Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Box Score on Aug 31, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Aug 31, 2017

NEW YORK -- CC Sabathia pitched six gritty innings and the New York Yankees held on for a 6-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a crucial four-game series Thursday night.

Gary Sanchez drove in the first two runs with a single and his 28th homer for the Yankees (71-62), who are 4 1/2 games behind Boston. Greg Bird added a two-run homer along with an RBI single while Didi Gregorius chipped in a run-scoring single in a game that featured four replay challenges and lasted 3 hours, 44 minutes.

Sabathia (11-5) continued to thrive against the Red Sox as well as after a Yankee loss. He improved to 4-0 this season against the Yankees and 8-0 after a New York defeat, getting the win after New York was swept in a three-game series by the Cleveland Indians.

It was hardly easy for the veteran left-hander, who had a runner on in five innings. Sabathia escaped constant trouble, holding the Red Sox to one run and four hits while working around five walks, which matched a season high.

Sabathia held the Red Sox to one hit in eight at-bats with men on. He also had help from his defense.

Center fielder Aaron Hicks threw Andrew Benintendi out trying to stretch a single into a double in the third, and Sanchez nabbed the Red Sox right fielder trying to steal second in the fifth as Mookie Betts struck out.

Xander Bogaerts drove in the first run for the Red Sox, who received a sub-par outing from Eduardo Rodriguez (4-5).

Rodriguez lasted three batters into the sixth and allowed four runs on 10 hits, one shy of his career-worst.

Benintendi reached base five times, including a bases-loaded walk in the ninth off Dellin Betances. Betances retired Betts and pinch hitter Mitch Moreland to end the latest lengthy game between the rivals.

Sabathia and Rodriguez worked out of trouble in the opening inning before both teams scored in the third.

Sabathia struck out Bogaerts and Rafael Devers on sliders with the bases loaded while Rodriguez fanned Starlin Castro with two on.

The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead on a ground ball by Bogaerts after the initial double play ruling was overturned when replays showed Betts reached second before the throw to second baseman Castro.

New York tied it with two outs when Sanchez lifted a 2-2 pitch about three rows into the center field seats.

The Yankees took a 2-1 lead with one out in the fifth when Sanchez's pop-up dropped in between second baseman Eduardo Nunez and right fielder Betts for a base hit.

New York loaded the bases on an infield hit by Castro but on the next pitch Aaron Judge fouled out to first baseman Hanley Ramirez.

NOTES: Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he expects the suspensions for Cs Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine to be staggered once their appeals are heard, which could be on Friday. ... 2B Dustin Pedroia (left knee inflammation) is expected to be activated off the disabled list Friday but Boston manager John Farrell said he won't play a full game initially. ... LHP David Price (left elbow inflammation) threw before the game and will throw a bullpen session Friday. ... The Yankees acquired C Erik Kratz from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. Girardi said Kratz will likely join the team when rosters can be expanded Friday.