BOSTON (AP) — Josh Donaldson hit a three-run homer as part of a four-run first-inning drive, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 12-5 on Friday night.
Matt Carpenter had three hits, including a home run, in his first game as the starting left fielder in a decade. Thus, the Yankees achieved their tenth win in their last 11 games against the Red Sox.
Joey Gallo hit a two-run triple, taking advantage of right fielder Christian Arroyo losing sight of the ball in the twilight. Gallo was thrown at the plate when he tried to turn the ball into a home run.
New York took a 15 1/2-game lead over second-place Tampa Bay in the American League East. Never before have the Yankees taken a 15-game lead so early in a season.
The Red Sox go to 16 games.
In a game that lasted 3 hours and 52 minutes, the Yankees scored a dozen runs for the 14th time this season, the most in the major leagues. They have won nine of their last 12 games.
Right-hander Connor Seabold (0-2) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings. His ERA dropped to 11.91.
For the Yankees, Venezuelans Gleyber Torres 6-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, Marwin González 3-0 with an RBI.
For the Red Sox, the Dominicans Rafael Devers 3-0, Franchys Cordero 2-0. Puerto Rican Christian Vázquez 5-3 with two RBIs. Mexican Alex Verdugo 4-0.
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