Wednesday was the Boston Red Sox’s final game before Thursday’s MLB Trade Deadline, and they made the most of it.
The Red Sox rocked the Minnesota Twins 13-1 in their series finale at Target Field, clinching their second straight series win. Led by Jarren Duran’s three hits and four RBI, Boston pounded out 16 hits (including four homers) en route to a massive victory.
It was easily the Red Sox’s best offensive performance and most lopsided win of the second half. The 13 runs were Boston’s most since June 30 and matched the team’s high in a road game this year.
Meanwhile, Brayan Bello shined on the mound with seven innings of one-run ball, helping save the bullpen before Thursday’s off day. It was a great rebound performance for Bello, who was coming off back-to-back losses to start the second half.
The blowout caps the Red Sox’s best month of the season to date. Boston finished July with their most wins (17) and best run differential (plus-51) of any month this year, not to mention the best record in baseball (17-7).
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If the Red Sox have proved anything over the last month, it’s that they’re legit contenders. They went on a 10-game winning streak to end the first half and persevered through a tough stretch against top National League competition to open the second half.
After going 2-5 and looking a bit shaky in their first seven games out of the break, they rallied to win four of their last five, taking back-to-back series from the Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers to close out the month.
Following its summer surge, Boston is a season-high eight games over .500 (59-51) and controls a playoff spot.
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Now, the ball is in Craig Breslow’s court. With an off day on Thursday, the Red Sox will watch and wait to see if they get any notable additions at the trade deadline.
Based on their recent play, they definitely deserve some.