Boston is coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Dodgers during the weekend. The victories gave the Red Sox a 4-5 record during a grueling stretch after the All-Star break that included series against the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and the Dodgers. They enter Monday a half-game up on the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers for the second wild-card spot, and one back of the New York Yankees. Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised his players for how they handled the challenge.