Eighth-inning bullpen choice backfires on Nationals in loss to Red Sox

BOSTON — The eighth inning presented Dave Martinez with a classic bullpen dilemma. It’s a choice that managers dread but one they contemplate beforehand, just in case a tough decision must be made.

His Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox were deadlocked Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. Martinez has faced many tough bullpen decisions and will tackle many more, but this time his choice helped swing the game in Boston’s favor as the Nationals lost, 4-2.