The Boston Red Sox Yu Chang connects for a two run single in the bottom of the second inning against the Oakland A’s at Fenway Park in Boston on Fri Jul 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

#1 The Oakland A’s (25-65) on Friday saw the Boston Red Sox (46-43) start of the game with a five run second inning that later handed the A’s a 7-3 loss at Fenway Park.

#2 The Sox Yu Chang got a base loaded hit in the second for the Sox to drive in two runs. Chang’s contribution proved valuable to help get the Sox get a lead on the A’s early off A’s starter Sammy Long and reliever Luis Medina.

#3 What was remarkable Chang missed over three months of play due to a left broken hand. Chang didn’t waste anytime driving in the first two runs of the game.

#4 Medina who came into relieve for Long ended up giving up seven hits, four earned runs, one walk and nine strikeouts in six innings of work. A’s manager Mark Kotsay said that he brought Medina in a tough situaton.

#5 The A’s will start right hander Paul Blackburn (1-1 ERA 4.50) he’ll be opposed Red Sox starter left hander James Paxton (4-1 ERA 2.70) for a 10:10 AM PT first pitch.

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