Christian Arroyo, left, is greeted at home plate by Kiké Hernandez after Arroyo hit a two-run homer in the second inning Friday night in Baltimore. Julio Cortez/Associated Press
BALTIMORE — Christian Arroyo ended Boston’s long-ball drought with a two-run shot, and Rich Hill combined with four relievers on a five-hitter to help the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 Friday night.
Arroyo hit his first homer of the season in the second inning to provide the Red Sox with all the offense they needed to saddle the Orioles with their fifth straight defeat. It was Boston’s first home run in seven games and only its second in the last 11.
The Red Sox, a team usually known for its power, came in with only 11 homers – tied for third-fewest in the majors.
Although Boston could only tack on an unearned run after Arroyo’s drive over the center-field wall, it was enough to back a fine job on the mound by Hill and the Red Sox bullpen.
Hill opened by retiring the first 12 batters. After Austin Hays led off the fifth with an infield hit, Tanner Houck (2-1) came in to pitch three innings of two-hit ball. Houck had been on the restricted list during the team’s trip to Toronto earlier in the week because he has not been vaccinated.
Red Sox Manager Alex Cora spoke before the game of using Houck to “piggy-back” with Hill, and the strategy worked. Jake Diekman followed with a perfect eighth and Hansel Robles gave up a leadoff homer in the ninth to Ryan Mountcastle, along with a single by Hays, before getting two outs.
Cora then called upon Matt Strahm, who put the tying run on with a walk before striking out Chris Owings to end the game and earn his first career save.
Baltimore wasted a strong effort by right-hander Kyle Bradish (0-1), who allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits over six innings in his major league debut. Recalled from Triple-A Norfolk before the game, the 25-year-old righty settled down nicely after the Red Sox got four hits in a three-run second inning.
Bradish was acquired in the December 2019 in the trade that sent Dylan Bundy to the Los Angeles Angels.
ROSTER MOVES
Red Sox: Travis Shaw was designated for assignment after going 0 for 19 with no walks. Boston selected the contract of Franchy Cordero, who had 24 RBI in 19 games with Triple-A Worcester. “This is more about Franchy than it is about Travis,” Cora said. “Hopefully he can get some good at-bats and help us win games.” Boston also recalled outfielder Jaylin Davis.
Orioles: Recalled infielder Tyler Nevin from Norfolk.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: Slugger J.D. Martinez (left adductor strain) felt some discomfort during a pregame workout and missed a second straight start. He is expected to return on Saturday.
Orioles: Left-hander Alexander Wells (0-2, 5.54 ERA) was placed on the injured list because of left elbow soreness.
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