Wednesday was the Boston Red Sox\u2019s final game before Thursday\u2019s MLB Trade Deadline, and they made the most of it.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s three hits and four RBI, Boston pounded out 16 hits (including four homers<\/a>) en route to a massive victory.<\/p>\n It was easily the Red Sox\u2019s best offensive performance and most lopsided win of the second half. The 13 runs were Boston\u2019s most since June 30 and matched the team\u2019s high in a road game this year.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Brayan Bello shined on the mound with seven innings of one-run ball, helping save the bullpen before Thursday\u2019s off day. It was a great rebound performance for Bello, who was coming off back-to-back losses to start the second half.<\/p>\n The blowout caps the Red Sox\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n If the Red Sox have proved anything over the last month, it\u2019s that they\u2019re legit contenders. They went on a 10-game winning streak<\/a> to end the first half and persevered through a tough stretch against top National League competition to open the second half. <\/p>\n