Hernandez’s walk-off infield hit lifts Red Sox Bases-loaded single into hole tops White Sox
BOSTON — Marco Hernandez beat out an infield single with the bases loaded in the ninth inning as the Boston Red Sox rallied to beat the Chicago White Sox 6-5 on Monday night at Fenway Park.
It was the second straight walk-off victory at home for Boston, which has won nine of 12.
Andrew Benintendi led off the ninth with a double. J.D. Martinez struck out and Rafael Devers grounded out to first to move Benintendi to third.
Fry then intentionally walked Xander Bogaerts, bringing up Bradley Jr.
Bogaerts stole second uncontested, prompting Chicago to intentionally walk Bradley to load the bases for Hernandez. He grounded the ball to the hole and beat shortstop Tim Anderson’s throw.
Brandon Workman (7-1) got one out in the eighth, to pick up the victory.
Jace Fry (1-3) took the loss for Chicago, which has lost six out of its past eight.
Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez gave up five runs and six hits, including two home runs, over 6 1/3 innings.
Chicago’s Lucas Giolito, who is looking to become the first White Sox All-Star pitcher since Chris Sale and Jose Quintana in 2016, allowed three runs and six hits, struck out seven and walked four in 5 2/3 innings.
Yoan Moncada had a two-run home run and Jose Abreu added a two-out, solo home run for the White Sox.
Chicago was clinging to a 3-2 lead in the sixth when Devers drew a one-out walk, followed by sharp double by Bogarts down the left field line.
Giolito intentionally walked Bradley to load the bases, then struck out Christian Vazquez looking on five pitches to bring up Michael Chavis.
But Chavis was selective and after taking a ball and a strike, and laid off three consecutive balls to draw a walk and tie the score.
Jon Jay finally made his White Sox debut, starting in right field.
A free agent pickup from the Arizona Diamondbacks this winter, Jay had been on the injured list since straining his right hip late during spring training.
Renteria said he plans to use the 34-year-old in multiple capacities, playing all three outfield positions.
Trainer’s room
White Sox: Rick Renteria said righthander Dylan Covey, who has been on the injured list since June 6 with right shoulder inflammation, will likely have at least one rehab assignment before a decision is made on when he might be activated. “We’ll see how it goes,” Renteria said.
Red Sox: Righthander Steven Wright is expected to be activated on Tuesday after he was suspended for 80 games in March following positive test for Human Growth Hormone. Manager Alex Cora said Wright would initially out of the bullpen. Wright has a 2.99 ERA in 78 1/3 career innings out of the bullpen, holding hitters to a .238 average and .683 OPS. Last year, Wright had a 1.52 ERA in 16 relief appearances (29 2/3 innings) and looked like a potential October weapon before an injury hours before the start of the Division Series. This year, Wright will not be eligible for the playoffs due to his suspension. Even so, the Red Sox think that — as a versatile reliever capable of multi-inning outings, and to retire both righties and lefties — can make an impact. In five outings spanning 9 2/3 innings at Triple A, Wright allowed two runs, striking out four and walking three.