BOSTON — Orioles center fielder Colton Cowser ranks in the 95th percentile in arm strength among major league fielders.

The Red Sox decided during their pre-series scouting process that they weren’t going to challenge his arm.

The strategic decision came into play during the 11th inning of a 4-3 loss to the Orioles on Tuesday at Fenway Park.

Speedy Nate Eaton represented the tying run at third base. Rookie Roman Anthony hit a 265-foot fly ball to center field for the second out of the inning. Eaton remained at third instead of challenging Cowser, then Alex Bregman, the next hitter, popped out to shortstop to end the game.

Cowser’s throw ended up being off-line, but it didn’t matter with Eaton not running.

“That’s an impact arm in center field,” manager Alex Cora said. “We prepar

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