Richards (3-2) was the winner Thursday, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out four over six scoreless innings in an 8-1 victory over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Boston's bats finally came out to play in the series, staking Richards to a 7-0 lead after three innings. He won his third straight decision and has been quietly dominant over his last four outings. The right-hander sports a 2.16 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with a 26:5 K:BB over that stretch (25 innings). He's in line to start next Wednesday on the road in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.