Red Sox sneak back into Wild Card race after Bello jewel while Twins quietly fall apart

Just when it looked like the Boston Red Sox were about to fall out of the Wild Card race, an unexpected force brought them back into the race.

The Sox were swept by the red-hot Diamondbacks on Aug. 23-25, losing the first two games of their five-game duel with the Blue Jays. Boston rebounded to win the next two games against its division rival, but Wednesday’s win was special.

Brayan Bello stormed through Toronto’s batting order with efficiency and precision on August 28. The 25-year-old starter managed eight scoreless, two-hit innings and struck out nine Jays en route to the longest start of his young career.

Bello seemed in complete control throughout the game. He’s known for letting his emotions get the better of him on the mound, but he seemed more relaxed and at ease against Toronto. He may be finding his late-season rhythm – Bello has allowed one run or less in three of his last four starts.

The best start in Brayan Bello’s career and a loss for the Twins help the Red Sox to a wildcard game

The excellent start from Boston’s youngest pitcher has come at just the right time. The Red Sox lost momentum against the D-backs and early in the series against the Jays, but Bello’s performance could get them back on their feet. One of the Sox’s closest wild-card opponents has also faltered recently, and now is the time to capitalize.

The Minnesota Twins have lost four of their last five games and just won three games against the Braves. Chris Sale went six innings and allowed just one run at Target Field on August 28. The Red Sox are now three games out of the wild card, have one game left against Toronto and a few winnable series ahead of them.

The Red Sox will play the Tigers, Mets and White Sox before their toughest stretch of the season begins in mid-September. The Tigers and Mets won’t be easy to beat, but if Boston gets its hitting back under control, it could walk away with three series wins in early September.

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