J.D. Martinez Hits 21st Home Run As Red Sox Beat White Sox 4-2
BOSTON (AP) — J.D. Martinez hit a tiebreaking two-run homer, David Price pitched six solid innings to win his fifth straight decision and the Boston Red Sox rebounded from a series-opening loss with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.
Jackie Bradley Jr. added a solo shot for Boston, which avoided tying its season-high three-game losing streak. The Red Sox lost 1-0 to the White Sox on Friday with ace left-hander Chris Sale on the mound.
Jose Abreu had an RBI double for the White Sox, who had won five of eight.
Price (7-4) held Chicago scoreless after allowing two runs in the first. He gave up five hits, struck out six and walked three, improving to 5-0 in his past six starts with a 2.89 ERA.
Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save.
Carlos Rodon took the loss in his season debut, giving up four runs — two earned — and six hits, striking out seven and walking two in five innings. The 24-year-old lefty started the season on the disabled list after left shoulder surgery last September.
Martinez hit his team-leading 21st homer two innings after looking completely fooled with an awkward swing on a high, 93 mph fastball. This time, the slugger hit a hanging changeup into Boston's bullpen, pushing the Red Sox ahead 4-2 in the fifth.
Boston had erased a 2-0 deficit by scoring a run in the first and second. Bradley's homer into the center field seats tied it after Eduardo Nunez's fielder's choice grounder drove in a run.
Price gave up a run before getting an out in the first when Abreu doubled off the Green Monster after a single and walk. Kevan Smith's groundout scored the second run.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Red Sox: Manager Alex Cora said OF Mookie Betts (10-day disabled list, left abdominal strain) "actually felt better" after taking BP on the field. "If everything goes well, we'll do it again tomorrow," Cora said. "He seems like now he's gaining momentum." The plan is likely for him to play a game on a rehab assignment. ... The news wasn't as good for 2B Dustin Pedroia (DL, left knee inflammation). Cora said his baseball activities are being "limited."
TOO MANY ERRORS
Three of Chicago's infielders made an error: SS Tim Anderson booted a grounder, and 2B Yoan Moncada and 1B Abreu each had one throwing.
WORE BOTH SOXS
Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk was the former Red Sox player honored in the middle of the third inning. He played with Boston from 1969-80 and the White Sox from 1981-1993.
Each game, the Red Sox show highlights of a past star and have him on the video board if they're in town.
UP NEXT
White Sox: RHP Reynaldo Lopez (1-4, 3.42 ERA) is scheduled to make his first career start against the Red Sox in the series finale Sunday. He's 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA in seven road starts this season.
Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.59) looks to keep his solid season going before Boston heads out on a 10-game road trip.
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