BOSTON

If you missed the first half of the Boston Red Sox’ season, you could have gotten the idea over 239 minutes on Friday night. Knocked down by five runs in the top of the first inning, the Red Sox staggered upright again. They had no business staying in the fight, but there they were.

“I liked everything about the way we played the entire game,” said their manager, Bobby Valentine, before listing a few missed opportunities. “We played a real close game in a game that started off like a blowout.”

The Red Sox are not in the Yankees’ class, but they keep punching, and to even be thinking of contending is improbable enough. Before losing, 10-8, they had stood only two games back in the race for the second wild card.

Consider the injuries. Yes, every team has them. The Yankees have largely conquered theirs, managing the best record in the majors and the widest division lead despite missing left fielder Brett Gardner and four former All-Star pitchers (C. C. Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Michael Pineda and Mariano Rivera). But Boston’s list is staggering.