Nathan Eovaldi pitched five effective innings and the Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to eight games, beating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 to open Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Christian Arroyo, Alex Verdugo and Xander Bogaerts each had two hits for Boston, which is on its longest winning streak since 2018. The Red Sox are the first team since the 1991 Seattle Mariners to lose at least three games to start the season and follow by winning at least seven straight, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
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Nathan Eovaldi pitched five effective innings and the Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to eight games, beating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 to open Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Matt Barnes finished with his second save after allowing a leadoff walk.
Arroyo capped off Boston's three-run second with an RBI single, but the Red Sox stranded a pair of runners against Maeda. Boston left 12 runners on base in the seven-inning game and was 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position.
Red Sox: RHP Bryan Mata, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California.
RHP José Berríos (2-0, 1.54 ERA) will start the second game of the doubleheader. Boston will counter with LHP Eduardo Rodríguez (1-0, 5.40).
Boston Red Sox center fielder Franchy Corder makes a catch in the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins , Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
Eovaldi (2-1) gave up two runs on five hits. He has allowed four runs over 17 1/3 innings in three starts this season.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kenta Maeda throws to the Boston Red Sox during the third inning during a baseball game, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
Matt Barnes finished with his second save after allowing a leadoff walk.
Kenta Maeda (1-1) was undone by Minnesota’s defense in the second inning, including his own throwing error that allowed a run to score. He pitched 4 1/3 innings and gave up three runs — one earned — on seven hits and two walks. He struck out five.
The Twins have lost four straight.
Boston Red Sox center fielder Alex Verdugo hits a single against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning during a baseball game, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
Arroyo capped off Boston's three-run second with an RBI single, but the Red Sox stranded a pair of runners against Maeda. Boston left 12 runners on base in the seven-inning game and was 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position.
The doubleheader was scheduled after Monday’s game was postponed following the fatal police shooting of a Black man in a nearby suburb.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz reacts after getting hit by a pitch from Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
Red Sox: RHP Bryan Mata, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California.
Twins: SS Andrelton Simmons tested positive for the coronavirus and was placed on the COVID-19 injured list prior to the game. Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Simmons was experiencing “very mild” symptoms and resting at home. The team selected the contract of JT Riddle from its alternate training site. … Manager Rocco Baldelli said he expects 3B Josh Donaldson, out since the season’s first game with a right hamstring strain, to be activated and play in the second game of the doubleheader. … DH Nelson Cruz returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game with a non-COVID-19-related illness.
UP NEXT
Boston Red Sox third baseman Christian Arroyo hits a double against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
RHP José Berríos (2-0, 1.54 ERA) will start the second game of the doubleheader. Boston will counter with LHP Eduardo Rodríguez (1-0, 5.40).
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Minnesota Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco (11) throws to first after forcing Boston Red Sox third baseman Marwin Gonzalez (12) out at second on a hit by Boston Red Sox right fielder Hunter Renfroe, foreground in the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)
Boston Red Sox center fielder Franchy Corder makes a catch in the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins , Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP PhotoAndy Clayton-King)