Red Sox overcome Gennett’s slam
CINCINNATI — Rafael Devers hit a three-run homer Friday night, and the Boston Red Sox defeated Cincinnati 5-4 despite the fourth grand slam of the season by the Reds' Scooter Gennett.
Boston extended its American League East lead to four games with the help of the New York Yankees' 8-1 loss at Toronto.
Boston's Rick Porcello lasted a season-low four innings, turning a 5-4 lead over to the bullpen.
In the first inning, Gennett hammered the first pitch from Porcello into the rightfield seats for a grand slam. It put the second baseman in lofty company. He joined Lou Gehrig as the only players to hit both four homers in a single game and four grand slams in a single season.
Even then, Gennett stands alone. Gehrig had his four-homer game in 1932, and his four-grand-slam season in 1934. Gennett is the only player to do both in the same season.
“That sounds crazy,” Gennett said of his connection with Gehrig.
Part of Porcello's problem has been a lack of run support. Boston has been blanked in 10 of his 17 losses. This time, the Red Sox got him off the hook with the help of Devers' three-run shot off Sal Romano (5-7).
Romano had been on a fantastic run coming into the game, posting a 2.09 ERA and striking out 29 against just 11 walks in his past six starts. But it was clear early that Friday’s start would be different.
It all crumbled in the fourth. Romano’s first four batters went double, walk, double and Devers' home run to turn a 4-1 Reds lead into a 5-4 deficit.
The Reds pinch-hit for the 23-year-old in the bottom of the inning, ending his night after 80 pitches. He was charged with five runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out three.
Red Sox left-hander David Price (6-3) pitched 2 innings. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth for his 34th save in 38 chances. He hasn't allowed a run in his past 10 appearances.