SCORE: Boston 5, Baltimore 1
RECORD: 4-3
BREAKDOWN: The Red Sox played errorless baseball, cleaning up their defensive act, while Brian Johnson allowed the Orioles’ only run of the game. Brock Holt homered in the first inning off Miguel Gonzalez. The Sox scored single runs in the first, fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth innings. Brennan Boesch, Sam Travis, and Dan Butler also chipped in with RBIs as the Red Sox banged out 12 hits.
THUMBS UP: Roenis Elias drew the praise of manager John Farrell, who was impressed with the lefthander’s breaking ball and use of arm angles. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second inning by striking out Nolan Reimold. Elias threw two scoreless innings and struck out two, allowing four hits and a walk . . . Shortstop Marco Hernandez, acquired in the Felix Doubront deal with the Cubs, continued to swing a hot bat with two hits . . . David Murphy also had a pair of hits.
THUMBS DOWN: Bryce Brentz continued to struggle at the plate with two more strikeouts . . . The Red Sox were 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position. Mookie Betts left four runners on base.
MEDICAL REPORT: Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) continued to throw on flat ground, but there was no word on when he’ll pick up the pace.
AROUND THE BASES: The Orioles dropped to 0-8. Sox pitchers held them to 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position . . . Kyle Martin continues to impress Farrell, as he threw two scoreless innings and allowed two hits with two walks and two strikeouts . . . Anthony Varvaro might have had his best outing, showing a power fastball in striking out two batters in his one inning . . . There is some talk about Deven Marrero catching the eye of the Cardinals, who are looking for a shortstop, but the Red Sox like him as depth there.
NEXT GAME: The Red Sox travel to Bradenton to face the Pirates Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. No TV or radio. Joe Kelly starts for the Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh’s Ryan Vogelsong. The Sox will also use Carson Smith, Edwin Escobar, Matt Barnes, and Sean O’Sullivan.
NICK CAFARDO
Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickcafardo.
