SCORE: Yankees 6, Red Sox 4.
RECORD: 2-2.
BREAKDOWN: The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead as Brock Holt’s single drove in Mookie Betts, who tripled to right-center to lead off the game. The Yankees went ahead in the third on Jorge Mateo’s solo homer and three straight singles by Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira. They increased the lead to 3-1 when Jacoby Ellsbury tripled in the fifth and came in on a ground out. And prospect Aaron Judge did the rest with a three-run, opposite-field homer in the seventh. The Red Sox got three runs back in the eighth, on Ryan LaMarre’s two-run homer and Brennan Boesch’s solo shot.
THUMBS UP: Steven Wright allowed two runs and five hits, but for the most part had a good outing. He was the first Sox pitcher to go three innings and broke off some “violent’’ knuckleballs, according to manager John Farrell. Farrell praised the work of righthanded reliever Kyle Martin. “He’s got three distinct pitches he can throw for strikes,’’ Farrell said. “His changeup is the equalizer, right on right. It’s only been a couple of appearances but he’s doing everything he can.’’
THUMBS DOWN: Lefthander Robbie Ross Jr. had a tough fifth inning, allowing Ellsbury’s triple. The Red Sox’ Nos. 3 and 4 hitters, Travis Shaw and Allen Craig, went 0 for 6. Anthony Varvaro allowed the three-run bomb to Judge. Bryce Brentz struck out three times.
MEDICAL REPORT: Farrell said Eduardo Rodriguez will be held back as long as swelling lingers in his right knee. Fellow lefty Roenis Elias is progressing well after turning his ankle. He threw in Fort Myers Saturday and Farrell expects him to be ready for game action by early in the week.
AROUND THE BASES: When will the Red Sox sport their all-defensive outfield of Rusney Castillo, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Mookie Betts? Farrell said the stars haven’t aligned yet, as Castillo missed time with the flu and then was left behind in Fort Myers on Saturday to complete his physical. Farrell said he was also pleased with Chris Young’s performance.
NEXT GAME: The Red Sox face the Orioles in Sarasota at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on NESN and WEEI-FM (93.7). Clay Buchholz, Matt Barnes, Heath Hembree, Carson Smith, Pat Light, and Edwin Escobar are scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox. The Orioles will start Mike Wright.
Nick Cafardo
