BOSTON -- In the rubber match of a three-game series at Fenway Park, the Baltimore bats matched the rising heat, coming out red hot with a six-run explosion in the first inning, setting them off on an 8-2 victory Thursday afternoon.
Taylor Ward got the party going immediately, lacing the first pitch of the game a Statcast-projected 402 feet to dead center field for a double before scoring on an Adley Rutschman single two batters later.
Pete Alonso grounded into a double play, but Leody Taveras kept the inning alive by sneaking a single through the left side of the infield, plating Gunnar Henderson.
Samuel Basallo went from first to third on the play, but a strong throw from Wilyer Abreu in right field made for a very close play.
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy did call for a replay of the play at third base, but it was ruled to be too late and the challenge was not honored.
Coby Mayo delivered a massive blow, clearing the loaded bases with a two-out double.
The first-inning totals included 12 Baltimore batters coming to the plate, five hits, three walks, a hit batter and six runs in favor of the visiting team.
Staked with the big lead, starter Trevor Rogers cruised, retiring the first 11 batters he faced en route to his third win of the season.
The left-hander threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, a walk and a run while striking out three batters.