Aaron Nola Sharp In Phillies' 3-2 Win Over Red Sox
BOSTON (AP) — Aaron Nola pitched seven innings of four-hit ball to win for the sixth time in his last seven decisions, getting three runs of support in the first inning and cruising to a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.
In the opener of a two-game interleague series, three of the first four Philadelphia batters reached base, including back-to-back doubles by Bryce Harper and Jean Segura. Boston made it 3-2 on Jackie Bradley Jr.'s homer in the third but managed just four more hits the rest of the game.
Nola (12-3) allowed two runs and one walk while striking out seven. José Alvarez and Mike Morin shared the eighth before Hector Neris came on for the ninth and gave up a leadoff double to Xander Bogaerts.
Bogaerts was out trying to advance to third on a grounder to the shortstop, and then pinch-runner Chris Owings was doubled off first on a hard liner to the shortstop — shifted over to second base — to end the game. It was Neris' 22nd save.
Red Sox starter Brian Johnson (1-2) allowed three runs, six hits and two walks, striking out four in 3 2/3 innings as Boston ended a five-game winning streak.
FOUL CALL
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was upset about a call in the fourth inning, when Rhys Hoskins hit a chopper right down the line that was fielded by third baseman Rafael Devers behind the bag. Third base umpire Vic Carapazza spread his arms — apparently signaling a foul ball — but the play continued.
Devers threw to second, but did not get the runner retreating to the bag; there was no play at first. Hoskins was credited with a single.
J.T. Realmuto struck out to end the inning.
RELIEF
The Boston bullpen kept up its strong run, allowing just one baserunner in 5 1/3 innings. Over the past six games, the Red Sox relievers have allowed only two earned runs in 26 2/3 innings pitched. They have not allowed a homer in 102 batters.
NEAR MISSES
The Red Sox had the potential tying run at second in the fifth and sixth innings but failed to score.
Christian Vázquez led off the fifth with a double, but was stranded there. Mookie Betts led off the sixth with a single and stole second, but also was ultimately stranded as the Red Sox fell to 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Phillies: RHP Jake Arrieta (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injury list.
Red Sox: LHP David Price (wrist) threw in the bullpen before the game and could return to the roster as soon as this weekend in San Diego.
UP NEXT
Phillies: LHP Drew Smyly (2-6, 7.09 ERA) is 1-1 in five starts for Philadelphia since being acquired from Texas in July. The Phillies are 4-1 in the games Smyly has started.
Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello (11-9, 5.49) has won six of his last eight starts and is second on the club in victories.