Brayan Bello pitched impressively for the Boston Red Sox, holding the Baltimore Orioles hitless until the sixth inning. The Red Sox secured a 5-1 victory over the Orioles on Saturday night, with Jarren Duran contributing a crucial two-run single in the seventh inning. Rafael Devers added to the Red Sox’s lead with his 27th home run of the season, bringing the team within seven games of the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East. Despite losing four of their last six games, the Orioles remain just one game out of the playoff race.
Bello’s stellar performance on the mound was matched by a strong offensive showing from the Red Sox. Despite a late home run by Gunnar Henderson, erasing Boston’s lead, Bello finished with six strikeouts over six innings. Baltimore’s rookie pitcher, Cade Povich, made a solid return from the minor leagues, limiting the Red Sox to two runs and six hits over six innings before being replaced in the seventh inning.
The Red Sox capitalized on Povich’s exit, scoring runs in the seventh and eighth innings to secure the victory. Tyler O’Neill contributed with an RBI single in the sixth inning, while Devers added a two-run homer in the eighth inning to extend the lead. After a rain delay, Povich demonstrated improved control and effectiveness on the mound, showcasing a variety of pitches and avoiding walks.
In the injury department, Red Sox’s O’Neill returned to the lineup after missing 12 games due to a leg infection. Infielder/outfielder Nick Sogard was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to make room for O’Neill. For the Orioles, All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman missed his second consecutive start due to lower back discomfort but entered the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning.
The series between the Red Sox and Orioles concludes on Sunday, with Kutter Crawford set to pitch for Boston against Albert Suárez of the Orioles. Suárez aims to build on his recent strong performance, having pitched a season-high 6 2/3 innings in his last start.