Boston vs Baltimore   Results, Match Player Stats & Records

Rutschman was the center of attention Thursday night in his first game against the Orioles, who picked him first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and then traded him to Boston this summer.

Rutschman said he understands he likely will be in the spotlight through the weekend. And he stated his goals.

"I think just taking things as they come and trying to look at everything as an opportunity and trying to make the most out of every single situation in life, in general, which I guess is good life advice, as well," Rutschman said.

Rutschman homered twice and scored three runs, and teammates Nick Sogard and Roman Anthony also went deep as the Red Sox recorded a 6-5 victory over the Orioles on Thursday.

A video tribute to Rutschman was played after the bottom of the first inning.

"It was special to feel that kind love," he said. "It's really cool. Emotional moment and really special."

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said he knows it's going to be an emotional series for some players and for Baltimore fans with Rutschman suiting up for the other team.

"He's playing for the Red Sox, so I'm sure they're going to be torn for a little bit," Albernaz said. "That's why in my mind it's going to be a fun series."

The Red Sox (76-65) snapped a two-game skid Thursday but have won only three of their last nine games.

The Orioles (69-72) slipped seven games behind the third-place Red Sox in the American League East but remain in the battle for the AL's third wild-card spot, trailing Cleveland by 1 1/2 games. But with three consecutive losses, Baltimore can't afford an extended slide.

"We're trying to get into the playoffs, and we're trying to play our best baseball," Albernaz said.

Left-hander Ranger Suarez (5-4, 3.64 ERA) will start for the Red Sox on Friday. He's 1-1 across his last eight outings, suffering the loss on the road against the New York Yankees on Sunday when he gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings. He has lasted at least five innings in his last four outings.

Suarez has faced the Orioles four times in his career, going 0-2 with a 4.32 ERA covering 25 innings.

The Orioles on Friday will turn to right-hander Shane Baz (5-14, 4.01 ERA), who snapped an eight-decision losing streak by working 5 2/3 innings and limiting the Athletics to two runs on Saturday. Three of Baz's victories this year have come in home games.

Baz has pitched twice against the Red Sox this year, picking up a victory by going seven innings June 2 and a no-decision in a six-inning stint July 20. He gave up a total of three earned runs in those games.

He's 4-1 with a 2.47 ERA in seven career starts vs. Boston, with the victory total matching his highest against any opponent.

--Field Level Media