Red Sox open series with victory over Brewers

Alex Verdugo had a two-run homer and Nick Pivetta pitched effectively into the sixth inning to pace the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 5-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night in the opener of the three-game series.

Pivetta (1-1) allowed three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven with one walk. Josh Winckowski followed with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, fanning four, and Kenley Jansen finished w