BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts hit a three-run homer in a seven-run first inning, then added a solo shot in the eighth as the Red Sox put a historic pounding on the AL East-leading Yankees, beating them 19-3 Thursday night in the opener of their four-game series.
The 19 runs were the most scored by the Red Sox against the Yankees in the 117-year history of the rivalry.
Bogaerts had four hits, and Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley had three apiece. Bradley, Michael Chavis and J.D. Martinez each had two of Boston’s 10 doubles.
In perhaps the worst-ever start by a Yankees pitcher against the Red Sox, Masahiro Tanaka (7-6) allowed 12 runs on 12 hits and three walks while striking out four in 3u2153 innings.