Red Sox Recap: Kelly, Betts spark Red Sox to 3-1 win
By Rick McNair
Red Sox break serve
Aug 26, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50), right fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25), and right fielder Rusney Castillo (38) celebrate after defeating the Chicago White Sox 2-0 at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
The third time through proved a charm for a group of previously frustrated Boston hitters. Betts led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Pablo Sandoval, who looked awful striking out his first two at bats, caught a deGrom fastball and raked it to right-center for a run scoring double. Xander Bogaerts hit a shot to center and Panda moved to third on the out. Travis Shaw, who had looked equally as awful, drew a walk. Up stepped Holt and a grounder to first got the run in and a force at second. After a Blake Swihart – also two K’s – single, Jackie Bradley joined the K parade and inning over, but Boston up 2-0.
Hansel Robles replaced deGrom (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 10 K) in the seventh as the Red Sox added another ace to their trophy case. Amazing the number of quality pitchers – Ace status, really – whom the Red Sox have either pounded into submission or edged out for wins. Add the very impressive deGrom to the list. Robles was given a nice welcome by Betts who launched a line drive home run (12) to left field.
Mets make noise
Johnson started the mini uprising with a single and came around on a Uribe double. Kelly settled down and retired the next two for a Red Sox 3-1 lead.
Kelly was finished after 7.1 innings and any Red Sox fan knows what that means – a shaky bullpen. This time it was not endless walks and a blown lead, but a creditable finish by Tommy Layne and a save for Jean Machi.
The Sunday conclusion of the series will have Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (8-6, 3.19) against left-hander Wade Miley (10-10, 4.51).