BOSTON — Aaron Nola pitched seven innings of four-hit ball to win for the sixth time in his last seven decisions, getting three runs of support in the first inning and cruising to a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.
In the opener of a two-game interleague series, three of the first four Philadelphia batters reached base, including back-to-back doubles by Bryce Harper and Jean Segura. Boston made it 3-2 on Jackie Bradley Jr.’s homer in the third but managed just four more hits the rest of the game.
Nola (12-3) allowed two runs and one walk while striking out seven. José Alvarez and Mike Morin shared the eighth before Hector Neris came on for the ninth and gave up a leadoff double to Xander Bogaerts.
Bogaerts was out trying to advance to third on a grounder to the shortstop, and then pinch-runner Chris Owings was doubled off first on a hard liner to the shortstop — shifted over to second base — to end the game. It was Neris’ 22nd save.
Red Sox starter Brian Johnson (1-2) allowed three runs, six hits and two walks, striking out four in 3⅔ innings as Boston ended a five-game winning streak.
FOUL CALL — Red Sox manager Alex Cora was upset about a call in the fourth inning, when Rhys Hoskins hit a chopper right down the line that was fielded by third baseman Rafael Devers behind the bag. Third base umpire Vic Carapazza spread his arms — apparently signaling a foul ball — but the play continued.
Devers threw to second, but did not get the runner retreating to the bag; there was no play at first. Hoskins was credited with a single.
J.T. Realmuto struck out to end the inning.
RELIEF — The Boston bullpen kept up its strong run, allowing just one baserunner in 5⅓ innings. Over the past six games, the Red Sox relievers have allowed only two earned runs in 26⅔ innings pitched. They have not allowed a homer in 102 batters.
NEAR MISSES — The Red Sox had the potential tying run at second in the fifth and sixth innings but failed to score.
Christian Vázquez led off the fifth with a double, but was stranded there. Mookie Betts led off the sixth with a single and stole second, but also was ultimately stranded as the Red Sox fell to 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
TRAINER’S ROOM — Phillies: RHP Jake Arrieta (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injury list.
Red Sox: LHP David Price (wrist) threw in the bullpen before the game and could return to the roster as soon as this weekend in San Diego.
UP NEXT — Phillies: LHP Drew Smyly (2-6, 7.09 ERA) is 1-1 in five starts for Philadelphia since being acquired from Texas in July. The Phillies are 4-1 in the games Smyly has started.
Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello (11-9, 5.49) has won six of his last eight starts and is second on the club in victories.