Chris Sale was heated in his postgame remarks after the Red Sox dropped their fourth straight game while trying to clinch an A.L. Wild Card spot.
The reeling Boston Red Sox needed a big hit to open Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, and slugger J.D. Martinez was ripe for the opportunity.
Martinez connected on an 85 mph changeup on a 2-1 count for a solo home run to straightaway center field off Orioles starter Zac Lowther, a blast which gave Boston a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
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The solo shot was important, first and foremost, but also personally impressive for Martinez: at 444 feet, it was the longest ball he'd hit as a member of the Red Sox.
Tomase: No-show against lowly O's has Sox searching at the worst time
The homer was the 28th of the season for Martinez, who inches closer to the fifth 30-home run season of his career and third with the Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox
Martinez added a two-run double later in the game, bringing him to 99 runs batted in for the season.
