Red Sox shut out A's as Nick Pivetta fans 13 batters in six innings

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

When moved to the bullpen in May, Nick Pivetta stuck with the same mindset he had as a starter determined not to let the change affect how he helped the Red Sox.

And now manager Alex Cora is reconsidering a spot in the rotation given Boston's long stretch of games next month without a break.

The right-hander (6-5) matched his career high with 13 strikeouts over six hitless innings of relief in Boston's 1-hitter and Connor Wong hit a two-run double and singled in a run for a career-high three RBIs, leading the Red Sox past the Oakland Athletics 7-0 on Monday night for their eighth win in nine games.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Nick Pivetta #37 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the fifth inninng at RingCentral Coliseum on July 17, 2023 in Oakland, California.  (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pivetta's 13 strikeouts were most by a reliever in Red Sox history. He became just the sixth relief pitcher since 1901 to strike out 13 or more.

"I think for me I don’t really know what it is I think I’m doing what I’ve always been doing, going out pitching, it doesn’t matter where I’m pitching or when I’m pitching," he said. "Just being consistent is the most important thing for me and that’s just what I’m focused on."

He replaced lefty opener Brennan Bernardino, who worked two innings. It marked Pivetta’s ninth career double-digit strikeout game and first of 2023 — and his most Ks with the Red Sox after striking out 13 while pitching for the Phillies in June 18, 2018, against Saint Louis.

RANGERS TOP RAYS AS JOSH SMITH SCORES WINNING RUN ON WILD PITCH

Boston Red Soxs Connor Wong hits an RBI