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Porcello emanates efficiency in MLB-leading 21st win

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Rick Porcello is not only getting the job done for the Boston Red Sox, but he's doing it at a blistering pace.

The Red Sox starter needed only 89 pitches on Monday in a dominant, complete game performance over the Baltimore Orioles, leading the way for Boston's 5-2 win. Along with preserving his club's spot atop the American League East, the win also leaves Porcello standing alone atop the MLB leaderboard with 21 victories, two more than Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ in second.

He also became the first hurler this season to record a complete game in less than 90 pitches.

"When it's his day on the mound, he sets the tone for us," Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters postgame Monday. "Did once again."

Porcello limited Baltimore's heavy-hitting lineup to only four hits and two runs over nine innings. The Orioles did not have a single baserunner until the fourth when Porcello plunked Manny Machado on the shoulder with two outs.

With the outing, Porcello further improved his case for Cy Young consideration, as he lowered his ERA and WHIP to 3.03 and 0.98, respectively, over 210 2/3 innings pitched. Despite his consistency, he's not interested in prioritizing his personal accomplishments.

"All of us are honored to be mentioned for those awards," Porcello said postgame. '"But I've been saying it all year, our focus is winning and what we want to accomplish as a team."

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