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Final: Red Sox 7, Athletics 0 - Pivetta, pitching dominate as Boston rolls past Oakland in series-opener
Nick Pivetta threw six strong innings out the bullpen, striking out 13 and walking two without giving up a single hit, as the Red Sox took down the Athletics, 7-0, in Oakland. Brennan Bernardino and Chris Martin struck out five in all as Boston's staff combined for a one-hit shutout and 18 total strikeouts. The Sox have won three of four since coming out of the break and 11 of 13. Connor Wong went 3-for-4 with three RBI.
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WHO: Red Sox (50-44) at Athletics (25-70)
WHEN: 9:40 p.m.
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum
SERIES TO DATE: Red Sox lead season series, 3-0.
STARTING PITCHERS: LHP Brennan Bernardino (1-0, 2.43) vs. RHP Paul Blackburn (1-1, 4.86)
TV/RADIO: NESN; WEEI-FM 93.7
LINEUP
RED SOX
1. Jarren Duran LF
2. Alex Verdugo RF
3. Justin Turner 3B
4. Masataka Yoshida DH
5. Adam Duvall CF
6. Triston Casas 1B
7. Christian Arroyo 2B
8. Connor Wong C
9. Yu Chang SS
SP Brennan Bernardino
ATHLETICS
1. Zack Gelof 2B
2. Jordann Díaz 3B
3. Ryan Noda 1B
4. Brent Rooker LF
5. Tyler Soderstrom DH
6. Shea Langeliers C
7. JJ Bleday CF
8. Nick Allen SS
9. Seth Brown RF
SP Paul Blackburn
WHAT’S UP
The Red Sox' road trip coming out of the All-Star break continues on after Boston took two of three from the Cubs at Wrigley Field, winning 11-5 on Sunday in Chicago. They've won 10 of 12 and sit two games out of a wild card spot.
Boston announced late that Bernardino would serve as the opener for what's expected to be a bullpen game. Nick Pivetta is expected to come in at some point.
Oakland has the worst record in baseball. They've lost seven in a row, including the sweep at Fenway to close out the first half when Boston outscored them 21-9.
Bernardino has faced the A's once in his career, making a start on July 7. He went two innings, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts.
Blackburn has faced the Sox three times, going 1-1 with a 6.10 ERA. In his July 9 appearance against the Red Sox, he threw one inning, allowing three hits, two runs (earned), a home run and one walk with one strikeout.