NEW YORK -- Eduardo Rodriguez represents the Red Sox' future. But on Thursday night, that wasn't a match for CC Sabathia, who pitched like he did in the past.
Sporting a hefty 5.54 ERA coming into the game, Sabathia checked the Red Sox on a single run on three hits and the vaunted Yankee bullpen took it from there, to take a 2-1 decision from the Red Sox.
The loss was the 10th in the last 11 road games for the Red Sox.
'Rodriguez was nearly as good, going seven inning for just the second time in the last 11 starts. He allowed two runs on six hits while issuing two walks and striking out five.
The Yankees struck first in the third, with Alex Rodriguez doubling home Brett Gardner for Rodriguez's 12th RBI in 12 games against the
Red Sox this season.
The Red Sox countered with a run in the fifth. With Ryan Hanigan (single) on second and Jackie Bradley Jr. (walk) on first, Rusney Castillo, thrust into the leadoff spot for the night, drove a single up the middle that just trickled off Didi Gregorius' glove and into shallow center, scoring Hanigan.
But with the game tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh,
Boston Red Sox
Rodriguez hung a slider over the middle of the plate and Ellsbury delivered it into the second deck in right, providing the winning margin.
The Sox had the bases loaded and two out against Sabathia but David Ortiz fanned to strand three.
The Yanks got an inning of scoreless relief from each of their three relievers -- Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances and, finally, Andrew Miller.