Red Sox's Garrett Whitlock: Corrals first save

Whitlock allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two over three scoreless innings to earn the save in Thursday's 8-1 win over the Athletics.

Whitlock was stretched out enough to finish the final three innings and claim the first save of his career. He's normally a middle reliever that works multiple innings, but Whitlock has earned the chance to throw high-leverage if needed. As manager Alex Cora continues to search for the right late-game mix -- Darwinzon Hernandez is failing that test right now -- Whitlock could emerge as an important piece in the final third of games.