The surging Red Sox, who boast baseball’s best record since June 30, entered a two-game series against the Major League-leading Braves with a prime opportunity to prove they belong against an elite opponent.
Earn a split, and they could hold their heads high. Earn a sweep and they could make a statement.
They started convincingly Tuesday night in the opener, pulling away for a 7-1 victory at Fenway Park, and showing that they’re capable of beating more than just sub.-500 teams. Ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Red Sox made another pitch to chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom – who dealt infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández to the Dodgers earlier in the day – that they can contend this season.