BALTIMORE — When the Red Sox bullpen door opened in the 11th inning Monday night, Carson Smith emerged as an unexpected, less-than-ideal option to hold a two-run lead against the Orioles.
In the previous two years, Smith pitched in six big league games, and he hadn’t recorded a save since 2015.
“I’m not sure many Red Sox fans, players or staff know that I’ve been in that situation before,” Smith said. “But at one point, that’s what I did. I was just fortunate to come across that opportunity (Monday) night.
“I was happy to seal it off for the team.