TORONTO — A miserable season for the Boston Red Sox is taking an upturn.
By scoring eight runs in the first inning Thursday, mostly against rookie left-hander Matt Boyd, the Red Sox were able to absorb a mediocre effort from their own starter, left-hander Wade Miley, to win 12-6 over the Toronto Blue Jays.
It was Boston’s 81st game of the season — the halfway point — and after a 5-2 road trip, the Red Sox equaled their unimpressive mark after 81 games last season, 37-44.
The winning trip — two of three at Tampa Bay and three of four at Toronto — helped the club’s frame of mind.
“Without a doubt,” manager John Farrell said. “And a trip that we needed to claw our way back to within six (games of the lead in the American League East).
“Granted, we’re not looking at the scoreboard every night but, at the same time, the way we had gone through the first 2 1/2 months of the season in the division, to go 5-2 was certainly timely, and we go back home with a little momentum.”
The Red Sox open a three-game series Friday with the Houston Astros, who lead the American League West.
“We’re hopeful that it does continue,” Farrell said. “We’ve been able to go through this stretch here with solid starting pitching. Tonight was a little bit shaky, but Wade (Miley) kept it together good enough. Our starters have been able to allow our offense to get on the board early and keep things in check.”
Well, not quite on Thursday. The Red Sox scored eight runs before Miley pitched, and then he gave back half of the lead in the second inning.
Fortunately for Boston, the Blue Jays stranded 14 runners on the night.
“Wade turned in what I would consider a blue-collar night,” Farrell said. “He didn’t have much command, anywhere consistent to where he’s been, but found a way to make some big pitches.”
