Rafael Devers hit a two-run double, helping the Boston Red Sox end Carlos Rodón’s streak of seven consecutive wins with an 8-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday night.
Tyler O’Neill and rookie Jamie Westbrook contributed RBI doubles in a three-run first inning for the Red Sox, who bounced back from an 8-1 loss in Friday’s series opener to win before the second sellout crowd at Fenway Park this season.
“It felt better today compared to yesterday,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora about the atmosphere. “The fans were engaged… Regardless of our position, people are passionate. It’s been enjoyable the last couple of days.”
Boston’s record improved to 33-9 while wearing their City Connect uniforms featuring bright yellow jerseys and powder blue lettering, including an 18-5 record over the past two years.
Rodón (9-3) had only allowed three or fewer runs in 13 of his 14 starts this season. O’Neill and Westbrook’s doubles, along with Connor Wong’s RBI single, contributed to the early scoring against him.
“It seemed like he left too many pitches in the middle of the plate,” remarked Yankees manager Aaron Boone about Rodón. “His stuff looked good.”
Rodón surrendered five runs, seven hits, and three walks over five innings, marking his first loss since May 2.
“I left some pitches over the heart of the plate,” Rodón admitted about his struggles in the first two innings. “They hit the ball hard off me and I didn’t hit my spots. Giving up five runs made it tough for the team to come back. That’s on me.”
Juan Soto hit a solo home run and DJ LeMahieu added a two-run single for the Yankees (50-23), who lead the majors in wins and had won nine of their previous 10 road games.
“Playing at the Green Monster can be exciting,” said Soto, who played left field, “but it’s less fun when you see a lot of balls hitting the wall.”
Justin Slaten (4-2) pitched 2 2/3 innings of one-run relief, including striking out Giancarlo Stanton with the bases loaded in the fifth inning.
“Growing up, you dream about games like this,” Slaten said about his first experience in a Red Sox-Yankees matchup. “This rivalry has such a long history. You can feel it in the clubhouse, stepping onto the field during the anthem, and throughout the game… It’s truly an incredible feeling.”
