Wade Miley Pitches Boston Red Sox Past Texas Rangers
After a mediocre trip out west, the Boston Red Sox returned home and kicked off a six-game homestand on a high note.
The Red Sox survived a ninth-inning scare Tuesday night to defeat the Texas Rangers, 4-3, at Fenway Park. In the first game of a three game set, Wade Miley took the mound and dazzled for seven innings. David Ortiz and Mike Napoli added a much-needed homers to lift the Red Sox to victory.
Miley’s gem nearly went by the wayside in the top of the ninth when Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin belted a solo homer off Koji Uehara to bring his team within one run. Uehara buckled down and closed out the inning to earn his 10th save in 11 opportunities this season.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
Miley tossed seven quality innings, striking out seven Rangers over the course of the night. Miley held the Rangers scoreless through the first five innings. In victory, he allowed just two runs on seven hits while improving to 3-4 on the year. He’s now earned a win in each of his last two starts.
Napoli and Ortiz, two batters who had been scuffling in the middle of the order, came through in a big way for the Red Sox. Napoli, fresh off a 4-for-27 showing on Boston’s road trip, clubbed a solo shot off Yovani Gallardo in the fourth. David Ortiz added another homer in the fifth before Napoli collected an RBI single to put the Red Sox out in front 4-0.
The Rangers then struck twice in the sixth to cut the Red Sox lead to 4-2. Miley tossed a scoreless seventh, giving way to Junichi Tazawa and then Uehara.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
The Red Sox had plenty of opportunity to blow the game wide open. They left the bases loaded in both the first and seventh innings.
On a down note, Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval left the game and did not return after taking a pitch off the knee. He immediately underwent testing. No structural damage was found. He’s said to be day-to-day.
The Red Sox and Rangers will play the second game of their series on Wednesday night.