most since 8/10/19 vs. HOU (23-2 loss).
• Catcher Austin Wynns allowed a Hunter Renfroe HR in a nine-pitch eighth inning (six strikes).
• After Sunday, the Red Sox still have six games against the Orioles. Good for Boston, bad for anyone that loves to watch competitive baseball.

UP NEXT

The Red Sox and Orioles wrap up their 3-game set at 1:10 p.m. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (8-6, 5.24 ERA) will face RHP Keegan Akin (0-6, 9.57)