Boston had a one-game makeup contest with Pittsburgh from a rained-out affair in the first days of this season. While the pirates were able to get off to a quick start, they blew the game late and eventually lost 4-3. Jordy Mercer was the leadoff walk, and Andrew McCutchen would blast his first homer of the season out of the left center field. After the bases had cleared, two more singles prompted the Red Sox to visit with their starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez. The meeting certainly boosted his confidence as he struck out the final two batters to end the threat.
Red Sox answer Pirates' early scoring
It wasn't as easy for Pittsburgh in the second inning as they went down in order. Boston was able to answer in the bottom of the frame. It started with a leadoff double by Mitch Moreland, his eighth of the season. After Xander Bogaerts flew out, Marco Hernandez would compliment Moreland with a double of his own and bring in the leadoff hitter of the inning. That cut the lead to 2-1.
Starling Marte took the leadoff walk in the third inning, but Pittsburgh did nothing with it as the other two batters struck out and Marte was caught stealing second base. The game became a pitcher's duel after that with little baserunners until the sixth inning. Pittsburgh picked things up after McCuthen struck out.
Gregory Polanco had a double, which led to another meeting on the mound with Rodriguez. Unfortunately, that talk didn't help him and walked David Freese. That would end Rodriguez's day, and he gave way to reliever Heath Hembree. While Josh Harrison would be the next batter and struck out, Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez tried to throw Polanco out but missed.
That led Polanco to not only steal third base but get home for the team's third run.
Pittsburgh looked like they would get some more scoring in the seventh. Chris Stewart doubled, and Jordy Mercer followed up with an immediate single on the first pitch. That would put runners in the corner. However, Marte would strikeout, and McCutchen would fly out to end the threat.
In the bottom of the frame, Pirates starter Chad Kuhl would retire after giving up just one run in 6.1 innings pitched.
Pirates can't hang on to lead
The bullpen would doom Pittsburgh. With Daniel Hudson coming in, he gave up a walk to Dustin Pedroia. Andrew Benintendi would make it when the Pirates failed to throw out Pedroia at second. After another pitching change, Mookie Betts took a walk. Hanley Ramirez nearly cleared the bases, but Betts was called out at home after the Pirates challenged the play. It kept the game tied at 3-3, but it ultimately wouldn't matter.
After Moreland was walked intentionally, Bogaerts singled to bring in Ramirez, and Boston took its first lead of the night at 4-3. Boston reliever Craig Kimbrel came in the ninth inning and took care of business.
