Additional Coverage:
- Rafaela homers for 3rd straight game as the Red Sox beat the Dodgers 8-4 for 3-game sweep (nbcsports.com)
Red Sox Complete Series Sweep Over Dodgers Behind Rafaela’s Third Consecutive Homer
LOS ANGELES – Ceddanne Rafaela continued his power surge with a home run for the third straight game, leading the Boston Red Sox to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night. The win completed a clean sweep of the three-game series for Boston.
Masataka Yoshida contributed a two-run homer, while Jake Bennett pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs to secure his seventh win of the season. The Red Sox extended their impressive winning streak to five games and have posted a remarkable 23-3 record since early July.
Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan struggled early, giving up five runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Boston took advantage with two runs in a lengthy first inning. In the third, Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu hit back-to-back homers, followed shortly by Yoshida’s solo shot, pushing the Red Sox ahead 5-3.
Rafaela finished the series with an outstanding 7-for-14 performance, including four home runs and five RBIs. His hitting streak now stands at eight games, featuring four consecutive multi-hit games.
Jarren Duran added another solo homer in the sixth inning off reliever Kyle Hurt. Boston tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning due to a wild pitch and a passed ball.
Despite Andy Pages driving in three runs for the Dodgers, they were unable to capitalize on the momentum from their recent acquisition of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing was sidelined before the game due to right arm irritation, with Eliezer Alfonzo stepping in behind the plate.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox will open a home series against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, with left-hander Patrick Sandoval expected to start. The Dodgers are set to begin a three-game series at the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, potentially sending lefty Justin Wrobleski to the mound.