Wong and Refsnyder hit home runs and the Red Sox win the series 7-4

Jarren Duran was the first batter for Boston and went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs.

Reds manager David Bell was ejected in the fourth inning by home plate umpire Todd Tichenor for arguing over balls and strikes. It was Bell’s third ejection of the season and his 30th as Reds manager, tying him with Sparky Anderson for the most ejections in franchise history.

“It’s an emotional game,” Bell said. “I was reminded today that I’m not supposed to say anything.”

The Reds have lost eight of twelve games and three series in a row.

Sunday was a bullpen day for the Red Sox, who used eight pitchers. Zack Kelly, who threw six pitches in the win on Saturday, was the starter and threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

The win was credited to Greg Weissert (3-1).

“We asked a lot from some guys in the pitching area today,” Cora said. “We’ll see where we are tomorrow.”

Wong extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-run home run in the fourth inning against Reds starter Nick Lodolo to give the Red Sox a 2-0 lead.

“The offense did its job,” Duran said. “We just tried to keep it simple. He’s a really good pitcher and if he feels like you’re being a little too aggressive, he’ll take you apart.”

Lodolo (8-3) suffered the loss for Cincinnati. Bell said the left-hander was battling a blister.

“He started the game with a pretty bad blister,” Bell said. “It really affected him, especially on the curveball. But he was able to throw some good ones. It was a pretty good performance.”

Refsnyder’s two-run home run, his third of the season, came in the sixth inning against Brent Suter and helped Boston take a 7-1 lead.

The Reds scored three runs against Brad Keller in the sixth inning, including Tyler Stephenson’s RBI double.

Kenley Jansen allowed a hit in the ninth and recorded his 15th save.

The Red Sox improved their road record to 24-16, the fourth-best in the Major League.

“A lot of things go into it,” Cora said. “It’s a good group. They get along. Athleticism and youth have put us in this position. They’re establishing themselves as professionals. They just show up and play.”

Reds: 2B Matt McLain (left shoulder surgery) underwent a shoulder exam, which went well. McLain remains on track to return in August. He has started running and should start swinging the bat soon.

Red Sox: Right-hander Tanner Houck (7-5, 2.14 ERA) starts on Monday against the Blue Jays.

Reds: Right-hander Carson Spiers (0-1, 3.20) starts on Monday against the Pirates.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb