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Eugenio Suarez hits home run, D-backs defeat Red Sox

Eugenio Suarez hits home run, D-backs defeat Red Sox
Posted on | Posted on Jasper

The Arizona Diamondbacks fell into a four-run hole early Sunday but managed two straight three-run innings to win the series finale 7-5 and defeat the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Eugenio Suarez cleared the famous Green Monster left field for a three-run hit in the sixth inning and finished the game 4-for-4 in batting chances. He hit singles the first two times at the plate and scored two runs in the D-backs’ recent comeback victory.

The third baseman has been virtually unstoppable in three games in Boston, yielding eight hits (8-for-13), five runs, two home runs and 10 RBIs. His batting woes earlier in the season appear to be a thing of the past, as Suarez has posted a .241 batting average.

As of 2021, Suarez is one of four primary third basemen to hit more than 20 home runs in four consecutive seasons, according to the team (the others are Rafael Devers, Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez).

Arizona won its last two series (3-0 against the Miami Marlins on August 19-21) and finished the road trip 6-3. Manager Torey Lovullo’s ballclub has a 30-9 record since July 10 and remains one of the strongest teams in the MLB.

Corbin Carroll opened the game with a single and had at least one hit in 17 of 22 games in August. He finished the Boston series with three hits, two RBIs and one run. The Arizona outfield star has scored 93 runs this season, trailing only Shohei Ohtani (99) of NL West rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

Although the D-backs managed three double plays in four innings, the offense rebounded by striking out five baserunners in the fifth and sixth innings. Three of Red Sox starter Tanner Houck’s (6.0 IP, seven hits, two strikeouts) four walks found their way home.

Geraldo Perdomo gave Arizona another safety run in the ninth inning by hitting his third home run of the season just over the right field wall.

Merrill Kelly, in his third start since returning from the 90-day injured list, made it through six innings, allowing two home runs, including a three-run bomber by Devers in the fourth inning. He struck out five players and allowed four walks on 101 pitches. Free passes are becoming more common, and Kelly had allowed eight in his last 16 innings.

Kelly came into the game well in the fifth inning, escaping two walks with a double play and taking the team off the field in the sixth inning.

The Arizona bullpen did its job and maintained a two-run lead. Joe Mantiply threw nine of ten pitches for strikes and managed a 4-6-3 double play in the seventh inning. AJ Puk then fired up the heart of the Boston lineup with three punch outs.

Justin Martinez got off to a rocky start after receiving the ball in the ninth inning, allowing a solo home run to Boston’s Tyler O’Neill on his second pitch. His remaining 11 attempts made good contact, but Martinez secured the win with a strikeout.

D-backs return home

Arizona returns to the Valley for seven home games at Chase Field, starting Tuesday with three games against the New York Mets, who are also hoping for an NL wild card.

The first pitch for Game 1 of the Diamondbacks against the Mets is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Brandon Pfaadt and Sean Manaea are likely starting pitchers for the opening game.

Follow the action by tuning in to 98.7 FM and clicking on the Arizona Sports App or watch coverage on MLB Network.

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