Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Franklin Morales allowed one run in a six-inning
spot start, helping the Boston Red Sox halt the bleeding and salvage the
finale of a four-game set with Minnesota, 6-4.
Morales (3-2), who had entered from the bullpen in each of his last five
appearances and earned a save in his last, gave up only three hits and three
walks while fanning four to give the Red Sox their first win this month.
After finishing July with a four-game win streak to get back in the AL Wild
Card race, the team dropped its first four this month and entered the day five
back of Oakland for the final postseason berth. Boston improved to only 3-4 on
a crucial 10-game homestand that continues with three games against Texas.
Adrian Gonzalez homered and Carl Crawford had three hits for the Red Sox, who
avoided their first four-game home losing streak to Minnesota since 1993-94.
Josh Willingham and Ryan Doumit homered for the Twins, who had won seven of
nine prior to Sunday's loss. Ben Revere extended his hit streak to 19 games
with a 1-for-3 effort.
Nick Blackburn (4-7) suffered the loss after giving up four runs and nine hits
in five innings.
After blowing multiple-run leads in each of the last two games, the Red Sox
nearly did it again on Sunday.
Vicente Padilla entered the ninth with a five-run lead, but allowed two homers
and three runs in the first three batters he faced. He was pulled for Alfredo
Aceves, who righted the ship by retiring three straight hitters for his 23rd
save.
The Sports Network