Commentary: After a dismal 2020 season, the Red Sox are not only having fun but also showing some of the characteristics of the 2018 team that went on to win the World Series.

Eduardo Rodríguez allows two runs on three hits over six innings and struck out six for AL East-leading Boston.

Strategies change early and often in a seven-inning game, bringing more excitement to a sport often hindered by a lack of action.

Boston scores six runs in the first inning and Nathan Eovaldi strikes out 10 in an 11-4 win over the White Sox.

Tim Anderson homers on the first pitch in Game 1, setting the tone as Chicago wins twice, 3-2 and 5-1.

Marwin Gonzalez hits a tiebreaking home run and Xander Bogaerts adds a two-run double in a 7-4 victory.

The game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Sunday.

Max Kepler’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth gives Minnesota a 4-3 win, preventing a third straight series sweep by Boston.

Boston wins the opener 3-2, and scores six runs in the fifth inning to win the nightcap, 7-1.

Mata, who didn’t pitch in a game last year because of the pandemic, now will miss a second straight season.