[ad_1]
Red Sox
Boston fell eight games behind east-leading Tampa Bay.
Cleveland’s Austin Hedges hits a solo home run during the eighth inning. (AP Photo / Ron Schwane) The Associated Press
August 29, 2021
CLEVELAND (AP) – Oscar Mercado was awarded home plate after an obstacle call by an outfield player to kick off the eighth inning, and the Cleveland Indians rallied 7-5 on Sunday at the Boston Red Sox.
The Indians stayed 4-0 and had no hit against Boston rookie Tanner Houck until José Ramirez landed in sixth with an out.
Cleveland was still 5-4 behind in the eighth when Austin Hedges hit a binding homer against Austin Davis.
Mercado then went single and Yu Chang followed with a double on the left field line. Mercado appeared to be kicked out at home, but record referee Nic Lentz immediately ruled that Boston’s second baseman Yairo Munoz had hampered Mercado’s progress on the grassroots paths.
Munoz moved to the left side of the infield as the game progressed and Mercado collided with him after rounding second base. Mercado also had a narrow brush that passed Davis, who had gone in third place.
Myles Straw was then singled out in Chang for an insurance run.
Boston continues to hold second place with the AL wildcard, but fell eight games behind Tampa Bay, the USA’s leading east. The teams begin a four-game series at Tropicana Field on Monday.
Rafael Devers scored two solo home runs for the Red Sox, leaving Eli Morgan far behind in the first and Blake Parker in the seventh. It was his third two-home game of the season and the ninth of his career.
Bryan Shaw (6-6) finished eighth and Emmanuel Clase scored a perfect ninth on his 19th save, preventing Boston from making its first three-game sweep in Cleveland since 2013.
Houck was in charge until Ramirez homered. The right-hander pitches the next two batter, ended his day with three plukings, and was charged with three runs and four walks.
Bobby Dalbec hit a solo homer, JD Martinez had an RBI double, and Jarren Duran left with loaded bases for Boston.
Cleveland moved up 4-3 in Wilson’s two-run doubles in the sixth game, but the veteran catcher ran out in the seventh when his left knee buckled on a throw on the second. Ramos couldn’t put any weight on the leg.
After Devers’ second homer, Ramirez Amed Rosario doubled up in the seventh home game to reduce Boston’s lead to 5-4.
The first pitch was delayed by 3 hours and 10 minutes due to passing showers.
SALE OF THE CENTURY
Red Sox LHP Chris Sale, who has been 3-0 in three starts with a 2.35 ERA since returning from surgery on Tommy John, will be back on the hill against the Rays on Wednesday. Sales have been every six days so far, but manager Alex Cora said, “This will be the last time Chris gets an extra day, although we have some wiggle room in September.” Sale skipped 21 and ran three over 15 1/3 innings.
TRAINER ROOM
Red Sox: 2B Christian Arroyo (COVID-19) tested positive for the virus and is not allowed to travel to Boston with the team. Strength trainer Kiyoshi Momose also has COVID-19 and will be staying in Cleveland with Arroyo.
Indian: RHP Shane Bieber (right shoulder load) will have a bullpen session on Tuesday and a simulated game later in the week. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner has been on the injured list since June 14th.
NEXT
Red Sox: RHP Nick Pivetta (9-6, 4.57 ERA) takes the hill on Monday to begin a four-game series in Tampa Bay where he will face Ray’s RHP Luis Patino (3-3, 4.53 ERA).
Indian: RHP Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.78 ERA) will line up in Kansas City on Tuesday to kick off a three-game set. The Royals did not name a starter.
[ad_2]
