Key Takeaways: Red Sox 6, Mets 2

NEW YORK – It is not uncommon for a starting pitcher to fly to the next city a day early to pitch the opener of a series. But due to the fact the Red Sox had a day-game finale against the White Sox on Thursday, that compelled Sonny Gray to travel with the team.

That meant the 36-year-old veteran was stuck in the travel mess that grounded the Sox in Chicago on Thursday night, forcing them to check back into a hotel, and then a second delay on Friday that left the team on the tarmac for three hours before at last taking off and arriving at Citi Field a couple of hours before the scheduled first pitch.

Though Gray is fastidious about his routine and preparation, he was able to wing it on a night his team needed him to, leading the red-hot Red Sox to a 6-2 victory in the opener of a three-game series at Citi Field.

Boston, on the verge of falling out of contention not long ago, stretched its season-high winning streak to seven games and is on a 12-2 run since June 25. The Sox are just 1 1/2 games back in the AL Wild Card standings.

Here is what mattered most for a group that overcame travel weariness for another big win.

1. Gray wraps up stellar first half
When Ranger Suarez had to give up his spot on the All-Star team due to a left groin strain, there was hope within the Red Sox that Gray would replace him. Instead, that honor went to Rays righty Nick Martinez a few hours prior to Friday’s game. Yet Gray (11-1, 2.54 ERA) continued to pitch like an All-Star, holding the Mets to five hits and a run while walking one and striking out three over six innings. For Gray, it was his eighth consecutive quality start.

“He’s a pro,” said Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy. “As soon as he walked in here, he sat down with [catcher Connor Wong] and started going over the hitters. He locked in.”

2. Seigler raps one off pole
With a plethora of more established middle infielders on the injured list for the Red Sox, Anthony Seigler has seized the opportunity presented to him at second base and in the leadoff spot. In the top of the seventh inning, Seigler came through with a two-run homer that clanged off the base of the foul pole in left, providing the Red Sox with a 4-1 lead in a game that had been tight throughout. Seigler plays with boundless energy and that was especially helpful on a night like Friday.

“He’s been a huge lift and it’s been pleasantly surprising to see the at-bats from the right-handed side of the plate when he reinvigorated that a couple weeks ago when we went down in Tampa,” said Tracy. “He’s been huge for us.”

3. Yoshida’s well-placed double provides early burst
Without question, Juan Soto gave the Red Sox a nice opportunity when he dropped a fly ball by Seigler for an error to open the game. But could Boston take advantage of the situation? Masataka Yoshida made sure they did with a two-out, two-run double that briefly went under the tarp that is stationed down the third-base line.

Instead of caroming, the ball just stayed in one spot, providing the hustling Wilyer Abreu the chance to roar all the way around from first for the second run. Given the type of day it was for the Red Sox, it was important for the club to generate some early momentum.

“The hit by Masa with two outs, to get a two-out hit and get on the board early was important,” said Tracy.