Red Sox and Orioles Split First Two Games in Crucial Series

Boston remains in the wild-card race after a dominant win and a narrow defeat against Baltimore.

Boston trails the last wild-card spot by four games with 18 remaining.
Boston's Rob Refsnyder and Tyler O'Neill each hit two home runs in the series opener, contributing to a 12-3 win.
Cedric Mullins' two home runs off Kutter Crawford led Baltimore to a 5-3 victory in the second game.
Red Sox hitters have struggled with consistency, particularly against right-handed pitchers.
The Orioles and Red Sox play the series decider next, with Boston's Nick Pivetta facing Baltimore's Dean Kremer.