The game was decided in the first inning. Cleveland scored four times before Boston recorded an out, building a lead that proved just enough in a 4-3 victory at Progressive Field.
Brayan Bello pitched brilliantly in a losing effort, throwing seven shutout innings while allowing just four hits and striking out five. The Red Sox right-hander reached 500 career strikeouts in this game, carrying a 5.63 ERA into his next start.
Cleveland's first-inning explosion began when Hoskins singled home Ramírez. Martínez followed with a single that scored DeLauter, and Hoskins also came around when center fielder Rafaela committed a fielding error. Bailey capped the rally with a sacrifice fly that brought Manzardo home for a 4-0 advantage.
Boston mounted a comeback in the fifth inning against Tyler Samaniego, who allowed six hits and four runs in one inning of work. Mayer singled home Gasper, Durbin doubled in Kiner-Falefa, and Duran added a sacrifice fly to score Mayer, cutting the deficit to 4-3.
Colin Holderman earned the win with 1.1 scoreless innings, improving to 3-0. Cade Smith recorded his 20th save with a perfect ninth inning, striking out three. Cleveland improved to 33-25 and first place, while Boston fell to 23-32.