ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Chris Sale struck out 12, J.D. Martinez homered again and the Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 6-1 Sunday to maintain their AL East lead heading into a highly anticipated showdown at Yankee Stadium.
The Red Sox hold a major league-best 25-9 record and a one-game lead over the Yankees. Boston and New York tangled earlier this season at Fenway Park, and the Yankees have won 15 of 16 overall entering this three-game set that begins Tuesday night.
Sandy Leon added a three-run homer for the Red Sox, who took three of four to start a 10-game road trip.