Key facts
- Ceddanne Rafaela's go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning broke a 2-2 tie.
- Jarren Duran added an insurance two-run homer in the eighth inning.
- Aroldis Chapman closed out the game with his 14th save.
- Wyatt Langford recorded three hits and an RBI for the Rangers.
- Garrett Whitlock earned the win in relief for the Red Sox.
Ceddanne Rafaela's two-run single in the seventh inning propelled the Boston Red Sox to a 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday, securing their first series win at Fenway Park since April. Rafaela's clutch, two-strike hit off reliever Robby Ahlstrom with the bases loaded broke a 2-2 tie and gave Boston the lead.
The Red Sox had taken a 2-1 lead in the third inning with RBI singles from Mickey Gaspar and Wilyer Abreu, but the Rangers tied the game in the seventh. Texas narrowed the deficit to one in the eighth when Jake Burger hit his 12th home run, but Jarren Duran provided insurance for Boston with his 11th home run of the season in the bottom half.
Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 14th save, and Garrett Whitlock (4-1) earned the win after a perfect seventh. Boston used five relievers in total. Rangers leadoff batter Wyatt Langford finished with three hits and an RBI. Texas starter Cole Winn (2-2) was charged with the loss after allowing two hits in the seventh.
Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez gave up two runs and six hits in five innings, striking out seven and walking two. Rangers ace Jacob deGrom pitched six innings, leaving the game tied at 2 with five strikeouts and no walks. All-Star shortstop Corey Seager missed his second consecutive game for the Rangers due to a collision at the plate on Thursday.
The three-game series concludes Sunday night with Texas right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.26) facing Boston left-hander Connelly Early (5-4, 3.30).