POP WHIZZES
Betts, J.D. homer in Bosox win
Mookie Betts hit his majorleague leading 17th home run, J.D. Martinez slugged his 16th homer and the Red Sox beat the Braves 6-2 at Fenway Park on Friday night hours after a surprising roster shakeup.
Boston got its fifth win in six games shortly after announcing it had designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment. The move freed up a roster spot for Dustin Pedroia to be activated from the DL, and also created the chance for regular playing time at first base for Mitch Moreland, who had a solo homer in the eighth.
The Red Sox fared fine without Ramirez. Xander Bogaerts also had a solo homer as Boston converted big time on its seven hits.
Eduardo Rodriguez struggled early but managed to hold Atlanta to just a pair of runs on six hits with three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Rodriguez struck out seven despite his early control issues and walked three.
Nick Markakis hit a two-run double for the Braves, who have lost three of four. Julio Teheran (4-2) pitched six innings, allowing three runs on four hits, walking three and striking out four.
Nationals 9, Marlins 5
In Miami, Max Scherzer was twice unable to hold a tworun lead and won anyway behind the Nationals’ bullpen.
Michael A. Taylor and Matt Adams each hit a two-run homer for the Nationals, and Bryce Harper’s two-run double in the seventh broke the game open. Scherzer labored through six innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs, both season highs.
Orioles 2, Rays 0
In St. Petersburg, Fla., David Hess pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, helping the Orioles overcome a strong effort from Tampa Bay’s bullpen.
Danny Valencia doubled in a run off starter Sergio Romo, and Jonathan Schoop went deep against Ryan Yarbrough, spoiling a an impressive opener for the Rays’ relievers as the team plans to use bullpen days in all three games this weekend.
Yarbrough replaced Romo after two outs and struck out eight over seven solid innings, tying a franchise record for strikeouts by a relief pitcher.
Astros 11, Indians 2
In Cleveland, Jose Altuve tied it in the eighth inning with a two-run double off Andrew Miller and then scored the go-ahead run on Marwin Gonzalez’s squeeze bunt, and the Astros scored 11 times in the final two innings to beat Indians.