Ceddanne Rafaela gets 2
BOSTON (AP) — Ceddanne Rafaela had a two-run double after Washington center fielder Victor Robles dropped a routine fly for an error during Boston’s three-run second inning, and the Red Sox held off the Nationals 3-2 on Sunday to take the series.
Behind a good start from Brayan Bello (4-1) and scoreless work from four relievers, the Red Sox won their second straight after losing the opener Friday.
Boston’s team ERA dropped to 2.75, the only one in the majors below 3.00. It’s the club’s lowest this late in the season since 1920.
“It’s been good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of the pitching. “The reason we are where we’re at is because of the pitching.”
Eddie Rosario homered for the second consecutive day for the Nationals, a two-run shot. Robles also had a base-running blunder that took them out a potential big inning and lined to left with two runners on to end the seventh.