The Red Sox beat the Orioles, 2-0, on Sunday. Click here for the game story. Below are the Talking Points:
BATTER OF THE GAME: Blake Swihart
In a 2-0 game, there isn't much offense to speak of. That was the case on Sunday as the Sox recorded seven hits, just one of which went for extra bases. That hit was Blake Swihart's solo home run in the third inning to give the Sox a 2-0 lead, his third homer of the season. Swihart’s put together a nice little rookie season when he originally wasn't expected to play much at all at the big league level this year. He and Christian Vazquez will make a nice, young combination behind the plate in 2016.
STARTER'S REPORT: Henry Owens with a very, very strong game letting everybody know that he wants to be in the Red Sox rotation next season out of spring training. Owens lasted 7 2/3 innings on Sunday, allowing just three singles and walk. He threw 110 pitches, 70 for strikes. He's got one more start to go this season, which will come in Cleveland.
BIG PLAY: The Orioles threatened to score exactly one time this entire series, and it came in the top of the sixth inning with runners on the corners and two outs. But Henry Owens got Steve Pearce to ground out to third base and end the inning.
WHAT I LIKED: You have to like how the Red Sox finished things at home this season, with a three-game sweep of the Orioles in which they shut them out in all three games. It’s extremely impressive to shut out the same team three straight games.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: I liked that the Red Sox honored Don Orsillo with a video board tribute during the game, but I don't like that I won't be seeing him around anymore. I will very much miss him around Fenway Park and on the broadcast. He's one of the best there is, and it's pretty obvious how much he's loved and will be missed based on the standing ovation he received at Fenway Park.
WHAT'S NEXT: That's it for the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Now they head to New York for a four-game series against the Yankees. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the start for Boston, but he'll be on an innings count. Torey Lovullo said he's got about six innings left this season. The Yankees will counter with Ivan Nova.