NEW YORK — The Red Sox did something they haven’t done since May 27 against a linebacker. Boston won the series, and it was against the Yankees in a 3-2 victory in 10 innings Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.
The game was tied at 2 when Keke Hernandez singled to left from Ron Marinacchio, driving off robot runner Adam Duvall. It was Boston’s first hit with runners in scoring position during the game.
“It felt really good to be on the team,” said Hernandez. “It was a big series for us. … We were in all three games. We played well and played well on defense. We ran the bases well. We did the little things. We did it all tonight.”
Red Sox right-hander Brian Bellew didn’t receive a decision in Sunday’s game, but he was the highlight of Boston’s game. He pitched seven innings pitched on the season, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out three.
“He was amazing,” manager Alex Cora said of Bellew. “…he was striking, using his pennies against the right. That was good to see.”
What was impressive was that Bello was transacting in front of a sell-out crowd of 46,138 people.
“It was an exciting opportunity to be there and play on Sunday night,” said Bello through translator Carlos Viloria Benitez. “I had this opportunity last year as well. I was so excited to be there today.”
If not for the second half, Bellew would have had seven rounds. The ball didn’t bounce his way that far.
The Yankees were runners second and third, with two out. Jose Trevino hit what appeared to be a regular ground ball, but the ball hit the second base bag and bounced past Hernandez for a hit, scoring twice to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
“I felt like saying, ‘Let’s go home,'” Cora admitted.
But Bello did not panic. He held New York State scoreless in the next five innings.
“Thank God I kept my focus,” Bellew said. “It would have been difficult to get out of the first turn. I did my job and executed my bid. I was glad I was able to stay focused through the situation.”
Hernandez wasn’t surprised that Bellew kept his focus and had a good walk.
“This is what we believe in [Bello] He is,” said Hernandez. “This is a kid who entered the league with all the hype in the world and struggled a little bit. It seemed to get better with each start.
“This year, he didn’t really get into spring training. He basically had to go into spring training during the regular season, and the first outing wasn’t quite what he wanted. He was taken down a bit. He came back with a great attitude. Same story last year. He takes the hill. Seems he’s getting better.” I think he is mature beyond his years.”
Over the three-game series, Bellew, Tanner Hoke, and Garrett Whitlock gave Boston 19 runs in 1/3, allowing six runs (five earned) and striking out 15. He finished the season with the little kids.
“On my end, to come here with these three kids and perform the way they did, I hope we can build on this. That was really good from Witt, Tanner and Bellew. Obviously, we need to play. Crime will be fine. It is only a matter of time. … I like the way [the team] He went around during the three days. It was interesting to watch him in that scenario against a good team. They have grown up in the past three days.”
With the win, the Red Sox again found themselves at . 500 with a 33-33 record.
“We won the series,” said Cora. “We came to Yankee Stadium and pulled two out of three. Now we just have to go home and keep going.”
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