After a difficult start to his big league career, Boston Red Sox rookie starter Allen Webster turned in a solid outing on Thursday to capture his first major league victory, an 8-2 rout of the San Diego Padres that capped a three-game sweep.
Coming into Thursday’s start, Webster boasted an 0-2 record and 9.50 ERA in four starts this season, a mediocre start to a career that was negatively highlighted by a loss on May 8 that saw the young hurler surrender eight runs in just 1 2/3 innings of work. Webster would be optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket following the outing.
Since rejoining the Boston rotation on June 22, Webster appears to have possibly turned a corner. He turned in a solid six inning performance on June 28, in which he surrendered four runs while striking out three and walking two.
In support of Webster’s effort, the Red Sox offense put up eight runs on 18 hits, led by Dustin Pedroia‘s 2-for-4 performance that was highlighted by his two-run double in the first.
According to Boston manager John Farrell, the Red Sox offense has put up consistent production and offered plus depth this season. At the middle of that lineup has been clubhouse leader Pedroia.
“He’s been in the middle of this offense from Day 1 and continues to be so,” said Farrell of Pedroia.
The Red Sox are not the only ones who are aware of what Pedroia has contributed this season, as teams appear to be well aware of the offensive and defensive exploits of the Boston second baseman.
“Pedroia might be the MVP of the league so far. I think you can make a case for it,” said San Diego manager Bud Black prior to Thursday’s game.
With Pedroia at the helm of the lineup, the Red Sox cruised to their major-league leading 53rd victory of the season, tying the franchise record for the most amount of wins by July 4. Boston currently sits atop the AL East standings, holding a 4 1/2 game lead over the Baltimore Orioles.
