After a midsummer surge thrust the Red Sox past the Yankees, things are starting to bog down in Boston. Baltimore’s bats kept up a steady drumbeat against Red Sox pitching, while Trevor Rogers twirled another gem to take the series opener and lend the Yankees a hand.

The Royals won their 4th straight to open a home series vs. the Rangers. Here’s how it affects the AL Wild Card playoff chase.

Gavin Lux had a two-run homer among his two hits and Brady Singer allowed one run in six innings as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 in Anaheim, Calif., on Monday.

Jack Leiter has a 2.95 ERA in his last eight starts and has won his last three decisions. His 97 mph fastball is one of the best heaters in baseball, with opponents hitting just .200 against it. He has a 4.60 ERA on the road.

The loss — the Red Sox' second straight — dropped them to 2-2 on their homestand, in need of a victory on Tuesday to claim a winning record in this stretch at Fenway before heading to Yankee Stadium for the weekend.

Williams will be the oldest entrant in singles at the U.S. Open since Renee Richards was 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation.

Venus Williams was already planning to compete at the U.S. Open in mixed doubles with fellow American Reilly Opelka, but now the 45-year-old tennis legend will also play in the women's singles draw. Williams received a wild-card bid from the major tournament on Wednesday.