RED SOX 6, TWINS 2
Mookie Betts homered on the first two pitches he saw, collecting four hits and five RBIs in all, and Eduardo Rodriguez allowed only five singles in seven shutout innings to help Boston beat Minnesota.
The Red Sox won for the 12th time in 17 games and remained 5+ back in the race for the second AL wild card. The AL Central-leading Twins, who had won seven of eight, fell to 5+ games ahead of second-place Cleveland in the division.
Betts homered into the first row of the Green Monster seats on the first pitch of the game from Jose Berrios (11-8), then sent one out of the ballpark with two on in the second to make it 4-0. Betts added a single down the third base line in the fourth – after taking a pitch – and hit an RBI single in the sixth.
Following a 47-minute rain delay before the first pitch, Rodriguez (17-5) struck out eight and added to his career high in wins. The Red Sox are 12-1 when he starts at Fenway Park, and 10-2 in his last 12 starts overall.
Ryan Brasier gave up a two-run homer to Eddie Rosario, but Brandon Workman got a game-ending double play for his 11th save.
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