ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Craig Kimbrel became the quickest pitcher to reach 300 career saves, closing out a 6-5 win by the Boston Red Sox after they rallied and got the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning at Texas on Saturday night.
Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth for his ninth save this season. His 300th save overall came in his 494th career appearance and 330th save opportunity, and just less than three weeks before his 30th birthday.
Andrew Benintendi hit a triple off the right-center wall in the ninth against Keone Kela (2-2) and scored on a sacrifice fly by Hanley Ramirez.
The Rangers had the bases loaded with one out in the eighth before Joe Kelly (1-0) struck out the only two batters he faced. He fanned Joey Gallo, the slugger who had already hit two impressive home runs, and then got Jurickson Profar on a called third strike to end an 11-pitch at-bat.
Kimbrel ended the game with a foul pop and two strikeouts to reach 300 saves quicker than anyone in terms of appearances, save opportunities and age. Mariano Rivera had gotten his 300th save in his 537th game, Joe Nathan in his 335th save opportunity and Francisco Rodriguez at age 31.