PHILADELPHIA -- It's no secret that the Red Sox have superstars who do special things on what seems to be a nightly basis. But the team's depth has been equally important to its 30-6 record since July 1.

That depth was on full display Tuesday night, when Boston beat the Phillies, 2-1, despite its top five hitters going 3-for-19. Instead, Sandy Leon, who entered the year as a backup catcher, and Brock Holt, who has been thrust into a full-time utility role due to a litany of infield injuries, won the game with key solo homers.

"It's a total team effort," said manager Alex Cora. "We do feel that if you look at the bench and where we're at as a team, we can play National League baseball. We have some weapons on the bench. Today they showed it and we got the W."

Cora pulled starter Rick Porcello after seven dominant innings and just 90 pitches in a decision he wouldn't have to make in an A.L. park. Despite Porcello having hit a double earlier in the game, Cora wanted to avoid having his starter hit again and turned to Holt, opting to go with the ulilityman due to a favorable matchup against reliever Tommy Hunter.

Holt swung at a first-pitch fastball and deposited into the right-field seats for his third homer of the year. It would prove to be the game-winning swing for the Red Sox.

"He's been swinging the bat well lately," Cora said. "Usually he takes that first pitch but obviously it's a different game in the National League. He pinch hits and he's looking for a pitch in the middle of the zone. He put a good swing on it and hit a homer."

Cora doesn't use pinch-hitters often, as evidenced by Boston's 7-for-40 line in pinch-hit situations so far this season. Holt's homer was the first pinch-hit blast for the Sox all season.

"Pinch hitting is a tough job to do," Holt said. "When your name is called, just trying to be ready."

With Eduardo Nunez starting at second base Tuesday, Holt took on a more active approach to sitting. He echoed J.D. Martinez's sentiment from last month in Washington, agreeing that an off day in an N.L. park isn't actually a day off.

"Obviously we're in the cage taking flips and hitting off the tee just trying to stay loose, "Holt said. "As an American League team, we don't have a lot of opportunities to come into games in certain situations. Just trying to stay ready-- more ready than you normally do."

Holt's readiness to contribute Tuesday was similar to how this group of Red Sox has taken on a next-man-up mentality all season. With Dustin Pedroia out and Rafael Devers struggling at times, Nunez and Holt have been thrust into full-time positions. With Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright both dealing with injuries, Brian Johnson has performed well in the rotation. And with Vazquez dealing with a broken finger, Leon has put the Red Sox in a position to win on a nightly basis, as shown by the club's 28-2 record in his last 30 starts.

"Here's a guy who, in spring training, he showed up in great shape," Cora said. "Christian was playing a lot and he didn't complain. He kept working and he kept working. The door opened up a little but there and he's playing great baseball. We're very happy with the way he's competing."

Tuesday's home run aside, Leon has established himself as a key cog in the Red Sox machine due to his game-calling abilities and preparation. Porcello was the latest to laud his contributions.

"No disrespect to any other catcher I've thrown to, but he's the best catcher I've ever thrown to," Porcello said. "His game-calling, being prepared for every pitcher and every start. He's kind of the heartbeat of our pitching staff."

With Ian Kinsler, Vazquez, Rodriguez and maybe even Wright due back from the disabled list before the end of the regular season, key summer contributors like Holt, Johnson and Leon will see reduced roles. But as the Sox showed on Tuesday, their depth can win ballgames, too.