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 When he had to endure two interruptions Tuesday night in
Baltimore, he was completely unfazed. Workman simply returned to the
mound and completed the most dominant outing of his season.
The right-hander allowed just one hit over 6 2/3 innings, and first
baseman Mike Napoli knocked in the game's only run with a single in
the third as the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 1-0 Tuesday
night.
Boston won for the first time in 19 games when scoring fewer than
three runs. The Orioles, one night after beating the Red Sox 4-0,
were shut out for the fifth time this season.
"We got back in the win column," Workman said. "Hopefully, we can
string a bunch of them together now. Any game is a big game, and
we're trying to win them all right now."
Workman (1-0) struck out four and walked one walk in the longest
outing of his two-year major league career. He earned his first win
since July 30, 2013. Orioles second baseman Ryan Flaherty managed
the only hit against Workman, a two-out single in the sixth.
 "I just think he has a great skill set, both physically and
mentally, to handle a major league lineup three times through it and
get 21 outs," Red Sox manager John Farrell said about Workman. "When
you start to profile what a starting major league pitcher is, he
fits that bill. He's durable, he gets outs with his fastball, and
tonight was another reason why we like him in this role. His ability
to maintain his focus and concentration is very good."
Koji Uehara picked up his 13th save for Boston (29-35) and managed
to make a nifty forceout at second on a potential sacrifice bunt by
Flaherty.
"I might be boasting a little bit, but I've won two Gold Gloves back
in Japan," Uehara said.
Baltimore starter Chris Tillman (5-3) allowed one run on seven hits
with three strikeouts and three walks over six innings. That was an
encouraging performance for the right-hander after he gave up five
runs on six hits in just one inning against the Texas Rangers in his
previous outing.
Starters for the Orioles (32-31) have allowed two or fewer runs in
eight of the last 11 games.
"You always expect to pitch well," Tillman said. "Personally I think
any time you get the ball and get the chance to pitch, you're going
out there and doing the best job you can. Tough conditions tonight
for both teams, but you won't hear any excuses from us, and I'm sure
you won't from them either."
Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis went 0-for-4, snapping a 14-game
hitting streak.
Left fielder Brock Holt and catcher A.J. Pierzynski each had two
hits for Boston.
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The first rain delay lasted just 15 minutes, which had little effect
on the game. When Tillman returned to the mound after the second
stoppage, which lasted 1 hour, 18 minutes, he allowed a two-out, RBI
single to Napoli that gave the Red Sox a 1-0 lead in the third.
"The first one wasn't bad. The second one was a little tough,"
Orioles manager Buck Showalter said about the rain delays. "Tough
call for weather people. But I was real pleased with Chris, and we
got a good job done out of the bullpen by everybody who gave us a
chance there. But unfortunately, (the Red Sox) pitched just a little
bit better than we did."
Boston threatened again in fourth when catcher A.J. Pierzynski,
center fielder Grady Sizemore and shortstop Jonathan Herrera hit
consecutive singles to open the inning. However, Tillman struck out
Holt and got third baseman Xander Bogarts to hit into a double play.
Meanwhile, Workman retired 13 consecutive batters before allowing a
one-out walk to left fielder Nelson Cruz in the fifth.
NOTES: With a first-inning single, Boston LF Brock Holt extended his
hitting streak to a career-high 10 games. ... Orioles 3B Manny
Machado was suspended five games for throwing his bat Sunday against
Oakland, which ignited a benches-clearing confrontation. Machado
filed an appeal, and he went 0-for-4 Tuesday. ... Baltimore RHP
Dylan Bundy, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, will pitch
for short-season Class A Aberdeen on Sunday. ... Red Sox SS Stephen
Drew was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game because
of a strained oblique. ... Boston LHP Felix Doubront (left elbow
strain) made a rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Pawtucket, throwing
75 pitches in 4 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs and six hits with
three strikeouts and one walk. ... RHP Clay Buchholz (hyperextended
right knee) is scheduled to throw five innings for Pawtucket on
Friday.
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