The fourth inning changed everything. Boston scored six runs in a single frame to break open what had been a scoreless game, cruising to an 8-0 victory over Atlanta at Fenway Park.
Connelly Early dominated for seven innings, allowing four hits while striking out seven. The right-hander walked three but never allowed Atlanta to threaten, improving to 5-2 with a 2.95 ERA.
The Red Sox offense exploded in the fourth against Bryce Elder. Yoshida scored on an error by first baseman Olson, then Kiner-Falefa singled home Gasper. Rafaela followed with a two-run single that scored Kiner-Falefa and Mayer, and Abreu capped the rally with a two-run single to center that brought home Duran and Rafaela. Boston added single runs in the seventh and eighth, with Duran homering 400 feet to right in the eighth.
Elder lasted just 3.1 innings, surrendering nine hits and six runs. The Atlanta starter struck out one and walked one, taking the loss to fall to 4-3. The Braves managed only five hits against Boston pitching and committed three errors in the field.
Boston snapped a four-game losing streak to improve to 22-31. Atlanta, despite the loss, remains atop their division at 37-18.