Basebawful Report of The Month

Wilyer Abreu - 9 Good, 4 Bad, 10 Ugly, 1 Hero, 1 Honorable Mention

Brayan Bello - 2 Good

Brennan Bernardino - 4 Good, 4 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass

Alex Bregman - 10 Good, 1 Bad, 11 Ugly, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass

Walker Buehler - 3 Good, 1 Ugly, 1 Hero

Kristian Campbell - 12 Good, 2 Bad, 9 Ugly, 1 Jackass

Triston Casas - 7 Good, 5 Bad, 8 Ugly, 2 Hero

Aroldis Chapman - 9 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Jackass

Cooper Criswell - 2 Bad

Garrett Crochet - 1 Good, 1 Ugly, 3 Hero

Rafael Devers - 12 Good, 3 Bad, 11 Ugly

Hunter Dobbins - 2 Good

Jarren Duran - 9 Good, 3 Bad, 13 Ugly, 1 Hero

Richard Fitts - 1 Good, 1 Ugly

Michael Fulmer - 1 Bad

Lucas Giolito - 1 Good

Romy Gonzalez - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 5 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Luis Guerrero - 3 Good

David Hamilton - 3 Good, 4 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Liam Hendriks - 3 Good, 1 Bad

Tanner Houck - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Jackass

Zack Kelly - 1 Good, 4 Bad, 1 Jackass

Carlos Narvaez - 6 Good, 8 Bad, 7 Ugly

Sean Newcomb - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Jackass

Ceddanne Rafaela - 6 Good, 3 Bad, 12 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Rob Refsnyder - 2 Good, 4 Bad, 4 Ugly, 1 Hero

Blake Sabol - 1 Good, 2 Bad, 4 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Justin Slaten - 7 Good, 1 Bad

Robert Stock - 1 Ugly

Trevor Story - 6 Good, 4 Bad, 12 Ugly, 3 Hero, 1 Jackass

Greg Weissert - 7 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass

Garrett Whitlock - 5 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Jackass

Justin Wilson - 5 Good, 3 Bad, 1 Ugly

Josh Winckowski - 2 Good, 2 Bad, 2 Ugly

Connor Wong - 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Most Valuable Players of the Month are Rafael Devers and Kristian Campbell with 12 Good

Least Valuable Player is Carlos Narvaez with 8 Bad

The Ugliest Player of the Month is Jarren Duran with 13 Ugly

Heroes of The Month are Trevor Story and Garrett Crochet with 3 Hero

Jackass of The Month is Tanner Houck with 2 Jackass

The Honorable Players of the Month are Wilyer Abreu, Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton, Ceddanne Rafaela, Blake Sabol and Connor Wong with 1 Honorable Mention

Sox Blow Six Run Lead, Lose in 10 (4/30/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Lucas Giolito was finally activated from the Injured List to make tonight's start. Brennan Bernardino was placed on the Bereavement List to make room for Giolito. My condolences to the Bernardino family.

                                                                        OUT

                                                                      IN

As for the game, we have a winner for worst loss of the season. For 5 1/2 innings it looked like the Boston Red Sox would cruise to an easy victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Lucas Giolito had tossed 5 shutout innings and home runs by Alex Bregman and Carlos Narvaez had the Sox up 6-0. Then everything fell apart as Giolito got tagged for three runs in the bottom of the sixth and Garrett Whitlock gave up a three run bomb to Anthony Santander in the bottom of the seventh. The game plunged into extra innings and Sox manager Alex Cora refused to play small ball, failing to score in the 10th. Alejandro Kirk smacked a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 10th off Justin Slaten (0-1, 3.48 ERA) to give a shocking 7-6 victory to the Jays at the Skydome.

                                                               Nice going Sox

The Sox wasted no time getting to "opener" Yariel Rodriguez in the top of the first inning. Jarren Duran walked but was thrown out at home on a double to right by Rafael Devers. A wild pitch moved Rafael to third and he scored on a balk. Alex Bregman made up for Duran by launching his seventh home run of the season to increase the lead. Trevor Story grounded out to short but Wilyer Abreu walked. Kristian Campbell struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                     Bregman gets the wally head

Giolito made his long awaited debut in the bottom of the first and naturally Bo Bichette got a base hit to center. Vladimir Guerrero Jr popped up to second and Anthony Santander took strike three, but George Springer walked. Daulton Varsho struck out swinging to end the inning.

Eric Lauer came in to pitch the top of the second and Triston Casas struck out swinging to start. Ceddanne Rafaela walked and promptly stole second, but Carlos Narvaez grounded out to third. Duran ripped a base hit to left to score Rafaela and took off for second. Alejandro Kirk threw the ball away to put Duran on third and Jarren scored on the double to center by Devers. Bregman struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                                 Devers drives in a run

Kirk grounded out to second to start the bottom of the second before Addison Barger popped up to short. Andres Gimenez took strike three to end the inning.

Story flied out to center to start the top of the third but Abreu drew a walk. Abreu got picked off and Campbell struck out swinging again to end the inning. The Jays threatened in the bottom of the third as Ernie Clement ripped a base hit to left to begin. As usual, Bichette got a base hit to center but Guerrero Jr was frozen for strike three. Santander flied out to right and Springer watched strike three go by to end the inning.

Casas took strike three to open the top of the fourth and Rafaela lined out to center. Narvaez popped up to second to end the inning. Varsho flied out to left to start the bottom of the fourth and Kirk took strike three. Suddenly Toronto hitting coach David Popkins ran out of the dugout screaming carrying a sickle. He swung and missed at home plate umpire Derek Thomas and was escorted out of the Skydome by armed security. Barger flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the fifth as Duran got a base hit inside the first base bag to start. Devers flied out to left but Bregman was hit with a pitch. Story moved the runners over with a grounder to third but Abreu popped up to short to end the inning. Gimenez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth before Clement grounded out to third. Bichette flied out to center to end the inning.

Chad Green came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Campbell flied out to right to start. Casas walked but Rafaela forced him at second. Narvaez then clobbered his third home run of the season to seemingly ice the game. Duran grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 6-0.

                                                     Things looked good at this point

Suddenly the Jays sprang to life in the bottom of the sixth against Giolito although Guerrero Jr grounded out to third to start. Santander lined out to center but Springer walked. Just like that, Varsho hit his first home run of the season and Kirk hit the roof of the Skydome to cut the lead in half. Barger grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox still up 6-3. Giolito was cruising but still tossed 6 innings of 3 run ball while allowing 5 hits and 2 walks.

                                                            Giolito deserved better

Yimi Garcia came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Devers grounded out to short to start. Bregman popped up to short and Story struck out swinging to end the inning. Garrett Whitlock came in to crap his pants in the bottom of the seventh as Gimenez flied out to left to start. Clement got a base hit to center but Bichette flied out to center. Guerrero Jr singled to left and Santander hit a ball through the top of the Skydome to tie the game just like that. Springer flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 6-6.

                                                                  Jays tie it up

The Sox blew a rally in the top of the eighth with Brendon Little on the mound. Abreu got a base hit to center before being forced at second by Campbell. Romy Gonzalez pinch hit for Casas and struck out swinging. Rafaela struck out swinging to end the inning. Varsho got a base hit to center to start the bottom of the eighth before Kirk lined out to center. Barger forced Varsho at second and Myles Straw pinch ran for Barger. Gimenez grounded out to first to end the inning.

Jeff Hoffman came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Narvaez grounded out to second to start. Duran flied out to center and Devers struck out swinging to end the inning. Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Clement flied out to center to start. Bichette flied out to right and Guerrero Jr struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox failed to play small ball in the top of the tenth with Devers starting the inning at second base. Bregman struck out swinging, Story grounded out to third and Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning. Justin Slaten came in to pitch the bottom of the tenth with Guerrero Jr starting at second base. Santander lined out to center to move Guerrero to third and Springer was intentionally walked. Varsho was intentionally walked and Kirk got a base hit to left to score Guerrero with the winning run. Down 6-0 with 2 outs and the bases empty in the sixth, the Jays had rallied to win the game 7-6 in 10 innings.

                                                                 Jays win

Jackass of the Night is Garrett Whitlock. It would have never had come to Slaten in the 10th if Whitlock haven't given up the bomb to Santander in the seventh.

                                                              Jackass Whitlock

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.

Rafael Devers was 2 for 5 with an rbi and a run scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 1 for 3 with 2 walks.

Lucas Giolito tossed 6 solid innings allowing 3 runs off 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Trevor Story was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

Kristian Campbell was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Justin Slaten allowed the winning run to score on 2 walks and a base hit.

The Ugly:

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch and hit a home run.

Triston Casas was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts but walked.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored two runs.

Carlos Narvaez was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Final Thoughts:

Literally this game was over with 2 outs in the sixth and the Jays came all the way back. That's as big of an embarrassing loss as you can think of this season. They've been a .500 team or worse since July of 2021 and games like this are a big reason why. They should have put the Jays away but they didn't do it. Give a lot of credit to Toronto for never giving up but losses like this shouldn't happen. Can't even blame Slaten in the 10th for Giolito and Whitlock giving up bombs to blow the lead. Giolito was pitching well too, that's the worst part. Just another frustrating loss in a season full of them and probably a lot more ahead too. The Sox finish the month of April at 17-15, 1.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to take the series tomorrow night when Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.58 ERA) goes up against Jose Berrios of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Sox Home Run Parade Sinks Jays (4/29/25)

It was good news all around for the city of Boston. The Boston Celtics eliminated the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox crushed the Toronto Blue Jays. The Red Sox made up for their recent home run drought by clocking five of them off Toronto starter Bowden Francis. Jarren Duran led the game off with a home run and two batters later Alex Bregman went deep. In the second inning Kristian Campbell hit one out then in the third both Rafael Devers and Wilyer Abreu sent balls out of the yard. On the other side, Garrett Crochet (3-2, 2.05 ERA) dominated the Jays with 7 strong innings allowing just a Vladimir Guerrero Jr two run home run. The Sox tacked three more runs off the Toronto bullpen while Luis Guerrero and Brennan Bernardino slammed the door to give the Sox a 10-2 victory over the Jays at the Skydome.

                                                 Krystaps Porzingis approves of the win

The Sox wasted no time getting to Francis in the top of the first as Jarren Duran clobbered his second home run of the year to lead off. Rafael Devers grounded out to short but Alex Bregman belted his sixth home run of the year to increase the lead. Trevor Story popped up to short and Wilyer Abreu popped up to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                          Duran gets the wally head

Crochet got the ball in the bottom of the first and Bo Bichette effortlessly got a base hit to left. Bichette stole second but somehow Vladimir Guerrero Jr popped up to second. Anthony Santander walked on 5 pitches not even close but Bichette was thrown out trying to steal third. George Springer lined out to right to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the second inning as Kristian Campbell smashed his fourth home run of the year to increase the lead. Triston Casas got a base hit to center but Ceddanne Rafaela flied out to right. Carlos Narvaez struck out swinging and Duran flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0. 

                                                           Campbell gets the wally head

Alejandro Kirk struck out swinging to start the bottom of the second inning and Daulton Varsho also went down hacking. Ernie Clement lined out to second to end the inning.

The Sox blew it open int he top of the third as Devers smashed his fifth home run of the season to increase the lead. Bregman got a base hit to left and Story got a base hit to left as well. Abreu then mashed his sixth home run of the season to ice the game. Campbell lined out to second, Casas flied out to center and Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox up 7-0.

                                                        Abreu ices it

Andres Gimenez took strike three to start the bottom of the third before Myles Straw went down hacking. Bichette effortlessly doubled to right and Guerrero Jr hit a home run off the roof of the dome to cut the lead. Santander grounded out to short to end the inning with the Jays down 7-2.

                                                          Guerrero tags Crochet

Dillon Tate came in to pitch the top of the fourth and Narvaez grounded out to short to start. Duran flied out to center but Devers walked. Bregman struck out swinging to end the inning. Springer struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth and Kirk grounded out to third. Varsho walked but Clement flied out to right to end the inning.

Story flied out to right to start the top of the fifth but Abreu drew a walk. Campbell walked to chase Tate and Mason Fluharty came in to pitch to Casas. Triston grounded into a double play to end the inning. Gimenez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth before Myles Straw grounded out to third. Abreu had to climb the right field wall to rob Bichette of a home run to end the inning.

Rafaela lined out to center to start the top of the sixth before Narvaez struck out swinging. Duran grounded out to short to end the inning. Guerrero Jr flied out to left to start the bottom of the sixth before Santander grounded out to short. Springer walked but Kirk lined out to center to end the inning.

Devers struck out swinging to start the top of the seventh and that was it for Fluharty. Casey Lawrence came in to pitch and Bregman lined out to left. Story was plunked and Abreu got a base hit to right, but Campbell flied out to center to end the inning. Crochet came back for one final inning in the bottom of the seventh as Varsho grounded out to second to start. Clement got a base hit to center and moved to second on a Gimenez grounder to second. Straw grounded out to third to end the inning. Crochet dominated the Jays for 7 innings giving up just two runs on 4 hits and 3 walks.

                                                      Great work by Crochet

The Sox struck again in the top of the eighth as Casas got a base hit to right to start. Rafaela forced Casas at second but Narvaez got a base hit to right to move Ceddanne to third. Duran beat out a double play ball to score Rafaela but Devers grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 8-2.

                                                            Duran with another rbi

Luis Guerrero came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Bichette grounded out to short to start. Guerrero Jr flied out to center and Santander grounded out to third to end the inning.

The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the top of the ninth as Bregman lined a base hit to left to begin. Story popped up to first but Abreu got a base hit to right. Campbell doubled to left to score Bregman and Casas grounded out to third to score Abreu. Rafaela struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 10-2.

                                                       Casas drives in a run

Brennan Bernardino came in to finish off the bottom of the ninth and Springer flied out to right to start. Kirk struck out swinging and Varsho went down hacking to end the game. The Sox had won it 10-2.

                                                             Sox win

Hero of The Night is Garrett Crochet. He held the Jays to just two runs in 7 innings. He allowed 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out six.

                                                   The Sox salute our Hero

The Good:

Alex Bregman was 3 for 5 with a home run and 3 total runs scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 3 for 5 with a walk, a three run home run and 2 total runs scored.

Kristian Campbell was 2 for 4 with a walk, a home run and two total runs scored.

Triston Casas was 2 for 5 with an rbi.

Luis Guerrero pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Brennan Bernardino pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 5 but drove in two runs, one of which on a home run.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and hit a home run.

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Carlos Narvaez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Final Thoughts:

That was a great team effort against a team many believed could compete with New York for the AL East title this year. The five home runs hit by the Sox were a reminder that they're capable of offensive explosions at almost any time. Bregman continues to be worth every penny spent, Campbell is a front runner for AL Rookie of The Year and if Abreu keeps hitting 3 run bombs he might be in the running for MVP. Duran has also been a man possessed the last week or so. The fact Roman Anthony is breathing down everyone's necks has people playing for jobs. Duran and Abreu look safe but definitely not Rafaela. Speaking of playing for a job, its going to get very interesting to see how the pitching is going to look because guys are coming off the Injured List, including tomorrow night's starter. The Sox have a chance to have a damn good season but they can't be carrying bums like they have the last few years. Crochet pitched like an ace tonight and when you have three guys like Crochet, Walker Buehler and Brayan Bello guaranteed to give you solid outings almost every time, the back end of the rotation with guys like Tanner Houck, Richard Fitts and anyone else has less pressure on them. All in all it was a good win and the Sox look to make it two in a row against Toronto and four wins total tomorrow night when Lucas Giolito makes his long awaited Sox debut against Captain TBD of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Off-Day News (4/28/25)

On This Day in Boston Red Sox Basebawful History:

1970 - Lee guides Sox past A's

1971 - Sox crush Brewers

1972 - Rangers rally past the Red Sox

1973 - White Sox edge Red Sox

1974 - Sox beat Royals in 13 innings

1981 - Rangers pound Red Sox

1982 - Royals bash Red Sox

1984 - Red Sox rally down 7 runs to the White Sox to win

1989 - Rangers walkoff Red Sox

1991 - Royals defeat Red Sox amidst controversy

1992 - Clemens, Sox beat White Sox

1993 - Viola's gem helps Sox beat A's

1994 - Sox ride Darwin to victory over A's

2000 - Indians rally past Sox

2001 - Royals bash sloppy Sox

2004 - Sox shut out Devil Rays behind Schilling

2011 - Sox late rally defeats Orioles

2012 - Red Sox win pitcher's duel with White Sox

2013 - Sox sweep Astros

2015 - Jays outslug Red Sox

2016 - Braves crush Buchholz, Sox

2017 - Sox rally to beat Cubs

2018 - Rays crush Red Sox

2019 - Rays beat Sox

2021 - Pivetta, Sox blank Mets

2022 - Jays Shutout Sox

2023 - Cleveland beats Pivetta, Sox

2024 - Red Sox walkoff Cubs

The Sox are back in action against the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow night when Garrett Crochet (2-2, 1.95 ERA) takes on Bowden Francis of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Sox Pound Guardians, Duran Gets Mad (4/27/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox sent Cooper Criswell back to Worcester. He wasn't needed in yesterday's double-header but may be needed down the road.

                                                                    OUT

It was good news all around for the city of Boston as the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of their first round NBA playoff series and the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Guardians marred by an incident in today's game. The Sox pulverized the Guardians with a 15 hit attack but in the seventh inning, things got chippy. With almost nobody there, it was easy for Duran to hear a Guardians fan make fun of Jarren's suicide attempt. Guardian fans, Red Sox fans and Duran himself didn't take too kindly to that and the fan was ejected while Duran had to be restrained from going after him. The incident overshadowed a big game where Rafael Devers, Rob Refsnyder and Ceddanne Rafaela all hit home runs. Duran picked up four hits and Kristian Campbell had two hits and three walks. On the other side, Brayan Bello (2-0, 3.27 ERA) had another strong start, allowing 3 runs in 6 solid innings. Garrett Whitlock, Sean Newcomb and Liam Hendriks slammed the door without a problem for the final innings. The Sox had taken two out of three in Cleveland with a 13-3 pounding of the Guardians at Progressive Field.

            Jayson Tatum approves of the win 

Guardians starter Logan Allen took the mound in the top of the first and Duran got a base hit to left to start. Rafael Devers grounded out to third to move Duran to second and Alex Bregman lined out to center. Trevor Story grounded out to third to end the inning. Bello got the ball in the bottom of the first and Steven Kwan doubled to right to start. Angel Martinez dropped down a bunt to move Kwan to third and Jose Ramirez hit a grounder to first. Romy Gonzalez gunned down Kwan at home but Nolan Jones walked. Carlos Santana took strike three to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as Rob Refsnyder smacked his second home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Gonzalez popped up to second but Kristian Campbell walked. Carlos Narvaez got a base hit to right to move Campbell to third and Ceddanne Rafaela hit a fly ball to center. Martinez threw the ball away for an error to score Campbell and move Narvaez to second. Duran got a base hit in the hole at short to put runners at the corners but Devers forced Jarren at second to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                  Rob gets the wally head

Bo Naylor doubled to start the bottom of the second but was thrown out trying to steal third. Daniel Schneemann struck out swinging but Wil Wilson got a base hit down the third base line. Brayan Rocchio lined out to first to end the inning.

Bregman struck out swinging to start the top of the third before Story went down hacking. Refsnyder got a base hit to left but Gonzalez flied out to center to end the inning. Kwan lined out to center to start the bottom of the third before Martinez struck out swinging. Ramirez lined out to left to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the the fourth as Campbell doubled to left to start. Narvaez grounded out to first to move Campbell to third and Kristian scored on the sac fly to center by Rafaela. Duran got a base hit to left but was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                       Campbell scores a run

Jones grounded out to first to start the bottom of the fourth before Santana drew a walk. Naylor was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to move Santana to second and Schneemann grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Sox broke it open in the top of the fifth as Devers got a base hit to right to start. Bregman singled in the hole at second and Story walked to load the bases. Refsnyder hit a sac fly to center to score Devers and move Bregman to third. Gonzalez walked to re-load the bases and chase Allen. Paul Sewald came in and Campbell got a base hit to center to score Bregman and Story. Gonzalez moved to third on the play and Campbell took off for second. Gonzalez successfully stole home and Schneemann's throw got away allowing Campbell to take third. Narvaez struck out swinging and Rafaela hit a ground rule double into the stands to score Campbell. Duran popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox up 8-0.

                                                        Another steal of home

Jakob Junis came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Devers greeted him with his fourth home run of the season to increase the lead. Bregman grounded out to third, Story lined back to Junis and Refsnyder grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 9-0.

                                                             Devers hits one out

Suddenly the Guardians rallied in the bottom of the sixth as Martinez walked to start. Ramirez got a base hit to center and Jones hit a home run all the way to Lake Michigan to cut the lead. Santana flied out to right and Naylor flied out to right as well, nut Schneemann singled to center. Wilson struck out swinging to end the inning. Bello finished his day by allowing 3 runs off 6 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings, leaving the game up 9-3.

                                                       Bello gets the job done

The Sox struck again with Joey Cantillo now on the mound. Wilson threw a grounder by Gonzalez away for an error and Romy took second on a wild pitch. Campbell walked and Narvaez beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. A wild pitch moved Carlos to second and Rafaela blasted his second home run of the year to put the game out of reach. Duran flied out to center and Devers took strike three but the score was now 12-3 Boston.

                                                      Rafaela finally hits one out

Garrett Whitlock came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh but things went sideways when a fan started heckling Duran. Duran had to be restained from going after the guy and the dude was thrown out of the building. Rocchio flied out to left to start and Kwan grounded out to second, but Martinez got a base hit off the glove of Whitlock. Ramirez popped up to third to end the inning.

                                             "There's the sonovabitch, get him!" - Duran

Jhonkensy Noel took over for Kwan to start the top of the eighth and Bregman grounded out to short to start. Story and Refsnyder both struck out swinging to end the inning. Sean Newcomb came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Jones took strike three. Santana got a base hit to left but Naylor went down hacking. Schneemann struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the top of the ninth with catcher Austin Hedges in to pitch. Gonzalez grounded out to short but Campbell walked. Narvaez got a base hit to right but Rafaela lined out to center. Duran doubled to center to score Campbell but Devers took strike three to end the inning with Boston up 13-3.

                                                    Duran doubles in a run

Liam Hendriks came in to close out the bottom of the ninth and Wilson walked to start. Rocchio took strike three, Noel struck out swinging and Martinez flied out to left to end the game. The Sox had won it 13-3.

                                                        Sox win

Hero of The Night is Rob Refsnyder. His second inning home run set the tone and his rbi in the fifth was the deciding run.

                                                        Hero Refsnyder

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 4 for 6 with an rbi.

Rafael Devers was 2 for 6 with a home run and 2 total runs scored.

Kristian Campbell was 2 for 2 with 3 walks, 2 rbis, a stolen base and 4 runs scored.

Carlos Narvaez was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 2 for 4 with a 3 run home run and 5 total rbis.

Brayan Bello got the win with 6 innings of 3 run ball. He allowed 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4.

Garrett Whitlock pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Sean Newcomb pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

The Ugly:

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Trevor Story was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

Romy Gonzalez was 0 for 4 but walked, stole a base and scored two runs.

Final Thoughts:

Nice to see Duran go on a hot streak but too bad one of the Guardian fans had to be an idiot. Hopefully this drives Duran into a hitting frenzy instead of the opposite. Still, the Sox picked him up big time by thrashing the Guardians in this one. Rafaela had 5 rbis and Campbell seems to be the front runner for AL Rookie of The Year so far. Even Devers got another home run so it looks like he's coming out of the funk he was in. When the offense is locked in, they're tough to beat. On the other side of the ball Bello looked good again. He didn't dominate but he didn't stink either, which in his new role as a third starter is all you can ask for. Newcomb out of the bullpen is worth a try since Zack Kelly and Josh Winckowski faltered so may as well keep bringing him out until he falters. With Lucas Giolito and Richard Fitts on the mend, the Sox are going to have to make some tough decisions on who stays or who goes. People are playing for jobs and hopefully this drives the team to a nice winning streak. Some more good news on the injury front, Connor Wong began his rehab down in Worcester so he should be back in a week or so. After an off-day tomorrow, the Sox are back in action Tuesday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Garrett Crochet (2-2, 1.95 ERA) gets the start against Captain TBD of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Duran Steals Home, Sox Beat Guardians in Game 2 (4/26/25)

Well you don't see that every day. For the third time in his career, Jarren Duran stole home. Cleveland starting pitcher Doug Nikhazy was caught completely asleep in the top of the third inning when Duran tripled to score Carlos Narvaez and then made a mad dash home. Things were all Red Sox as Trevor Story and Rafael Devers also drove in runs along with Duran himself in the second inning. Walker Buehler (4-1, 4.28) ERA got tagged for three runs in the bottom of the fourth but hung on to toss six innings. Alex Bregman drove in the seventh run for the Sox in the top of the sixth. Justin Wilson, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman slammed the door on the Guardians as the Sox took Game 2 of the doubleheader 7-3 at Progressive Field.

                                Patriots fourth round pick Craig Woodson approves of the win

For the second straight game the Sox struck first in the top of the first inning although Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman drew back to back walks and Trevor Story ripped a base hit to center to score Devers, moving Alex to third. Rob Refsnyder popped up to first and Romy Gonzalez struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                           Story drives in a run

Buehler got the ball in the bottom of the first and Steven Kwan grounded out to first to start. Daniel Schneemann grounded out to first and Jose Ramirez grounded out to third to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the second as Kristian Campbell doubled to right to begin. Carlos Narvaez grounded out to third and Ceddanne Rafaela flied out to right, but Duran singled up the middle to score Campbell. A wild pitch moved Duran to second and he scored on the Devers double to center. Bregman, Story and Refsnyder drew three straight walks to score Devers with another run. Gonzalez flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                          Duran drives in a run

Kyle Manzardo grounded out to second to start the bottom of the second before Gabriel Arias flied out to right. Bo Naylor walked but Angel Martinez flied out to center to end the inning. 

The Sox struck again in the top of the third as Campbell took strike three to start. Narvaez drew a walk and Martinez made a great diving catch to rob Rafaela of a hit. Duran hit a scintilating triple to right to score Narvaez then made a mad dash home for a straight steal. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt challenged that Duran was out, but the call stood. Devers flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 6-0.

                                                First straight steal of home in 16 years

Jhonkensy Noel popped up to short to start the bottom of the third before Brayan Rocchio doubled to left. Kwan drilled a base hit to left to put runners at the corners but Schneemann struck out swinging. Ramirez flied out to center to end the inning.

Kolby Allard came in to pitch the top of the fourth and Bregman grounded out to third to start. Story lined out to right but Refsnyder doubled to left. Gonzalez grounded out to short to end the inning. The Guardians struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Manzardo struck out swinging to begin. Arias doubled to left but Naylor flied out to left. Martinez lashed a base hit up the middle to score Arias and promptly stole second. Noel bashed a home run all the way into Lake Eerie to cut the lead in half but Rocchio grounded out to short to end the inning with the Guardians down 6-3.

                                                     Noel hits one out

Campbell got a base hit inside the third base line to start the top of the fifth but was doubled off first on a line drive to right by Narvaez. Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning. Kwan got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the fifth but was doubled off first on a bullet to Gonzalez by Schneemann. Ramirez lined out to short to end the inning.

The Sox got another run in the top of the sixth as Duran got a base hit to center to start. Devers got a base hit to center and Bregman beat out a roller to second to score Duran. Story popped up to first, Refsnyder flied out to center and Gonzalez also flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 7-3.

                                                           Bregman drives in a run

Buehler returned for one final inning in the bottom of the sixth and Manzardo got a base hit to left to start. Arias hit a double play ball to short but Campbell threw the ball away for an error to move Arias to second. Naylor took strike three and Martinez popped up to Buehler to end the inning. Walker had Dice K Disease to allow just 3 runs in 1 inning but went 6 total. He allowed 7 hits and a walk.

                                                     Buehler gets the job done

Will Wilson took over for Arias to start the top of the seventh and Campbell grounded out to short to start. Narvaez grounded back to the mound and Rafaela grounded out to second to end the inning. Justin Wilson came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Noel lined out to short to start. Rocchio struck out swinging and Kwan grounded out to second to end the inning.

Duran grounded out to short to begin the top of the eighth and Devers flied out to right. Bregman flied out to center to end the inning. Justin Slaten came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Schneemann walked to begin. Ramirez struck out swinging, Manzardo popped up to second and Wilson also popped up to second to end the inning.

Story grounded out to short to start the top of the ninth and Refsnyder popped up to second. Gonzalez doubled to left and Campbell flied out to left to end the inning. Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth with Wilyer Abreu now in right field. Naylor flied out to left to start before Martinez struck out swinging. Noel struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had won it 7-3.

                                                              Sox win

Hero of The Night is Jarren Duran. He was 3 for 5 with 2 rbis, 3 runs scored and a straight steal of home.

                                                           Hero Duran

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Alex Bregman was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and an rbi.

Kristian Campbell was just 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Walker Buehler got the win with 6 innings of 3 run ball. He allowed 7 hits and a walk while striking out 3.

Justin Wilson pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Justin Slaten pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 4.

The Ugly:

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 but walked and drove in a run.

Rob Refsnyder was just 1 for 4 but walked and drove in a run.

Romy Gonzalez was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Honorable Mention:

Wilyer Abreu played right field in the bottom of the ninth.

Final Thoughts:

That was definitely a nice bounce back win after the disaster in Game 1. Duran was a one man wrecking crew stealing home and driving in runs. This was a team effort with guys driving in runs and nearly superb pitching from Walker Buehler. He's been arguably the Sox best pitcher this month with Garrett Crochet hit or miss. Almost everyone in the lineup but Rafaela got on base and his days might be numbered actually. With Roman Anthony knocking at the door, the outfielders are playing for their jobs. Duran looks to be turning the corner and Abreu is hitting the ball out of sight. Rafaela hitting .220 isn't going to cut it. Rafaela better pick it up or else he's going to be the odd man out. Kudos to the bullpen for slamming the door and on the day as a whole. The bullpen allowed one run in seven innings today in both games and that's all you can ask for. The Sox look to take the series tomorrow afternoon when Brayan Bello (1-0, 1.80 ERA) takes on Logan Allen of the Guardians. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Progressive Field.

Guardians Edge Sox in Game 1 (4/26/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox brought up Cooper Criswell to be the extra guy in today's doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians. Yippie....

                                                                     IN

As for the game, here we go again. The Red Sox dropped another close game in today's day/night doubleheader against the Guardians. The Red Sox bolted out to a 3-0 first inning lead on Blake Lively but Tanner Houck gave up four runs right back in the bottom of the first. Rafael Devers tied the game with a home run in the third but that was it for the offense. Steven Kwan drove in a run against Brennan Bernardino in the bottom of the sixth and the score held. The Sox had the tying and go-ahead runners in scoring position in the ninth but Trevor Story struck out to end the game. The Indians had won it 5-4 at Progressive Field.

                                               "GREAT FIRST INNING HOUCK!"

Lively got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran flied out to left to start. Rafael Devers walked and Alex Bregman got a single to right, but Trevor Story forced Bregman at third. Wilyer Abreu hit a three run bomb to put the Sox ahead. Kristian Campbell sliced a base hit inside the first base line but Triston Casas grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                            Abreu goes yard

Houck got the ball in the bottom of the first and Steven Kwan effortlessly doubled to left to start. Nolan Jones closed his eyes, stuck his bat out and doubled to right to move Kwan to third. Jose Ramirez laughed as he ripped a base hit to right to score Kwan. Ramirez stole second but somehow Kyle Manzardo took strike three. Carlos Santana hit a sac fly to center to score Jones and Gabriel Arias singled to left to score Ramirez to tie the game. Daniel Schneemann got a base hit to right to score Arias to put the Guardians up for good. Angel Martinez forced Daniel at second to end the inning with the Guardians up 4-3.

                                                             That didn't take long

Blake Sabol grounded out to short to start the top of the second before Ceddanne Rafaela lined out to right. Duran took strike three to end the inning. Austin Hedges took strike three to start the bottom of the second before Kwan grounded out to third. Jones took strike three to end the inning.

The Sox struck back in the top of the third as Devers hit a cut fastball a mile for his third home run of the season to tie the game. Bregman doubled off the top of the left field wall but Story struck out swinging. Campbell lined out to center to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                           Devers jacks one

Ramirez grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third before Manzado grounded back to the mound. Santana walked but Aria struck out swinging to end the inning.

Casas ripped a base hit to right to start the top of the fourth before Sabol drew a walk. Rafaela popped up to right in foul territory but Duran beat out a double play ball to put runners at the corners. Devers flied to left to end the inning, another waste. Schneemann grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fourth before Martinez got a base hit in the hole at short. Hedges got a base hit to left but Kwan flied out to left. Jones struck out swinging to end the inning.

Bregman struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth before Story flied out to right. Abreu walked but Campbell took strike three to end the inning. Houck returned for one final inning in the bottom of the fifth and Ramirez got a base hit to center to start, Manzardo struck out swinging and Ramirez was thrown out at second trying to steal. Santana was hit with a pitch but Arias flied out to left to end the inning. Houck recovered to go 5 but still allowed 4 runs off 8 hits and a walk.

                                                       "Aye carumba" - Houck

Tim Herrin came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Casas walked to start. Sabol took strike three but Rafaela flied out to left. Duran flied out to right to end the inning. Brennan Bernardino came in to get tagged in the bottom of the sixth as Will Wilson pinch hit for Schneemann. Wilson was hit with a pitch and Martinez got a base hit off the glove of Bernardino. Hedges dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over and Kwan singled past Story to score Wilson. Jones struck out swinging and that was it for Bernardino. Greg Weissert got Ramirez to line out to right to end the inning with the Guardians up 5-4.

                                                        Kwan puts Cleveland on top

Devers was plunked to open the top of the seventh and Hunter Gaddis came in to pitch to Bregman. Alex struck out swinging, Story popped up to second and Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning. Manzardo flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Santana struck out swinging. Arias also went down hacking to end the inning.

Emmanuel Clase came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Campbell struck out swinging to start. Casas took strike three and Sabol grounded out to second to end the inning. Luis Guerrero came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Wilson struck out swinging to start. Martinez grounded out to first and Hedges struck out swinging to end the inning.

Cade Smith came in to close out the top of the ninth and Rafaela got a base hit to left to start. Duran walked and Devers lined out to left. Bregman flied out to right to move Rafaela to third before Duran stole second. With a chance to put the Sox ahead, Story struck out swinging to end the game. The Guardians had won it 5-4.

                                                         Guardians win

Jackass of the Night is Tanner Houck. He got bum rushed for 4 runs in the first inning and the Sox couldn't score more than four runs.

                                                                Jackass Houck

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 1 for 3 with a walk, hit by pitch and a home run.

Alex Bregman was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 1 for 3 with a walk and a 3 run home run.

Triston Casas was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Greg Weissert tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Luis Guerrero pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Brennan Bernardino took the loss by allowing a run in the sixth inning.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and stole a base.

Trevor Story was 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.

Kristian Campbell was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Blake Sabol was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Ceddanne Rafaela was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

Its always frustrating when you jump out to a lead and your starter gives it right back. Houck getting blasted in the first inning set the tone for the game. To be fair, the Sox allowed just one run the rest of the game, but that first inning was a killer. The other side is the Sox scored no runs after the third inning and failed big time in the ninth inning with runners in scoring position. Trevor Story can hit a 3 run home run in the first or second inning but in the ninth inning he can't? Worst is the Sox have the worst record in baseball when trailing after 6 innings. Houck had Dice K disease in this one but at least he recovered to at least go 5 innings. The Sox won't have any time to dwell on it because there's another game to play. Hopefully the Sox can salvage that one. The Sox look to bounce back in about 3 hours when the Sox play game two of this series when Walker Buehler (3-1, 4.23 ERA) takes on Doug Nikhazy of Cleveland. The game begins at 7:00 PM at Progressive Field.