Boston – In the opening game of a three‑game series, the Boston Red Sox delivered a commanding performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, winning 11‑1 on Monday night. The victory not only showcased the depth of Boston’s lineup but also solidified the team’s six‑game lead in the AL wild‑card race.
All nine starters drive in runs
Every member of the Red Sox starting nine contributed at least one run batted in, a rare feat that underscored the balanced offensive output. Willson Contreras and Mickey Gasper each hit home runs, while Eli White, Caleb Durbin, Nick Sogard, Ceddanne Rafaela, Andruw Monasterio and others added RBI singles and doubles.
Early lead builds momentum
The Red Sox jumped to a 4‑0 advantage after four innings. White and Durbin drove in runs with singles, and Sogard and Rafaela followed with RBI doubles. Boston extended the lead to 7‑0 in the fifth inning when Contreras launched a 342‑foot homer, Monasterio delivered a sacrifice fly, and Gasper produced an RBI groundout.
Diamondbacks get on the board
Arizona’s first run came in the sixth inning via a sacrifice fly by Geraldo Perdomo. The inning offered a brief glimpse of life for the Diamondbacks, but Boston quickly answered.
Late‑inning insurance runs
In the seventh, Gasper hit his first Red Sox home run, sneaking around Pesky’s Pole, and Wilyer Abreu added an RBI single. The Red Sox continued to pile on runs, finishing with 11 total.
Pitching notes
Red Sox reliever Brayan Bello (5‑6) worked 4 2/3 innings, striking out three and allowing a single run on three hits. Bello boasts a 0.85 ERA over 11 relief appearances (52 2/3 innings) this season. Wyatt Olds made his major‑league debut, recording his first career strikeout.
For Arizona, starter Mitch Bratt (1‑2) was charged with three runs over three innings. Zack Littell surrendered the final eight runs on 11 hits without recording a strikeout. Diamondbacks right‑hander Merrill Kelly (8‑10, 5.11 ERA) is slated to start the series’ second game against Red Sox left‑hander Ranger Suárez (4‑3, 3.25 ERA).
Implications for the wild‑card race
The win keeps Boston firmly in the AL wild‑card picture, maintaining a six‑game cushion over its nearest competitors. With the series now set for two more games, the Red Sox will look to continue their offensive surge while the Diamondbacks aim to regroup and protect their division standing.
Looking ahead
Tuesday’s matchup will feature a pitching duel between Merrill Kelly and Ranger Suárez, offering another opportunity for Boston to extend its lead and for Arizona to narrow the gap. Fans can expect the same high‑energy play that defined Monday’s game.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
