Blaze Alexander shines in center as Diamondbacks defeat Boston Red Sox

The Diamondbacks had the lead at the top of the third inning, 2-1, with the Red Sox threatening with runners on second and first base. With two outs, Red Sox second baseman Romy Gonzalez hit a single off D-Backs pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez to Alexander in centerfield.

Boston catcher Carlos Narváez rounded third base in an attempt to tie the game, but Alexander’s throw to Gabriel Moreno tagged Narváez on the side before he could touch home plate for the third out of the inning.

D-Backs fans loved the game-saving play and were surprised by how well Alexander has been able to adapt to another position. Friday’s game marked Alexander’s third start in center field and he has already made a name for himself with several game-saving or momentum-shifting plays in the new position.

The Red Sox pulled within one in the top of the eighth inning, 6-5, before the Diamondbacks regained momentum in the bottom half of the inning on Geraldo Perdomo’s RBI single and Corbin Carroll’s three-run homer.

Arizona is now over .500 for the first time since July 20, 71-71, and 5.5 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot.