Twins Bash Crochet, Sox (4/13/26)

Well this isn't good. Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet (2-2, 7.58 ERA) had his worst start of his entire career, getting lit up for ELEVEN runs while not being able to get out of the second inning. The Minnesota Twins got 4 runs off Crochet in the first inning and seven in the second capped off by a 3 run Victor Caratini home run followed by a Ryan Kriedler big fly. The sad part was the Sox scored 4 runs off Minnesota starter Bailey Ober and got another two against the bullpen. Unfortunately home runs by Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers along with late inning pitching proved to be too much to overcome. The Twins had knocked Crochet and the Sox out 13-6 at Target Field.

                                                           Poor Crochet

Ober got the ball in the top of the first inning and Roman Anthony flied out to center to start. Caleb Durbin struck out swinging and Jarren Duran grounded out to second to end the inning. The Twins blasted Crochet in the bottom of the first as Byron Buxton flied out to the centerfield wall to start. Austin Martin doubled off the top of the left field fence and Crochet threw a wild pitch 20 feet to the right. Luke Keaschall also doubled off the top of the left field fence to score Martin and Ryan Jeffers ripped a base hit to deep left to score Keaschall. Josh Bell flied out to the left field wall but Victor Caratini walked on five pitches not even close. Matt Wallner was hit with a pitch to load the bases and Trevor Story booted a grounder by Brooks Lee to score Jeffers and Caratini, icing the game. Ryan Kriedler ripped an absolute bullet....right to Willson Contreras to end the inning with the game over already 4-0.

                                                          Not off to a good start

Contreras struck out swinging to start the top of the second but Wilyer Abreu walked. Story struck out swinging and Marcelo Mayer popped up to second to end the inning. The slaughter continued in the bottom of the second as Buxton ripped a base hit to center to start. Martin walked on 6 pitches not even close and Keaschall walked on four pitches not even close to load the bases. Jeffers effortlessly singled to left to score Buxton and Bell doubled to the centerfield wall to score both Martin and Keaschall. Caratini put the exclamation point on with a 3 run home run to Nebraska. Somehow Wallner grounded out to first and Lee flied out to the right field wall, but Kreidler hit a home run all the way to Wisconsin to FINALLY chase Crochet. He allowed 11 runs in just 1 2/3 innings and his velocity was down. An Injured List placement might be imminent, Jovani Moran came in to pitch and Buxton struck out swinging to end the inning with the Twins up 11-0.

                                           "Yeah you're out Crochet, now beat it!" - Cora

The Sox refused to go quietly in the top of the third as Carlos Narvaez grounded out to third to start. Ceddanne Rafaela flied out to center but Anthony doubled to right. Durbin doubled to left to score Anthony and somehow Duran smashed his first home run of the season. Contreras struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 11-3.

                                                      Home run Duran

Martin grounded out to third to start the bottom of the third and Keaschall lined out to right. Jeffers walked but Bell flied out to left to end the inning.

Abreu struck out swinging to open the top of the fourth and Story grounded out to short. Mayer was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning. Caratini walked to open the bottom of the fourth and Wallner struck out swinging. Lee flied out to left and Kriedler forced Caratini at second to end the inning.

Narvaez struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth but Rafaela got a base hit to center. Anthony got hit with a pitch but Durbin popped up to third. Duran grounded out to first to end the inning. Ryan Watson came in to take a beating in the bottom of the fifth as Buxton hit a home run all the way to Michigan to start. Martin took strike three and Keaschall was rung up for strike three, but Jeffers hit a home run all the way to Kansas to increase the lead. Bell flied out to center to end the inning with the Twins ahead 13-3.

                                                        Another home run for the Twins

The Sox dought back in the top of the sixth as Contreras got a base hit in the hole at second to start. Abreu got a base hit to right and Story got a base hit to center to score Contreras. Mayer grounded into a double play and Narvaez struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 13-4.

                                                     Story drives in a run

Caratini grounded out to second to begin the bottom of the sixth before Wallner popped up to third. Lee grounded out to second to end the inning.

Eric Orze came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Rafaela lined out to center to start. Anthony walked and Durbin got a base hit to left, but Duran popped up to third. Andruw Monasterio pinch hit for Contreras and got a base hit to left to score Anthony. Abreu got a base hit to center to score Durbin and move Monasterio to third. Isiah Kiner-Falefa pinch hit for Story and flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox down 13-6.

                                                  "I'll NEVER give up" - Monasterio

Tyler Samaniego came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Kriedler popped up to second to start. Buxton flied out to left and Martin grounded out to first to end the inning.

Garrett Acton came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Mayer walked to start. Narvaez struck out swinging and Rafaela grounded into a double play to end the inning. It looked like Keaschall beat out a grounder to short to start the bottom of the eighth but Sox manager Alex Cora challenged that he was out. Sure enough, replays showed Keaschall was out. Jeffers grounded out to third and Bell flied out to center to end the inning. Yeoman's effort by the bullpen to hold the Twins to two runs in just under 6 innings.

James Outman came in to play center to start the top of the ninth and Anthony walked to start. Durbin lined out to left, Duran took strike three and Monasterio struck out swinging to end the game. The Twins had won 13-6.

                                                                 Twins win

Jackass of the Night is Garrett Crochet. He got rocketed for 11 runs in 1 2/3 innings off 9 hits and 3 walks.

                                                            Jackass Crochet

The Good:

Roman Anthony was 1 for 2 with 2 walks, a hit by pitch and 2 runs scored.

Caleb Durbin was 2 for 5 with an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Willson Contreras was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Andruw Monasterio was 1 for 2 with an rbi.

Wilyer Abreu was 2 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Jovani Moran tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

Tyler Samaniego tossed a scoreless inning.

The Bad:

Isiah Kiner-Falefa was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Ryan Watson allowed 2 runs in 2 innings.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but the one hit was a 2 run home run.

Trevor Story was 1 for 3 with an rbi but made a critical error to allow runs to score.

Marcelo Mayer was 0 for 3 but walked.

Ceddanne Rafaela was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

What an unmitigated disaster that was and another disasterclass in managing by Alex Cora. He left in Crochet way too long and the sad part was if he got Crochet out of there before the 3 run home run, the Sox might have had a chance the way they battled back. The Sox did manage to score 6 runs in this one including Duran's first home run. Durbin had another multi-hit game so he seems to be coming out of whatever funk he was in to start the season. Unfortunately it was all for naught as the deficit was just too much to overcome. Crochet was sitting at 93 his entire outing but after the game he said he was fine, he just sucked. Hopefully he's right because if he pitches like that again, the Sox are in BIG trouble this season. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow night against the Twins when Sonny Gray (2-0, 2.76 ERA) takes on Mick Abel of Minnesota. The game begins at 7:40 PM eastern time at Target Field.

Bello, Sox Pound Cardinals (4/12/26)

Maybe things are starting to turn around for the Boston Red Sox. After being held in check for pretty much the first two weeks, the much maligned Boston bats broke out the last two games, including this one. Today the Sox took their frustrations out on the St. Louis Cardinals. Willson Contreras and Trevor Story were the stars of this one, both going 4 for 5 with a combined 5 rbis. The team as a whole pounded out 12 hits and 9 runs for their best output of the season. Meanwhile Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) produced his best start of the season, holding the Cards to 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings sacrificing swing and miss for ground ball outs. Danny Coulombe and Zack Kelly slammed the door and the Sox had taken 2 of 3 from St. Louis and 4 of their last 6, winning this game 9-3 at Busch Stadium.

                                                     Rory McElroy approves of the win

The Sox wasted no time getting to St. Louis starter Andre Pallante in the top of the first Roman Anthony flied out to left to start. Caleb Durbin was hit with a pitch but Jarren Duran struck out swinging. Willson Contreras launched his third home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Wilyer Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                                Sox strike first

Bello got the ball in the bottom of the first and JJ Wetherholt lined out to center to start. Ivan Herrera grounded out to short and Alec Burleson grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox got another run in the top of the second inning as Trevor Story got a base hit to right to start. Marcelo Mayer ripped a base hit to left but Connor Wong popped up to second. Ceddanne Rafaela was hit with a pitch to load the bases and Anthony grounded out to third to score Story. Durbin grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-0.

                                                               Another run scored

The Cards struck back in the bottom of the second as Jordan Walker hit a home run all the way to the moon to cut the lead. Nolan Gorman struck out swinging, Ramon Urias grounded out to second and Jose Fermin grounded out to short to end the inning with the Cards down 3-1.

                                                          7 home runs already for Walker

Duran grounded out to second to start the top of the third but Contreras dumped a base hit to left. Abreu flied out to right but Story got a base hit to right to move Willson to third. Mayer grounded out to second to end the inning. Thomas Saggese grounded out to first to start the bottom of the third and Victor Scott grounded out to short. Wetherholt grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Sox broke it open in the top of the fourth as Wong got a base hit to center to start. Rafaela got a base hit to left but Anthony lined out to left. Durbin walked to load the bases and Duran cleared them with a double to center. Contreras singled to left to score Duran but Abreu grounded into a double play to end the inning with the Sox up 7-1.

                                                         Duran clears the bases

Herrera lined a base hit past Story to start the bottom of the fourth but Burleson popped up to short. Walker popped up to second and Gorman flied out to center to end the inning.

Story lined a base hit to left to start the top of the fifth but Mayer flied out to left. Wong popped up to first and Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning. Urias walked to start the bottom of the fifth and Fermin lined a seeing eye single into left. Saggese grounded into a double play and Scott grounded out to first to end the inning.

George Soriano came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Anthony grounded out to short to start. Durbin lined out to right and Duran struck out swinging to end the inning. The Cards fought back in the bottom of the sixth as Wetherholt grounded out to third to start. Herrera walked, Burleson singled to right and Walker got a base hit to center to load the bases. Gorman hit a sac fly to center to score Herrera but Urias grounded out to short to end the inning with the Cards down 7-2.

                                                             Sac fly for Gorman

Jared Shuster came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Contreras got a base hit in the hole at third to begin. Abreu popped up to short but Story grounded out to third to move Willson to second. Mayer grounded out to first to end the inning. Bello returned for the bottom of the seventh and Fermin took strike three to start. Saggese grounded out to third but Scott ripped a base hit to left to chase Bello. He allowed 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings off 6 hits and 2 walks. Danny Coulombe came in and Wetherholt flied out to right to end the inning.

                                                                Bello gets it done

Wong flied out to right to start the top of the eighth and Rafaela took strike three. Anthony grounded out to third to end the inning. Zack Kelly came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Herrera grounded out to first to start. Burleson hit a home run all the way to Kansas City to cut the lead but Walker grounded out to second. Gorman struck out swinging to end the inning with the Cards down 7-3.

                                                       Kiss that one goodbye, Kelly

Durbin grounded out to short to start the top of the ninth but Duran walked. Contreras flied out to left but Abreu walked. A wild pitch moved both runners over and Story ripped a double to right to score them. Mayer flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-3.

                                                         2 more rbis for Story

Urias flied out to left to start the bottom of the ninth and Fermin grounded out to first. Saggese struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had won it 9-3.

                                                             Sox win

Hero of The Night is Willson Contreras. His two run home run set the tone in the first inning and he went 4 for 5 with 3 total rbis to match the Cards as a team.

                                                    Wally Head Hero

The Good:

Trevor Story was 4 for 5 with 2 rbis and a run scored.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch and a run scored.

Brayan Bello got the win by tossing 6 2/3 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks.

Danny Coulombe got the final out of the seventh inning.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Roman Anthony was 0 for 5 but drove in a run.

Caleb Durbin was 0 for 3 but walked, was hit with a pitch and scored 2 runs.

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked, drove in 3 runs and scored two runs.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Marcelo Mayer was just 1 for 5.

Connor Wong was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Zack Kelly allowed a run in 2 innings of work.

Final Thoughts:

Don't look now but the Sox are starting to build momentum in the last week or so. They've taken 2 of 3 from Milwaukee and now 2 of 3 from St. Louis. On top of that, the pitching looks a lot better with strong starts from Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez and Brayan Bello today. Bello's best start of the season had him keeping the ball down except for Walker's blast. The bullpen is still having problems with Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock and Zack Kelly giving up the longball but at least this past week the Sox bats have given them enough cushion to survive those mishaps. Willson Contreras is now batting .302 with 3 home runs and 11 rbis and while Story is still hitting just .182, he too has 11 rbis. Keep driving in runs and they'll be in good shape. Once Roman Anthony and Jarren Duran start hitting, we might be laughing at their early season woes in about a month. The Sox now travel to Minnesota for a three game set with the Twins beginning tomorrow night. Garrett Crochet (2-1, 3.12 ERA) takes on Bailey Ober of Minnesota. The game begins at 7:40 PM Eastern time at Target Field.

Suarez, Sox Pull Away Late (4/11/26)

For eight innings it looked like the Boston Red Sox were headed toward another frustrating loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Ranger Suarez (1-1, 5.02 ERA) had finally lived up to his contract by tossing six shutout innings as the Sox bolted to a 2-0 lead over Kyle Leahy. Then the Sox offense fell asleep and Jordan Walker took Garrett Whitlock deep in the bottom of the eighth. Suddenly the Sox bats came alive in a five run ninth inning highlighted by a Caleb Durbin bases loaded single. All in all the Sox bats had 10 hits and 7 runs as they ran away with this one 7-1 at Busch Stadium.

                                                       Shane Lowry approves of the win

Leahy got the ball in the top of the first inning and Roman Anthony struck out swinging to start. Caleb Durbin grounded out to first and Jarren Duran grounded out to second to end the inning. Suarez got the ball in the bottom of the first and JJ Wetherholt got a base hit to right to start. Ivan Herrera grounded into a double play but Jordan Walker walked. Nolan Gorman walked but Ramon Urias struck out swinging to end the inning.

Willson Contreras was hit with a pitch to start the top of the second but Wilyer Abreu grounded into a double play. Trevor Story flied out to center to end the inning. Jose Fermin popped up to first to start the bottom of the second but Thomas Saggese got a base hit to left. Pedro Pages flied out to center and Victor Scott grounded out to second to end the inning.

Marcelo Mayer got a base hit to left to start the top of the third but Carlos Narvaez grounded into a double play. Ceddanne Rafaela lined out to center to end the inning. Wetherholt grounded out to first to start the bottom of the third before Herrera lined out to right. Walker took strike three to end the inning.

The Sox broke through in the top of the fourth as Anthony walked to start. Durbin lined out to left but Duran got a base hit to right. Contreras doubled to left to score both runners to put Boston ahead. Abreu walked but Story struck out swinging. Mayer walked to load the bases but Narvaez flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                             Sox take the lead

Gorman lined out to right to start the bottom of the fourth but Urias ripped a base hit to left. Fermin took strike three and Saggese lined out to center to end the inning.

Gordon Graceffo came in to pitch the top of the fifth and Rafaela struck out swinging to start. Anthony flied out to left and Durbin grounded out to third to end the inning. Pages grounded out to second to start the bottom of the fifth and Scott took strike three. Wetherholt grounded out to firdt to end the inning.

Duran grounded out to short to start the top of the sixth before Contreras struck out swinging. Abreu flied out to left to end the inning. Suarez returned for the bottom of the sixth and Herrera grounded out to third to start. Walker took strike three and Gorman struck out swinging to end the inning. That was Ranger's best start of the season, tossing 6 shutout innings on just 3 hits and 2 walks.

                                                        Good work Suarez

Story grounded out to third to start the top of the seventh but Mayer walked. Narvaez got a base hit to left and Rafaela was plunked to load the bases. Justin Bruihl came in to pitch to Anthony and Roman took strike three right down the middle. Durbin flied out to right to end the inning. Greg Weissert came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Urias grounded out to third to start. Fermin reached on catcher's interference and Alec Burleson pinch hit for Saggese. Burleson walked and Nathan Church pinch hit for Pages. Church beat out a double play ball and Danny Coulombe was brought in to face pinch hitter Yohel Pozo. Pozo flied out to right to end the inning.

Duran lined out to left to start the top of the eighth and Matt Svanson came in to face Contreras. Willson struck out swinging and Abreu flied out to center to end the inning. Garrett Whitlock came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Wetherholt grounded out to first to start. Herrera struck out swinging but Walker hit a home run all the way to Augusta, Georgia to cut the lead. Gorman struck out swinging to end the inning with St. Louis down 2-1.

                                                            Walker goes yard

The Sox suddenly exploded in the top of the ninth as Story walked to start. Mayer flied out to left but Narvaez got a base hit to left. Rafaela ripped a base hit to center to score Story and Anthony got a base hit to center to load the bases. Durbin ripped a base hit to left to score Narvaez and Rafaela. Duran got a base hit to center to score Anthony and Contreras got a base hit to left to score Durbin. Jared Shuster came in to pitch and Abreu beat out a double play ball. Story flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox up 7-1.

                                                            Durbin drives in a pair

Ryan Watson came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Urias grounded out to third to start. Germin got a bae hit to center but was forced at second by Burleson. Church was hit in the foot but Pozo grounded out to first to end the game. The Sox had won it 7-1.

                                                              Sox win

Hero of The Night is Ranger Suarez. He tossed 6 shutout innings allowing 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out six.

                                                            Hero Suarez

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 2 for 5 with an rbi and a run scored.

Willson Contreras was 2 for 4 with a hit by pitch and 3 rbis.

Marcelo Mayer was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.

Carlos Narvaez was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Ceddanne Rafaels was 1 for 3 with an rbi, hit by pitch and a run scored.

Greg Weissert got the first two outs of the seventh inning.

Danny Coulombe got the final out of the seventh inning.

Ryan Watson tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Garrett Whitlock allowed a run in the eighth inning.

The Ugly:

Roman Anthony was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored two runs.

Caleb Durbin was just 1 for 5 but drove in 2 runs and scored a run.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 but walked.

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

Final Thoughts:

That's more like it. The Sox have had baserunners late all season long but they finally delivered in tonight's game. Suarez pitched his best game of the season and if he can locate like that more often, he'll be okay this season. The encouraging sign was Durbin getting that hit in the ninth the way he's been struggling lately. He doesn't have to hit the ball out of the yard but finding a hole would be nice. The team as a whole may not be getting the rbis just yet but at least they're getting on base consistently finally. Things are looking up for the first time all year. If the Sox can win tomorrow against the Cardinals, they'll have some momentum going into Monday in Minnesota. The Sox look to win the rubber game tomorrow afternoon when Brayan Bello takes on Andre Pallante of St. Louis. The game begins at 2:10 PM eastern time at Busch Stadium.

May, Cards Edge Sox (4/10/26)

If the "sell the team" chants were loud at Fenway Park earlier this week, they're going to be even louder when the Boston Red Sox return if they keep putting up games like this one. Last year potential AAA MVP James Tibbs was part of the Rafael Devers package and he was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Dustin May last July. May was so incompetent that he was released in September. Naturally May held the Sox to just one earned run in 6 innings in tonight's game for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards got a run against Connelly Early but the Sox rallied for two runs in the fourth. After Early was once again pulled too soon, the Cards pounced on Zack Kelly for two runs. With the anemic Red Sox offense doing nothing, that was all the Cards needed to win the game 3-2 at Busch Stadium.

                                                       "No offense again"

May got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran grounded out to second to start. Caleb Durbin grounded out to third but Masataka Yoshida was hit with a pitch. Willson Contreras was rung up for strike three to end the inning. Early got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and JJ Wetherholt flied out to center to begin. Ivan Herrera singled to right but was forced at second by Alex Burleson. Jordan Walker struck out swinging to end the inning.

Wilyer Abreu got a base hit to right to start the top of the second but Trevor Story took strike three. Marcelo Mayer flied out to center and Carlos Narvaez grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Cards struck first in the bottom of the second as Ramon Urias doubled to center to start. Masyn Winn walked and Jose Fermin got a base hit to left to load the bases with nobody out. Pedro Pages struck out swinging but Victor Scott hit a sac fly to left to score Urias. Wetherholt walked to reload the bases but Herrera struck out swinging to end the inning with the Cards up 1-0.

                                                          Cards take the lead

Ceddanne Rafaela grounded out to first to start the top of the third and Duran did the same. Durbin took strike three to end the inning. Burleson grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third but Walker got a base hit to right. Urias lined out to center but Winn was hit with a pitch. Fermin took strike three to end the inning.

The Sox fought back in the top of the fourth inning as Yoshida grot a base hit to right to start. Contreras flied out to right but Abreu got a base hit to right to move Masataka to third. Story beat out a double play ball and Wetherholt threw the ball away for an error to score Yoshida. Mayer singled inside the bag at first and both runners pulled off a double steal, Story stealing home to give the Sox the lead. Narvarez grounded out to short to end the inning with Boston ahead 2-1.

                                                         Story steals home

Pages grounded out to third to start the bottom of the fourth but Scott got a base hit inside the bag at first. Wetherholt grounded out to first and Herrera struck out swinging to end the inning.

Thomas Saggese took over for Winn to start the top of the fifth and Rafaela lined out to second to start. Duran popped up to third and Durbin lined out to short to end the inning. Sox manager Alex Cora blew the game in the bottom of the fifth as Burleson flied out to center to end Early's day. He threw just 86 pitches and allowed just a run in 4 1/3 inning but was yanked. Zack Kelly came in and Walker singled to left. Urias walked and Saggese got a base hit to left to score Walker. A wild pitch moved both runners over and Germin hit a sac fly to left to score Urias. Pages flied out to left to end the inning with the Cards up 3-2. Great managing!

                                                       Wasn't around long enough

Yoshida grounded out to short to start the top of the sixth and Contreras struck out swinging. Abreu popped up to short to end the inning. The Sox had scored just 1 earned run against Dustin May, they should be ashamed of themselves. Tyler Samaniego came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Scott walked to start. Wetherholt walked but Herrera struck out swinging. Burleson flied out to center and that was it for Samaniego. Greg Weissert got Walker to ground out to second to end the inning.

Ryne Stanek came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Story grounded out to third to begin. Mayer popped up to first and Narvaez struck out swinging to end the inning. Urias flied out to center to start the bottom of the seventh and Saggese lined out to center. Fermin struck out swinging to end the inning.

Nathan Church came in to play left with JoJo Romero on the mound to start the top of the eighth. Rafaela doubled to right and moved to third on the Duran liner to center. Durbin was hit with a pitch but Yoshida took strike three. Contreras flied out to center to end the inning. Jovani Moran came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Pages doubled to left to start. Pages popped up a bunt to Durbin and Wetherholt struck out swinging. Herrera was intentionally walked and Burleson struck out swinging to end the inning.

Riley O'Brien came in to clsoe out the top of the ninth and Abreu grounded out to second to start. Story grounded out to short and Mayer struck out swinging to end the game. The Cards had won it 3-2.

                                                            Cards win

Jackass of the Night is Zack Kelly. He allowed the game winning runs to score in just 2/3 of an inning.

                                                              Great job Jackass

The Good:

Masataka Yoshida was 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch and a run scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 2 for 4.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3.

Connelly Early allowed just 1 run in 4 1/3 innings on 5 hits and 2 walks.

Tyler Samaniego got the first two outs of the sixth inning.

Greg Weissert tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Jovani Moran tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4.

Willson Contreras was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Chad Durbin was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but was hit with a pitch.

Trevor Story was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base, drove in a run and scored a run.

Marcelo Mayer was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base.

Final Thoughts:

This season went to hell in a hand basket real quick and its a total organizational failure. The roster isn't designed to score runs but every single button Alex Cora pushes doesn't work this year. Pulling Early after just 86 pitches only for the bullpen to blow it is par for the course. How do you get beat by Dustin May who was all but washed up last September? Its just an embarrassing time to be a Sox fan losing 9 of their first 13 games, many of which just simply due to no offense. They had Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers and not only lost both, but didn't replace them. Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin are supposed to be the replacements but haven't gotten the job done so far. Once again, that's on Sox GM Craig Breslow more than Alex Cora but his managerial decisions have been dreadful. How do you keep Roman Anthony on the bench in the eighth inning during a rally? Nothing is going right so far this season and we still have a long way to go. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow night in St. Louis when Ranger Suarez goes for the Sox against Kyle Leahy of the Cardinals. The game begins at 7:15 PM eastern time at Busch Stadium.

Off-Day News: 2026 Greenville Drive Preview (4/9/26)

Smee? Smee's me. Its an off-day so its time to take a look at the High A Greenville Drive, the Single A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Last year the Drive finished 66-66 so they're looking to improve on that big time.

                                                               RHP - Jay Allmer

When Jay Allmer went undrafted after his senior year at Seton Hall, he never could have imagined he'd be first out of the gate of the 2026 Greenville Drive. The 23 year old right handed pitcher signed as a rookie free agent last April and was one of the Salem Red Sox best pitchers, going 5-1 with a 2.79 ERA to earn a call up to Greenville. He's going to start this year in Greenville but if he has a similar start to last year, he might be in Portland sooner rather than later. Not bad for a guy passed over 20 times by every team in MLB.

                                                              RHP - Calvin Bickerstaff

Speaking of undrafted rookie free agents, the Sox signed 24 year old right handed pitcher Calvin Bickerstaff following the 2024 draft. He doesn't throw THAT hard but he managed to go 3-2 with a 4.26 ERA out of the bullpen for Salem in 2025. This year he hasn't allowed a run in 3 1/3 innings so far for Greenville, maybe he can ride that momentum to Portland at some point. Just like Allmer, not bad for a guy who went undrafted.

                                                               RHP - Alex Bouchard

Remember when former Sox GM Chaim Bloom would draft injured pitchers and hope for the best? Current Sox GM Craig Breslow took 22 year old right handed pitcher Alex Bouchard in the 14th round back in 2024 draft after he had Tommy John surgery. He completed his rehab last year going 0-2 with a 5.16 ERA between the Florida Complex and Greenville. This year so far he's allowed no runs in 4 1/3 innings which is a good start. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep up the momentum.

                                                                    RHP - Steven Brooks

Speaking of 2024 draft picks, the 11th rounder is 23 year old right handed pitcher Steven Brooks. Like Bouchard, Brooks didn't pitch after being drafted and spent most of 2025 getting his wind back. He was 3-6 with a 5.29 ERA in 16 starts for Salem and this year he's allowed a run in 2 innings. Let's see if the 6 foot 6 monster has a bounce back 2026.

                                                              RHP - Luis Cohen

Another guy looking for a bounceback season is 22 year old right handed pitcher Luis Cohen. The Venezuelan teenager drafted back in 2022 was 5-4 with a 4.25 ERA in 23 games last year between Salem and Greenville. This year he's allowed 4 runs in 3 innings so far in Greenville and can touch 96 on the gun. Let's see what he's made of in 2026.

                                                             RHP - Austin Ehrlicher

One of the promising pitchers finally paying off is 22 year old right handed pitcher Austin Ehrlicher. Drafted in the 18th round back in 2022, he was the first "draft and follow" that pitched in just 2 games in 2024 but broke out in 2025. He was 3-3 with a 3.22 ERA for Salem in 8 starts and was promoted to Greenville. He was 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA to end the 2025 season and has come out of the gate allowing no runs in 2 innings so far. Better late than never for Austin. Another strong start could have him in Portland soon.

                                                               RHP - Anthony Eyanson

Last year's third round pick was flamethrowing 21 year old right handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson of the National Champion LSU Tigers. Eyanson can throw 100 and so far this year he's allowed just 1 run in 7 innings in 2 starts. With the Sox desperate for young pitching, Eyanson is supposed to be the real deal and he'll be in Portland soon if he keeps dominating.

                                                                RHP - Zach Fogell

One guy we won't see this season most likely is 2023 18th round pick, right handed pitcher Zach Fogell. Fogell missed the 2020 and 2021 seasons for Brown due to the Ivy League refusing to play during Covid and he became a dominant set-up man for UConn in 2023. He was 5-2 with a 3.32 ERA out of the bullpen for Greenville in 2024 and was 2-0 in 2025 when he suffered an arm injury and ended up getting Tommy John surgery in July. See you in 2027, Zach.

                                                              RHP - Joey Gartrell

This will be an important season for 22 year old right handed pitcher Joey Gartrell. Drafted in the 15th round back in 2024, he was 3-4 with a 6.81 ERA for the Salem Red Sox last year. So far this year he's 1-0 and hasn't allowed a run in 4 1/3 innings. Not bad, not bad. He can hit 96 on the gun and should be fully healed from the TJ surgery he had in 2024.

                                                                RHP - Ben Hansen

Not much is expected out of 20th round picks but 24 year old Ben Hansen has really struggled since he was drafted. Ben was 1-7 with a 6.23 ERA in 15 starts for Salem last year and he's allowed 6 runs in 4 innings so far this year. Once again, 20th round picks aren't blue chip prospects so if he doesn't stink this year, that's a miracle in itself.

                                                           LHP - Jojo Ingrassia

Its an important year for 23 year old left handed pitcher Jojo Ingrassia. Drafted in the 14th round back in 2023, he looked like he'd break out after going 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA for Salem in 2024. Unfortunately he was held to just 4 games last year for Greenville due to injury but is good to go this season. He's allowed no runs in 3 innings so far so let's see if he can pick up where he left off in 2024.

                                                                  LHP - PJ Labriola

If you like reclamation projects, you'll love 25 year old left handed pitcher PJ Labriola. He went undrafted after spending 5 years in college and spent 2024 in the Independent league. He signed with Salem in May of 2025 and pitched in 17 games before getting a one game cup of coffee with Greenville. This year he's allowed 8 runs in 3 2/3 innings so far. He better pick up the pace because last year's draft class and this year's draft class will be knocking at the door.

                                                              RHP - Matt McShane

When the Sox sent Chase Shugart to the Pittsburgh Pirates last January, getting back 2024 13th round pick Matt McShane seemed like a steal. The 23 year old right handed pitcher was 5-0 with a 2.55 ERA out of the bullpen for Salem and Greenville last year. He's starting the season in the Injured List but will look to improve on his 2025 season.

                                                               RHP - Marcus Phillips

When the Sox sent Quinn Priester to the Milwaukee Brewers, one of the assets they got back was a second round pick in the 2025 draft. They used that pick on 21 year old right handed pitcher Marcus Phillips. He was the ace of the Tennessee Volunteers that could hit 100 on the gun but didn't have the best debut. He started this season allowing 4 runs in 2/3 of an inning but the season is young. He's expected to anchor the rotation with Kyson Witherspoon and Anthony Eyanson as the pitchers of the future.

                                                                 LHP - Shea Sprague

If you've had enough fireballers on one team, how about a junkballer? 23 year old left handed pitcher Shea Sprague was taken in the 13th round back in 2024 out of UNC topping out at 91 on the gun. Still, he had a strong 2025 going 4-6 with a 3.84 ERA between Salem and Greenville. So far this year he's allowed 2 runs in 4 innings for Greenville. He's going to have to use his wits to get guys out as he progresses forward. Let's see if he's really in trouble or not.

                                                                    RHP - Isaac Stebens

One of the sad notes this season is we won't get to see 24 year old right handed pitcher Issac Stebens pitch this season. Last year he was a perfect 6-0 with a 2.15 ERA out of the bullpen for Greenville with 9 saves and seemed to be the closer of the future. Then he had internal brace surgery in spring training and he's out for the year. Its a real shame too, he looked like he had figured it out.

                                                             RHP - Brady Tygart

Speaking of injured pitchers, how about 23 year old right handed pitcher Brady Tygart. Chosen in the 12th round back in 2024, Tygart got hurt almost immediately in 2025 and pitched in just 6 games for Salem & Greenville. He missed the rest of 2025 and is missing the first 60 days of 2026. He wasn't as dominant as Isaac Stebens, but he did put up some good numbers in the short time he was active. Maybe he'll come back better in the summer.

                                                                RHP - Juan Valera

For international flavor there's 19 year old right handed pitcher Juan Valera. Valera had a breakout season between the Florida Complex and Salem in 2024 going 1-3 with a 1.99 ERA in 16 starts as a 17-18 year old. Unfortunately, last year reality set in as he went 1-2 with a 5.45 ERA in 10 starts for Greenville while struggling with elbow soreness. This year he's allowed 2 runs in 8 innings and looks to be back on track. He can touch 100 on the gun so keep an eye on him in the next few years.

                                                                RHP - Joe Vogatsky

Pittsburgh's 19th round pick in 2024 was sent to the Red Sox for Enmanuel Valdez and it was 24 year old right handed pitcher Joe Vogatsky. Joe was 1-4 with a 4.87 ERA last year for Salem out of the bullpen but posted a 2.92 ERA to finish the 2025 season for Greenville. He hasn't allowed a run in 3 1/3 innings and could be promoted to Portland pretty soon. Hope he makes it there.

                                                            RHP - Kyson Witherspoon

The ace of the 2026 Greenville Drive to start the season is last year's first round pick, 21 year old right handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon. He was slated to go in the top 10 but dropped to 15 and scouts say that was a steal. He can top out at 97 on the gun with a wipeout cutter. He's not off to a good start this year, allowing 6 runs in 7 innings but he didn't pitch at the end of last year. He's going to need time to get his feet wet. When he hits his stride, this could be a powerful rotation until someone gets promoted. 

                                                                C - Johanfran Garcia

The Password's younger brother, 21 year old catcher Johanfran Garcia will start the 2026 season on the Development List. He looked due to have a breakout season when he got in 46 games last year for the Drive hitting .249 with 9 home runs. He won't be on the list very long if his power stroke has anything to say about it. Time will tell how he turns out.

                                                                C - Andruw Musett

Another candidate for the Development List is 20 year old catcher Andruw Musett. Drafted as a Venezuelan teenager, he hit just .197 with 1 home run in 19 games for Greenville last year. If they don't think Garcia is ready, Musett has even further to go. You never know, he just may break out eventually.

                                                              C - Ronny Hernandez

Starting the season on the Injured List is 21 year old catcher Ronny Hernandez. He was the guy they got in the Chris Murphy trade that sent Chris to the Chicago White Sox in November. He hit .251 with 4 home runs in 89 games for the Low A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers last year so who knows how he'll fit in here when he comes off the Injured List. Why did the Sox trade Murphy for him? To save money. Yippie.

                                                              INF - Maximus Martin

Also starting the season on the Injured List is last year's 10th round pick, 22 year old infielder Maximus Martin. Martin played in 25 games last year to end the season for Salem and Greenville and was slated to start this year in Greenville. He slammed 14 home runs and hit .320 for Kansas State and that's what they're looking for when he's removed from the Injured List.

                                                            C - Adonys Guzman

The final piece of the puzzle in the trade for The Password is 22 year old backup catcher Adonys Guzman, Drafted in the 5th round last year, he was sent to Boston with Tyler Samaniego and Johan Oviedo for Johanfran Garcia's older brother. So far he has a few hits in a few at-bats but the year is young. If the Sox can get anything out of him, it'll be a miracle.

                                                              C - Hudson White

Guzman's competition will be the 9th round pick back in 2024, 23 year old catcher Hudson White. He hit just .188 with 4 home runs in 70 games last year and is going to need to get that average up if he has any hope to advance through the system. He hasn't played yet this season and it'll be interesting to see where he fits in with a million other catchers on the team.

                                                               INF - Antonio Anderson

One guy who needs to step it up this season is 20 year old utility infielder Antonio Anderson. One of the reasons the Red Sox had a lack of pitching depth is former Sox GM Chaim Bloom kept taking nothing but infielders in the first few rounds from 2020 to 2023. Anderson was taken in the 3rd round back in 2023 and he hit .212 with 2 home runs in 67 games last year for Greenville. He's going to need to step it up big time or else he'll be another failed 3rd round pick....which is primarily the fault of the guy who drafted the 70 infielders in four years.

                                                                 INF - Nazzan Zanatello

If drafting Anderson in the third round was a head scratcher back in 2023, the 50th overall pick in the second round was 20 year old infielder Nazzan Zanatello. So far this pick looks much worse as Zanetello hasn't hit at all since he's been drafted. He hit .156 in 78 games in Salem in 2024 and hit .173 in 82 games last year for Greenville. This year he's got 2 hits in 18 at-bats so this year doesn't look promising either. There's a reason why Chaim Bloom is no longer the GM of the Sox and picks like this is why. No diss to Zanatello, he's doing his best, but what about his game did Chaim Bloom think spending a second round pick on was worth it?

                                                               UTL - Natanael Yuten

Speaking of light hitting utility players, here's 20 year old utility outfielder Natanael Yuten. He was signed as a Dominican teenager and hit just .197 in 2023 for Salem. He picked it up last year by hitting .270 in 99 games for Salem before starting this year in Greenville. He has 2 hits in 20 at-bats to start this year, but he's still only 20. He might be able to turn things around, you never know.

                                                                  C - Gerardo Rodriguez

Greenville's starting catcher this year is 20 year old Gerardo Rodriguez. He signed as a Dominican teenager in 2023 and got in 69 games last year between Salem and the Florida Complex hitting .285 with 3 home runs. So far this year he's only got 3 hits in 19 at-bats but the year is young. If he doesn't hit well, there's other catchers on the team that might be able to. Let's see how this turns out.

                                                               1B - Freili Encarnacion

Greenville's starting first baseman is 21 year old Freili Encarnacion. Just like the others he signed as a Dominican teenager and hit .240 with 18 home runs between Salem and Greenville last season. This season so far he has 2 hits in 14 at-bats which isn't good at all. Still, the season is young and he's got plenty of time to turn it around. His power stroke might come back soon.

                                                                2B - Mason White

Starting at second base this year for the Greenville Drive is 22 year old Mason White. Selected in the fourth round last year, he played in 26 games to end the 2025 season with Salem and Greenville. So far this year he's got 2 home runs already which is what they're looking for after he slammed 20 of them for Arizona University last season. Keep the home runs coming, the rest will fall into place.

                                                               3B - Jack Winnay

Starting at third base this year will be 22 year old Jack Winnay. Last year's 13th round pick went to Belmont Hill before playing college ball for Wake Forest. He hit .321 in 15 games to end last year for Salem and has 6 hits in 22 at-bats so far this season. The Sox have high hopes for him so let's see how he turns out.

                                                              SS - Henry Godbout

Last year's 2nd round pick 75th overall was 22 year old shortstop Henry Godbout. He was second team All-ACC for Virginia before being drafted by the Sox. He had 15 hits in 13 games for Greenville to end last year although he only has 2 hits in 17 at-bats so far this year. The year just started so he has plenty of time to show what he can do. Still, the fact the Sox have 3 second/third round picks that are all infielders and all in Single A isn't exactly inspiring confidence.

                                                                  LF - Yophery Rodriguez

When the Red Sox sent Quinn Priester to the Milwaukee Brewers, the centerpiece of the trade in return was 20 year old outfielder Yophery Rodriguez. Rodriguez was signed as a Dominican teenager by Miwaukee and had 5 hits in 12 at-bats for the High A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at the time of the trade. He finished in Greenville hitting .214 with 5 home runs in 101 games. This year he's off to a better start with 5 hits in 22 at-bats. With James Tibbs gone, its up to Rodriguez to be the outfielder of the future. Although with Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony, its already crowded there. Still, a trade could make Rodriguez very valuable moving forward.

                                                                  CF - Isaiah Jackson

Sad as it sounds, the last link to Chris Sale is by proxy 21 year old outfielder Isaiah Jackson. The Sox traded Sale to the Atlanta Braves for Vaughn Grissom and Grissom was such a washout, they traded him in December to the Los Angeles Angels. Jackson was an 8th round pick by Los Angeles in last year's draft and he hit .219 in 10 games for the Tri-Cities Dust Devils to end the season. This year so far he only has 4 hits in 20 at-bats but the season has just started. Jackson and Yophery Rodriguez are the outfielders of the future by hook or crook. Its just a shame they had to give up Grissom and Priester to do it.

                                                               RF - Justin Gonzales

Rounding out the outfielding core is 19 year old Justin Gonzales. Signed as a Dominican teenager in 2024, he looked to be the real deal when he hit .298 with 4 home runs in 81 games for Salem last season. He got called up to Greenville and had just 8 hits in 11 games. This year so far he's already slammed 2 home runs so things are looking up. The Drive offense is very young but have a ton of promise. Gonzales has about 3-4 years to prove himself. Time will tell.

                                                               DH - Yoeilin Cespedes

Last but not least is the team's designated hitter, 20 year old infielder Yoeilin Cespedes. Another Dominican teenager signed in 2023, Cespedes hit just .227 for Salem last season but slammed 10 home runs in 110 games. This year he's hitting .275 to start the season and its a matter of time before the home runs come. Like mentioned previously, this is a very young offense and the sky is the limit for some of them.

All in all THIS is where the future lies for better or worse. The 2022 and 2023 drafts were so subpar that this year's Portland Sea Dogs team doesn't have much of a chance. The Craig Breslow power arms and a ton of Dominican prospects are the backbone of this year's Greenville team. The average age on offense is 21 and the hope is that SOMEONE can step up. The Sox big club are all set in certain positions so there's no pressure. The name of the game is pitching and the more guys that can throw 97-100, the better. Hopefully they can teach them movement so they don't become the next Jordan Hicks or Kaleb Ort. Either way, the team to watch this season is the Greenville Drive.