If there was ever a must-win series in April, this weekend would qualify for the Red Sox.
They’ve lost three consecutive series, and all four against division opponents this season. Already trailing the first-place Yankees by 5 1/2 games as the weekend began, the reeling Red Sox are in some urgent need of a positive result in Baltimore against the lowly Orioles.
Friday was a step, even if it wasn’t totally convincing. Backed by a dominant pitching effort led by Rich Hill, the Red Sox’ bats came to life early and that was enough even as they lived on the edge to hold on for a 3-1 victory over the O’s to start a three-game series at Camden Yards.
