Stepping Up

Joe Kelly left the game between the Rays and the Red Sox in the top of the first inning:

Just 23 pitches into his start against the Rays on Tuesday night, Red Sox right-hander Joe Kelly exited the game with what the team later announced was an impingement of his right shoulder.

That’s not good for the Boston rotation, but they may have found two potential replacements in the game game. Heath Hembree game in and delivered four strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings and no runs allowed. He was followed by Robbie Ross Jr., who matched the four K and no runs in three innings. That got the Red Sox to the eighth with a shutout intact.

Boston needed that as well, as Drew Smyly throws eight innings, allowing one hit. He walked two and struck out 11. The Red Sox are batting in the bottom of the ninth against Erasmo Ramírez. Great pitching from both sides tonight.

Update: Kevin Kiermaier breaks up the scoreless tie with a solo home run leading off the tenth inning.

from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/1Ti7bi9