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| (Getty Images) |
This is
exactly what the Red Sox needed—someone in the starting rotation pitching like they actually
belong there.
Eduardo Rodriguez, who had not pitched since mid-July, returned on Saturday to deliver 5.2
stellar innings—striking out 12 and yielding just one earned run in
an eventual 6-1 win. It was the 12th win of the year for the lefty, who gave up just three hits with his 90 pitches. Boston's offense was mostly driven by the solo home run—one each by
Eduardo Nunez,
Jackie Bradley, Jr., and
Ian Kinsler. Also contributing on the offensive end were:
J. D. Martinez (2-4, RBI) and
Steve Pearce (1-3, RBI). Boston's bullpen worked 3.1 innings—giving up just two hits and no earned runs. But this really was all about
E-Rod, who may just have re-established himself as a critical member of the rotation. The win kept Boston's lead in the American League East at 7.5 games—and reduced their Magic Number to clinch the division down to 19.
