All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Red Sox' win over the Mariners, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:
HEADLINES
Sox craft season's biggest comeback win: It didn't look promising when the Red Sox fell behind by four in the top of the first, then allowed another run in the top of the third, creating a five-run deficit. But the Sox started to eat into Seattle's lead in the bottom of the inning on the first of two homers from Rafael Devers. In a four-run fifth, Devers struck again for a two-run shot while Bobby Dalbec and Trevor Story drove in a run apiece. Finally, in the eighth, a one-out triple from Franchy Cordero and a Wall-ball single from Christian Vazquez put the Sox ahead to stay. The five-run deficit that the Sox overcame was the biggest of the season. "I know the team that we have,'' said Devers. "We're confident we can come from behind with any score at any time, especially with the lineup that we have. I feel really confident in this team.''
Bullpen shines: When starter Garrett Whitlock was lifted after just three innings, the bullpen had to provide a lot of work. Five different relievers managed to silence the Mariners for the final six innings, allowing just two hits the rest of the way. Tyler Danish provided two innings, Jake Diekman struck out the side and Matt Barnes closed it out with just his second save of the season. There were some relievers who weren't available -- including Matt Strahm -- because of recent workload and usage, but the ones who were available were very nearly perfect.
Whitlock still adjusting: Having succeeded in relief last year, Garrett Whitlock is still getting comfortable in the rotation, and he's been inconsistent at times. Last week, he was roughed up by the Braves early and lasted just three innings. It happened again Saturday as the Mariners pounded him for four runs in the first on six hits. Not all of the balls put in play were hit hard, but the Mariners obviously has a gameplan against him and worked it well. Whitlock never had an easy inning. In the second, he allowed two singles before stranding both runners and in the third, two more hits -- both with two out -- resulted in another run. Alex Cora noted that Whitlock's slider wasn't as sharp as it has been, but he also gave up a number of hits on his sinker, indicating that it just wasn't his day. Fortunately for him the bullpen picked him for the final 18 outs.
TURNING POINT
In the seventh inning of a 5-5 game, the Mariners got a two-out double from rookie Julio Rodriguez, who stood in scoring position, representing the potential go-ahead run. But Hansel Robles dug in and overpowered Jesse Winker, getting him swinging at a third strike and stranding Rodriguez. In the next inning, the Sox grabbed their first lead of the afternoon.
TWO UP
Xander Bogaerts: Bouncing back nicely a day after he hurt his lower back in an outfield collision, Bogaerts returned to the lineup and banged out two hits.
Jake Diekman: The bullpen performance as a whole was impressive with six shutout innings, but the lefty was especially dominant, striking out the side in the sixth inning.
TWO DOWN
Trevor Story: After exploding for three homers and 11 RBI in the first two games of the series, Story came back down to earth in his one, going hitless in four plate appearances, though he did have a sacrifice fly for an RBI.
Kike Hernandez: The leadoff man continues to struggle. He had a double in the fifth and scored a run, but that was the only time he reached base in five at-bats.
QUOTE OF NOTE
"To have the opportunity to be put in that position, and them be able to get it done, that one felt really good.'' Matt Barnes on his second save of the season.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
* The Red Sox' winning streak is now at a season-high four games.
* The Sox have extra-base hits in 18 straight games, tied for the longest MLB streak this season.
* Rafael Devers enjoyed his 11th career multi-homer game and first this season.
* The Sox have come from behind in three of their last four wins.
* Boston is now 16-6 when they score four or more runs in a game.
UP NEXT
The final game of the four game series on Sunday at 1:05 will feature RHP Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 4.32) vs. RHP Logan Gilbert (4-2, 2.40) as the Red Sox go for a sweep of the series.