Justin Masterson Shines as Boston Red Sox Top Phillies
Apr 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Masterson dazzled for six innings Thursday night in his first game back with the Boston Red Sox since 2009. Xander Bogaerts added three RBIs to back Masterson and help the Red Sox earn a series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies with a 6-2 win.
Masterson struck out seven batters, scattering just three hits and two runs over six innings of work. He also contributed with the bat in his hands as well. Masterson notched a career-high two hits and added an RBI as he earned the win in his season debut.
The Red Sox did all of their offensive damage in the third inning, plating six runs in the frame.
Philadelphia starter David Buchanan appeared to be on his way to an easy inning after retiring the first two batters of the third, but then the wheels suddenly fell off.
David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez both reached base by way of infield singles. Pablo Sandoval followed with a walk. Shane Victorino then plated one run after reaching base on another infield knock. Ryan Hanigan stepped to the dish and walked to put Boston up 2-0.
With the bases still full and Buchanan in search of that elusive third out, Bogaerts blooped a sinking fly ball that landed just inside the right-field foul line. The ball oddly skipped past right fielder Jeff Francour, allowing Bogaerts to reach third on a bases-clearing triple. Masterson would tack on Boston’s final run of the inning with a single to center to make it a 6-0 advantage.
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Buchanan was lifted from the game following the inning. He allowed seven hits, six earned runs and four walks. The Red Sox finished the game with a total of 11 hits.
The Phillies would score their only two runs of the contest in the bottom half of the third. Phillies short stop Freddy Galvis scored his team’s first run on a wild pitch after reaching base on an infield single. Later in the inning, Chase Utley drove in Ben Revere who earned his way aboard after hitting into a fielder’s choice.
Bogaerts finished the game with three hits. Shane Victorino tallied two hits in his return after sitting out Wednesday in favor of Daniel Nava. Ramirez also added two hits.
Craig Breslow, Tommy Layne and Edward Mujica each pitched an inning in relief of Masterson. The trio did not allow a run, combining for three strikeouts.
The Red Sox will be in New York Friday night for a weekend showdown with the Yankees. Wade Miley will oppose Nathan Eovaldi.