2 Encarnacion HRs beat Red Sox

BOSTON — Edwin Encarnacion homered twice to help the AL Central-leading Indians earn their fourth straight victory as they took down the East-leading Red Sox 7-3 on Monday night.

In a rematch of last year’s ALDS, which the Indians won in a three-game sweep, Trevor Bauer (11-8) struck out 11 over 6 ⁄ innings. He allowed three runs — all on solo homers by Red Sox rookies. Rafael Devers had two and Andrew Benintendi one.

The Indians improved to a season-high five games in front of the second-place Twins, who were idle.

The Red Sox lost for just the second time in 12 games.

The quick visit to Fenway Park by the Indians was to make up an Aug. 2 rainout that came two days after Doug Fister (2-6) shut out the Indians into the eighth inning. But this time he allowed five runs on seven hits and four walks, striking out five in 41⁄3 innings as his two-game winning streak ended.

The Indians had to play in Boston, then immediately take off to start a series against the Twins in Minnesota.

“I’d rather have the day off in Minnesota, just because Boston’s got a really good team and they’re playing well,” Indians manager Terry Francona said before the game.

“It’s OK. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not that big of a deal.”

On Tuesday, Red Sox righthander Rick Porcello will try to win his third straight start when the Cardinals visit Fenway Park.

At 6-14 with a 4.63 ERA, Porcello hasn’t been able to duplicate the success he enjoyed last season in taking the AL Cy Young Award.

The Red Sox are hoping he can recapture some of that winning form down the stretch.