Talking Points: Owens pitches eight strong innings

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BOSTON -- Here are the Talking Points from the Red Sox's 7-2 win against the Kansas City Royals. Find the game story here.  

BATTER OF THE GAME: Blake Swihart

Red Sox rookie catcher Blake Swihart was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate on Friday night, scoring three runs and drive in two runs. Swihart got things started in the second inning with an RBI double to left field that scored a second run due to an error. He'd drive in Mookie Betts in the fourth inning to make it 4-1 Sox. And not only that, but Swihart called a great game as Henry Owens silenced the Royals.

STARTERS REPORT: It was an ace against a rookie. Which one do you think had the better night? If you guessed rookie Henry Owens, you're . . . correct! It was Owens, not Cueto, who looked like the ace while Cueto was smacked around.

Owens pitched eight very strong innings for the Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk. The Royals never really threatened in this game, as Owens limited them one inning at a time. After Owens allowed a home run to Alcides Escober to begin the sixth inning, he retired the next nine batters in order.

Cueto pitched one of the worst games of his in years. He had one 1-2-3 inning, but aside from that the Sox had his number on their way to seven runs on 13 hits. It was an onslaught, as once again the Sox take down an opposing team's ace.

BIG PLAY: Since we don't get to talk about Josh Rutledge much, let's give him the night's biggest play. Rutledge, who got his third-straight start for the Sox with Brock Holt missing his second -straight game, came into the game 3-for-3 against Johnny Cueto for his career. When Cueto exited the game, Rutledge was 5-for-6 against him. And that second hit on the night was a two-run home run in the sixth inning that made it 7-2 Sox. The Royals had homered in the top of the sixth inning, so Rutledge's homer came at a big time.

WHAT I LIKED: The Sox got excellent production from the bottom of their lineup tonight. Rusney Castillo, Blake Swihart, and Josh Rutledge combined to go STATS. And the No. 9 hitter Rutledge smacked a two-run home run off Cueto in the sixth inning to make it 7-2.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The Sox are playing some pretty good baseball right now, and Hanley Ramirez hasn't been part of it myth at all. He made another error in left field Friday night, misplaying a routine single that came his way which allowed the runner from second base to easily score. Ramirez also went 0-for-4 from the plate. He was replaced in the eighth inning by Jackie Bradley Jr. for defensive purposes, and Bradley made another highlight-reel catch out there. You wouldn't say Ramirez is making a great impression with Dave Dombrowski taking over.

WHAT'S NEXT: Matt Barnes takes the mound for the Sox Saturday in his second career start. Barnes is making the appearance in place of Steven Wright, who is still experiencing concussion symptoms though is improving. The Royals will counter with Yordano Ventura.

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