BALTIMORE (AP) — The highest-scoring team in the majors doesn’t necessarily have to go on the offensive to win, especially when David Price is in a groove.
Price struck out 10 over six sparkling innings to get Boston started on its 12th shutout of the season, and the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 Saturday in the opener of a split doubleheader.
Boston won Game 2, 6-4, improving to a stellar 84-35 while the impotent Orioles are now 35-83. Joe Kelly got the win in relief and Craig Kimbrel earned his 34th save. J.D. Martinez belted his 36th and 37th homers.
The Red Sox have won eight of their last nine games and 12 of 14 to improve their big league-best record to 83-35. The twinbill was caused by a rainout on July 25 — before the bad weather came that night, Boston led 5-0 in the second inning.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit two solo homers and Eduardo Nunez contributed a two-run drive, but Price hardly needed all that support on a day in which he scattered five hits and didn’t issue a walk.
“He was outstanding,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “He is in a good place right now, physically and mentally.”
Price (12-6) threw 94 pitches on a sweltering afternoon to win his sixth straight start against Baltimore. The lefty had at least one strikeout in every inning and did not allow a runner past second base.
“He understands how important he is for us,” Cora said. “With the tough conditions out there, for him to go six today that was great.”
After Price left, three relievers combined for three hitless innings. With a dozen shutouts, the Red Sox are tied with the Cubs, Indians and Pirates for the major league lead.
Bradley homered in the ninth, his first multihomer game of the season and third of his career.
Swihart in Lowell
Catcher Blake Swihart (hamstring strain) will begin his rehab assignment on Sunday (3:05 p.m. start) with Short-A Lowell, manager Alex Cora said.
Sale’s return
Chris Sale is expected to start Sunday after a two-week stint on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Cora said the ace could throw 100 pitches if he’s not too rusty.
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