BOSTON (AP) — Masataka Yoshida hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning after Adam Duvall's sacrifice fly, and the Boston Red Sox rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
Playing their first game after being eliminated from postseason contention, the Red Sox (76-78) won for just the second time in eight games.
Looking to avoid just their second 100-loss season in 53 years, the White Sox (58-96) lost for the 10th time in their last 13 games.
Red Sox starter Chris Sale went five scoreless innings, striking out seven while allowing just three singles and a walk against his former team where he was a five-time All-Star from 2010-16.
“Command was kind of in and out at times, but I made some pitches when I needed to,” said Sale, who missed two months with left shoulder inflammation from early June to August.
“I want to, obviously, do as well as I can every time, but I want to finish the year strong and go into the offseason good, and have a normal good offseason and build up for spring training.”
Chicago right-hander Touki Toussaint, who was claimed off waivers after he was designated for assignment by Cleveland on June 17, gave up a run on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 6 1/3 innings.
“It felt good to be able to do that, hopefully I can continue to be able to do that,” he said. “You want to finish the season strong. That's the goal for everyone.”
Trevor Story had three hits and rookie Ceddanne Rafaela also had a fifth inning sacrifice fly for Boston.
Duvall’s bases-loaded sacrifice came against Garrett Crochet (0-2) before Yoshida sent his grounder between first and second for the tie-breaking run.
Mauricio Llovera (2-3) worked a scoreless inning for the victory and Chris Martin got the final three outs for his third save.
“I just try to go out and prepare every single day,” said Martin, who hasn't allowed a run in a career-best 20 straight appearances. “I'm not really thinking about the numbers and all that.”
Trailing 1-0 in the sixth, Chicago scored twice against reliever Garrett Whitlock. Luis Robert Jr. singled, stole second and third before scoring on Andrew Vaughn’s single. Trayce Thompson delivered a go-ahead RBI double to left-center field gap.
LOWLY 100s
The White Sox lost 100 games in 2018, 1970, 1948 and 1932.
BARBIE NIGHT SELLOUT
The Red Sox promotion honored a hit movie of the summer. There was a pink party before the game on the right-field upper deck with T-shirts for fans that purchased special tickets. On its website, the club also called the stadium (Ken)way Park.
The sold-out attendance was 37,102.
TRAINER’S ROOM
White Sox: Placed RHP Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list after he underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his right knee. The team said he’s expected to recover in six to eight weeks. The 27-year-old finished the season with a 5-12 record and a 5.43 ERA in 30 games, making 27 starts.
Red Sox: Placed IF Luis Urias on the 10-day IL with a strained left calf. … RHP Kenley Jansen (Covid-19 list) was in the clubhouse and is expected to be activated Saturday.
UP NEXT
RHP Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.85 ERA) is scheduled to start for the White Sox in the middle game of the three-game set weather permitting. RHP Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48) is set to go for the Red Sox.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb