The Boston Red Sox clinched a 9-5 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night, with starting pitcher James Paxton leading the way with a strong performance. Paxton pitched six innings, allowing just two runs on five hits to secure his first win since being traded to the Red Sox. Masataka Yoshida also shone for Boston, tying his career high with four hits in the game.
The Red Sox’s win brings them within 1.5 games of the Royals for the final American League wild card spot, as they continue their strong run of form by winning four of their last five games. Brady Singer struggled on the mound for the Royals, giving up four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Offensively, Boston capitalized on their opportunities with 18 hits in the game. David Hamilton and Jarren Duran contributed early runs for the Red Sox, while Michael Massey and Bobby Witt Jr. provided offense for the Royals. The Red Sox pulled away in the sixth inning, scoring multiple runs off reliever Angel Zerpa to extend their lead.
The Royals fought back with two runs in the seventh inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Red Sox’s lead. The two teams will face off again on Tuesday night in the second game of their three-game series, with Boston sending RHP Brayan Bello to the mound to try and secure another win.
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