BOSTON - Xander Bogaerts loves watching from the on-deck circle and learning what J.D. Martinez does at the plate.
Bogaerts’ start this season has been quite impressive, too.
The Red Sox shortstop hit a three-run homer, Martinez added a two-run shot and Boston avoided its first series sweep this season with a 6-4 victory over the Athletics on Wednesday night.
“It’s pretty impressive what he does when you’re behind looking at him,” Bogaerts said. “Normally I’m a guy who gets to the on-deck circle a little bit later. I’ve got to get there early if he swings at the first pitch and gets a hit. He hits some bombs on the first pitch.”
Signed as free agent to a $110-million, five-year contract during spring training, Martinez is hitting mainly in the cleanup spot and has a .344 average with 12 homers and 36 RBIs.
Bogaerts, who spent some time on the disabled list with an injured left ankle, is batting .306 with five homers and 21 RBIs.
Chris Sale (4-1) gave up just two runs and two hits in five innings, striking out nine and walking four - his most bases on balls since also allowing four on August 31, 2016.
Craig Kimbrel, the fourth reliever, got the final three outs for his 12th save.
Marcus Semien hit a two-run homer, and Matt Joyce and Matt Olson each hit a solo shot for the Athletics, who won the first two games and finished the season series by winning four of six.
Trevor Cahill (1-2) gave up three runs to the first four batters he faced, but held the Red Sox scoreless the rest of his five innings.
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