The fifth inning Sunday afternoon was a nightmare for the Red Sox in more ways than one.
While the box score will tell the tale of a pivotal frame for the Nationals, with the hosts managing three runs to increase their advantage over the Sox to four, it subtly began with bad news.
While running out to his position in right field to begin the half-inning, J.D. Martinez appeared to trip over second base, resulting in a left ankle sprain.
Martinez was immediately tended to by Alex Cora and the training staff, staying in the game. But he was clearly hampered by the ailment, as was evident in chasing down Alex Avila's two-run double.
Cora chose to pinch-hit for Martinez in the second at-bat of the sixth inning, with Jose Iglesias stepping in with a single.
Martinez struck out in his only at-bat prior to his exit.
