Like old times: Red Sox hold off Yanks in wild one

BOSTON — The rivalry was rekindled on a wild Tuesday night at Fenway Park in which the Red Sox held on for a 5-3 victory over the Yankees that contained several elements of excitement.

The most winning combination for Boston has Rick Porcello pitching at Fenway Park. The sinkerballer improved to 11-0 with a 3.11 ERA at home this season, and Boston is 12-0 in his home starts. It was the 100th career win for the right-hander, who is 15-3 with a 3.40 ERA this season.

“It was a big win for us,” said Porcello. “We came off a long, tough road trip, so we definitely needed to start the homestand off the right way. It was a good way to start the series.”

Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel got into a jam in the ninth, walking four batters to allow a run. After 37 pitches, he was removed in mid-save opportunity. Matt Barnes came on with the bases loaded and two outs and ended it by getting Mark Teixeira looking. It was the first career save for the hard-throwing righty. Alex Rodriguez, who will be granted his release from the Yankees later this week to move into an advisory role for the club, did not play, though Fenway fans roared, “We want A-Rod” in the late innings.

“It’s part of it,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who announced prior to the game that he plans to only start Rodriguez on Thursday in this series. “I’m sure I’m going to hear it, but I’ve got to do what I think is best.”

Andrew Benintendi had a solid Fenway debut, going 3-for-3, scoring twice and driving in a run. Dustin Pedroia had a pair of doubles and drove in three runs.

Things got tense between the rivals in the top of the seventh, when Jackie Bradley Jr. made a magnificent throw to third to nail Chase Headley. Headley seemed irked at Porcello after being tagged out by Brock Holt, and he walked toward the pitcher. The benches and bullpens briefly cleared.

“It was just an exchange of words,” said Red Sox manager John Farrell. “Didn’t see anything coming. There was an exchange after Headley tries to extend that ball into a triple. Next thing you know, there’s some people on the field. Just guys in a competitive moment.”

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