Before pregame batting practice, Martinez was unsure how his improving ankle would feel. But after one round of hitting, Red Sox Manager Alex Cora said Martinez told him, “Hey (boss), let’s go.”
Cora batted Martinez, the team’s most decorated slugger, sixth in the lineup, lower than usual just in case Martinez’s ankle forced him to leave the game early. He delivered four hits.
“Hats off to our athletic training staff because they did miracles,” Martinez said.
On the mound for the Red Sox, Tanner Houck saved the day after Sale lasted one inning. Houck surrendered just one run over five innings, allowing his slugging teammates to blast their way back. It was his only blemish over 11 innings this week.
“That was huge, absolutely huge,” Verdugo said, adding later, “That gave us enough time.”