CLEVELAND — Jonathan Araúz hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning after being recalled before the game due to Boston's COVID-19 case, sending the Red Sox to a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians.
Araúz drove a 3-2 pitch from James Karinchak over the wall in right to rally the Red Sox (74-56). They began the series by placing infielders Kiké Hernández and Christian Arroyo on the COVID list.
Araúz arrived just before the game after making the three-hour drive from Buffalo with Yairo Muñoz. It was the 22-year-old's first home run of the season and just his second in the big leagues.
José Ramírez hit a two-run blast for his 30th homer of the year and Yu Chang added his third solo shot in three games for Cleveland (63-63). Unfortunately, the Tribe could not overcome Karinchak's latest meltdown, as the fiery right-hander now has four blown saves and a 6.42 ERA since May 23.
With their postseason hopes virtually gone, the Indians will again try to play spoiler against the Sox Saturday afternoon. The red-hot Cal Quantrill (4-2, 3.04 ERA) will start for Cleveland against Boston All-Star Nathan Eovaldi (10-8, 3.72).
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