Andruw Monasterio launched a 428-foot home run in the 10th inning, giving the Boston Red Sox an extra-innings lead they did not surrender. His two-run shot cleared the wall in left-center, breaking a 2-2 tie and lifting Boston to a 4-2 road victory.
With the automatic runner on second, Monasterio stepped to the plate against reliever Mark Jensen and connected on a 94 mph fastball on a 1-1 count, sending it deep into the night. It was his seventh home run of the season and his first in extra innings.
Both starters were sharp. Tanner Houck went seven innings for Boston, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out eight and walking one. Kyle Bradish matched him pitch for pitch, throwing six innings of one-run ball, limiting the Red Sox to three hits and fanning seven. The bullpens traded zeroes through the ninth.
Boston's offense had managed only two runs on five hits through regulation, stranding seven runners. The home team had its own chances—runners in scoring position in the sixth and eighth innings—and couldn't cash in. That failure proved costly.
Chris Martin threw a scoreless ninth to bridge to Monasterio's moment. Kenley Jansen closed it out in the bottom of the 10th for his 23rd save.
The win moves Boston to 54-47, two games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. The home team falls to 58-44.
Monasterio's blast was a clutch swing when this offense badly needed one. The Red Sox fight, and wins like this—grinding through a quiet offensive night and stealing one on the road—are what contenders do. Game two tomorrow sends Nick Pivetta to the mound against Corbin Burnes.
