Boston Red Sox: 3 factors in Game 67 extra-innings win in Baltimore

Turn to the Pen 

As good as Steven Wright was during the first 6 2/3 innings of the game, the bullpen was just as good.

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Joe Kelly entered the game with bases loaded in the seventh inning with two out.  Facing Adam Jones, the right-handed relief pitcher out the Orioles outfielder to keep the game scoreless.

In what could’ve turned into a disastrous inning with one swing of the bat, Kelly stepping on the mound at that particular moment was key the Boston Red Sox winning this game.  It also showed Alex Cora’s confidence in his bullpen as he could’ve stuck with Wright after he got into the jam.

The recognition to make the switch at that time really paid off, but it would’ve went for not had it not been for the rest of the bullpen.

Joe Kelly went on to pitch a scoreless eighth.  Brian Johnson and Brandon Workman pitched a scoreless ninth and 10^th.  Heath Embree, who qualified for the win, pitched a dazzling 11^th inning by striking out the side.

With the team finally taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the 12^th ignited by a clutch double off the bat of Rafael Devers, Craig Kimbrel came in to finish the job by striking out each batter he faced.

The bullpen was absolutely fantastic Monday night and the Red Sox needed every bit of it.