Sox Blank Yankees (7/7/24)

Yesterday the New York Yankees snapped the Boston Red Sox' 5 game win streak and the Sox responded by blanking them in tonight's game on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. Kutter Crawford (5-7, 3.20 ERA) tossed one of the best games of his career holding New York to no runs in 7 strong innings. Offensively the Sox didn't do much against Yankees starter Luis Gil until late in the game. Rafael Devers belted a solo home run in the top of the seventh, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a solo shot in the top of the eighth and Devers did the honors with another home run in the ninth. Justin Slaten and Kenley Jansen slammed the door as the Sox won their 6th out of 7 games including this one 3-0 at Yankee Stadium.

                                                     Ben Crenshaw approves of the win

Gil came in to pitch the top of the first and Jarren Duran popped up to second to start. David Hamilton took strike three and Tyler O'Neill grounded out to third to end the inning. Crawford got the ball in the bottom of the first and Ben Rice grounded out to second to start. Juan Soto popped up to first and Aaron Judge flied out to center to end the inning.

Rafael Devers got a base hit to center to start the top of the second but Connor Wong forced him at second. It looked like Wong stole second but Yankees manager Aaron Boone challenged he was out. Sure enough, the call was overturned and Masataka Yoshida struck out swinging to end the inning. Alex Verdugo flied out to center to start the bottom of the second and Anthony Volpe grounded out to third. Austin Wells grounded out to third to end the inning.

Wilyer Abreu took strike three to start the top of the third but Dominic Smith doubled to right. Ceddanne Rafaela flied out to center and Duran popped up to second to end the inning. Oswaldo Cabreras flied out to right to start the bottom of the third and Trent Grisham singled to center. DJ LeMahieu grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Hamilton hit one up the elevator shaft to start the top of the fourth and O'Neill struck out swinging. Devers also struck out swinging to end the inning. Rice struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth and Soto grounded out to short. Judge took strike three to end the inning.

Wong struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth and Yoshida grounded out to first. Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning. Verdugo popped up to short to start the bottom of the fifth and Volpe lined out to short. Wells grounded out to first to end the inning.

Smith got  abase hit to right to start the top of the sixth but Rafaela hit one up the elevator shaft. Duran struck out swinging and Hamilton went down hacking to end the inning. Cabrera got a base hit to center to start the bottom of the sixth and Grisham hit a bullet....right to Hamilton who doubled off Oswaldo at first. LeMahieu doubled but Rice struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                     Kutter was fired up after that one

The Sox got a run in the top of the seventh as O'Neill grounded out to third to start. Who else but Devers clobbered his 20th home run of the season to put Boston on top. Wong flied out to right to chase Gil from the game. Luke Weaver came in and Yoshida grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                         Devers jacks one

Soto doubled to right to start the bottom of the seventh but Judge struck out swinging. Verdugo grounded out to second and Volpe lined out to left to end the inning. Crawford was outstanding, shutting out the Yankees for seven innings allowing just 3 hits in the process.

                                                           Great job by Crawford

The Sox got another run in the top of the eighth as Abreu struck out swinging to start. Smith took strike three but Rafaela belted his 11th home run of the year to increase the lead. Duran walked but Hamilton struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                             All smiles today

Justin Slaten came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Wells popped up to short to start. Cabrera walked but Grisham struck out swinging. LeMahieu grounded out to third to end the inning.

The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the top of the ninth with Michael Tonkin now on the mound. O'Neill struck out swinging but Devers mashed his second home run of the night to ice the game. Wong grounded back to the mound and Yoshida grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.

                                                          Devers does it again

Kenley Jansen came in to close out the bottom of the ninth looking for his 438th career save. Rice grounded out to first, Soto lined out to left and Judge struck out swinging in short order to end the game. The Sox had won it 3-0.

                                                                438th save for Kenley

Hero of The Night is Kutter Crawford. He shut out the Yankees for 7 innings and allowed just 3 hits.

                                                               Hero Crawford

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 3 for 4 with 2 solo home runs.

Dominic Smith was 2 for 3.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3 with a home run.

Justin Slaten tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

Kenley Jansen earned his 18th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

David Hamilton was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Tyler O'Neill was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Connor Wong was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Masataka Yoshida was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Final Thoughts:

That was a big win by the Sox and caps off a very nice stretch where they've won 6 out 7 to get back to respectability. They're still a mile behind first place but its a good start. The Sox need an ace pitcher at the trade deadline but that seems unlikely. Maybe getting another 2 or 3 starter would help but they definitely need some help in the rotation to get them over the hump. The offense is as good as anyone and the back end of the bullpen is solid, but middle relief and rotation is an issue. Crawford pitched a hell of a game and Tanner Houck is been solid, but its been hope and pray after that. Devers hitting 2 more home runs against the Yankees is icing on the cake. The Sox have a homestand left before the all-star break and going in hot would be nice. The win improved the Sox to 49-41, 8 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox are back in action Tuesday night with a six game homestand to end the first half of the season. The Oakland A's with Joey Estes gets the start for them against Brayan Bello (8-5) of Boston. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.

O'Neill Powers Sox Past Blue Jays (6/17/24)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Romy Gonzalez was activated from the Injured List and Jamie Westbrook was sent back to Worcester to make room for him. Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic move for sure.

                                                                        OUT

                                                                   IN

It was a great night for Boston sports as the Boston Celtics won their 18th NBA Championship with their Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the NBA Finals. Also, the Red Sox smashed the Toronto Blue Jays. Tyler O'Neill hit two home runs to pace the offense that pounded out 11 hits and 7 runs. Nick Pivetta (4-4, 3.88 ERA) tossed 7 gutty innings allowing just 3 runs to earn the win. Things got hairy in the ninth inning when the Jays put two runners on against Brad Keller, but Kenley Jansen got the final out to win the game 7-3 at the Skydome.

                                                       The Boston Celtics approve of the win

Yusei Kikuchi got the ball in the top of the first and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rob Refsnyder struck out swinging but Tyler O'Neill mashed his 13th home run of the season to put Boston on top. Rafael Devers then clobbered his 14th home run of the season to go back to back. Connor Wong flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                      Back to back jacks

Pivetta got the ball in the bottom of the first and Davis Schneider popped up to short to start. Danny Jansen flied out to left but Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled to center. Daulton Varsho struck out swinging to end the inning.

Romy Gonzalez flied out to right to start the top of the second and Bobby Dalbec struck out swinging. David Hamilton also struck out swinging to end the inning. Justin Turner walked to start the bottom of the second and George Springer got a base hit to center to moved Justin to third. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a sac fly to center to score Turner to cut the lead and Ernie Vlement singled to left. Kevin Kiermaier struck out swinging and Clement was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning with the Jays down 2-1.

                                                          Jays get a run back

Ceddanne Rafaela joined the homer parade with his 8th of the season to start the top of the third. Duran flied out to left and Refsnyder struck out looking, but O'Neill clobbered his 14th home run of the season to increase the lead. Devers grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 4-1.

                                                      O'Neill goes yard again

Schneider grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third and Jansen struck out swinging. Guerrero Jr lined out to right to end the inning.

The Sox got another run in the top of the fourth as Wong got a base hit to left to start. Gonzalez got a base hit to left and Dalbec got a base hit to center. Kiermaier bobbled the ball and Wong scored another run. Hamilton struck out swinging, Rafaela struck out swinging and Gonzalez was thrown out at home after Dalbec got picked off first to end the inning with the Sox up 5-1.

                                                       Another rbi for Dalbec

Enmanuel Valdez came in for Hamilton to start the bottom of the fourth and Varsho flied out to center to start. Turner doubled to left but Springer hit one up the elevator shaft. Kiner singled off the glove of Devers to put runners at the corners but Clement flied out to center to end the inning.

Trevor Richards came in to pitch the top of the fifth and Duran flied out to left to start. Refsnyder took strike three and O'Neill grounded out to third to end the inning. Kiermaier flied out to center to start the bottom of the fifth and Schneider struck out swinging. Jansen got a base hit to center but Guerrero Jr flied out to right to end the inning.

Devers flied out to right to start the top of the sixth and Wong grounded out to second. Gonzalez walked but Dalbec forced him at second to end the inning. The Jays got a run back in the bottom of the sixth although Varsho hit one up the elevator shaft to start. Who else but Turner hit a home run all the way to Ottawa to cut the lead. Springer grounded out to third and Kiner lined out to short to end the inning with the Jays down 5-2.

                                                               Had to be him....great

The Sox answered in the top of the seventh with Tim Mayza now on the mound. Valdez grounded out to first but Rafaela got a base hit to right. Duran got a base hit to left and Refsnyder doubled to right to score Rafaela. O'Neill was intentionally walked and Devers hit a sac fly to center to score Duran. Wong took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 7-2.

                                                          Good work Refsnyder

Pivetta returned for one final inning in the bottom of the seventh and Clement got a base hit to left to start. Kiermaier grounded into a double play but Schneider hit a home run all the way to Montreal to cut the lead. Jansen lined out to left to end the inning with the Jays down 7-3. That was it for Pivetta who battled for 7 innings and allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and a walk.

                                                         Pivetta gets the job done

Brandon Eisert came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Gonzalez singled to left to start. Dalbec flied out to right but Valdez walked. Gonzalez looked to have stolen third but the Blue Jays challenged he was out, turns out he was. Rafaela walked but Duran grounded out to second to end the inning. Brad Keller came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Guerrero Jr lined out to right to start. Varsho popped up to short and Turner lined out to left to end the inning.

Refsnyder walked to start the top of the ninth but O'Neill grounded into a double play. Devers grounded out to second to end the inning. Springer flied out to left to start the bottom of the ninth and Kiner flied out to right. Suddenly Clement got a base hit to center and Kiermaier walked. Sox manager Alex Cora panicked and brought in Kenley Jansen to save the day. Both runners advanced on defensive indifference and Schneider popped up to first to end the game. The Sox had won it 7-3.

                                                           Sox win

Hero of The Night is Tyler O'Neill. His two home runs powered the offense in this one.

                                                                Tyler O'Hero

The Good:

Romy Gonzalez was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Enmanuel Valdez walked in two plate appearances.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 2 for 3 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Nick Pivetta got the win by tossing 7 innings of 3 run ball. He allowed 9 hits and a walk while striking out 4.

Brad Keller tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Kenley Jansen earned his 12th save by getting the final out in the ninth inning.

The Bad:

David Hamilton was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Rob Refsnyder was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked and drove in a run.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 but hit a home run and drove in two total runs.

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

Bobby Dalbec was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Final Thoughts:

Don't know what Cora was thinking to bring in Jansen at the end other then micromanaging every game like its Game 7 of the world series. Even if Schneider hit a home run the Sox still had the lead. Otherwise it was a good game all around with O'Neill hitting a couple of rockets, Devers hitting a rocket and other guys getting on base. Five guys only had one hit the whole game but either scored a run or knocked in one. That's definitely timely hitting for sure. Kudos to Pivetta for tossing 7 strong innings to give the bullpen a rest, if only Jansen could have had the night off but that's on Cora. The Sox suddenly caught fire winning 6 of 8 since that Chicago disaster on June 8th. Hopefully they can keep the momentum going on this road trip. The win improved the Sox to 38-35, 11.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to win their fourth game in a row and second against the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow night. Tanner Houck gets the start for the Sox against Chris Bassitt of Toronto. The game begins at 7:05 PM at the Skydome.

Red Sox Walkoff Rays in 12 Innings (5/14/24)

It was good news all around as the Boston Bruins defeated the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of their second round NHL playoff series and the Boston Red Sox knocked off the Tampa Bay Rays in 12 innings. The Rays took a quick 1-0 lead off Nick Pivetta but a Dominic Smith double put the Sox ahead 2-1 after four. Ceddanne Rafaela hit a home run to increase the lead but the Rays rallied for two runs against Pivetta and Justin Slaten. In the top of the 11th, Rafaela's throwing error put the Rays on top but the Sox answered in the bottom of the inning on a Rob Refsnyder rbi. In the bottom of the 12th, Romy Gonzalez drove home Connor Wong to win the game. The Sox had won it 5-4 in 12 innings at Fenway Park.

                                                        Morgan Geekie approves of the win

The Rays tagged Pivetta immediately in the top of the first although Yandy Diaz popped up to first to start. Randy Arozarena struck out swinging but Josh Lowe hit a home run all the way to Maine to put the Rays up just three batters into the game. Isaac Prades flied out to center to end the inning with the Rays up 1-0.

                                                                Lowe jacks one

The Sox did nothing against Civale in the bottom of the first as Jarren Duran took strike three to start. Wilyer Abreu watched strike three go by and Connor Wong lined out to center to end the inning.

Amed Rosario grounded out to second to start the top of the second before Jonny DeLuca went down hacking. Richie Palacios lined out to left to end the inning. Rafael Devers got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the second but Tyler O'Neill froze for strike three and Dominic Smith popped up to third. Vaughn Grissom flied out to center to end the inning.

Jose Caballero popped up to short to start the top of the third before Alex Jackson struck out swinging. Diaz took strike three to end the inning. Reese McGuire grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the third before Ceddanne Rafaela grounded out to second. Duran took strike three to end the inning.

Arozarena grounded out to short to start the top of the fourth before Lowe took strike three. Parades got a base hit in the hole at short but Rosario went down hacking to end the inning. Abreu flied out to right to begin the bottom of the fourth but Wong got a base hit to right. Devers forced Wong at second with a pop up but O'Neill got a base hit to left. Somehow Smith doubled to center to score both runners to put the Sox on top. Grissom took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 2-1.

                                                             Smith drives in a pair

Deluca singled to left to start the top of the fifth but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Palacios took strike three and Caballero flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fifth as McGuire struck out swinging to start. Rafaela clobbered his fourth home run of the year to increase the lead but Duran grounded out to second. Abreu grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox up 3-1.

                                                         Home run Rafaela

The Rays chased Pivetta in the top of the sixth although Jackson took strike three to start. Diaz grounded out to third but Arozarena hit a home run all the way to Cleveland to cut the lead. Despite being just one out away from finishing the inning at 81 pitches, Sox manager Alex Cora came out to yank Pivetta at the first sign of trouble. Nick tossed 5 2/3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits. Justin Slaten came in and immediately allowed a double to center by Lowe. Parades got a base hit to right to score Lowe to tie the game. Way to go Cora! Rosario got a base hit to short but DeLuca grounded out to second to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.

                                                       Pivetta deserved better

Shawn Armstrong came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth as Wong struck out swinging to start. Devers struck out swinging and O'Neill went down hacking to end the inning.

Palacios struck out swinging to start the top of the seventh and Caballero also went down hacking. Jackson lined out to right to end the inning. Phil Maton came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Smith got plunked to start. Grissom grounded into a double play and McGuire took strike three to end the inning.

Chris Martin came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Diaz took strike three. Arozarena went down hacking and Lowe almost took Martin's head off with a line drive, thankfully Chris caught it to end the inning.

                                                             "Im okay....I think" - Martin

Garrett Cleavinger came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Rafaela grounded out to second to start. Duran struck out swinging and Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Abreu, Refsnyder got a base hit to right but Wong struck out swinging to end the inning.

Kenley Jansen came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Parades popped up to third to start. Rosario singled to center but DeLuca flied out to center. Rosario was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning. Pete Fairbanks came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth as Devers grounded out to second to start. O'Neill and Smith both took strike three to end the inning.

Zack Kelly came in to pitch the top of the tenth with DeLuca on second to start. Palacios struck out swinging and Jonathan Aranda pinch hit for Caballero. Aranda grounded back to the mound to move DeLuca to third and Harold Ramirez pinch hit for Jackson. Ramirez struck out swinging to end the inning.

Ben Rortvedt came in to catch with Jason Adam now on the mound for the bottom of the tenth. Romy Gonzalez pinch ran for Smith at second and was immediately doubled off on a liner to Adam by Grissom. McGuire was retired on a nubber in front of the plate to end the inning.

The Rays struck in the top of the eleventh with Rortvedt starting at second. Diaz grounded out to first to move Rortvedt to third and Arozarena hit a ground ball to third. Rortvedt was thrown out at home in a rundown but Arozarena moved to second on the play. Lowe was intentionally walked and Parades hit a routine grounder to Rafaela. Ceddanne threw the ball away for an error to score Arozarena. Rosario flied out to left to end the inning with the Rays ahead 4-3.

                                                            Yerrrrr out!

Manuel Rodriguez came in to pitch the bottom of the eleventh with David Hamilton pinch running for McGuire at second to start. Rafaela dropped down a bunt to move Hamilton to third and Duran walked. Refsnyder grounded back to the mound to score Hamilton to tie the game. Wong was hit with a pitch but Devers grounded out to second to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

 

                                                               Sox tie it up

Brennan Bernardino came in to pitch the top of the 12th inning with Rosario starting at second base. DeLuca walked to start but Palacios lined out to left. Aranda beat out a double play ball and Rortvedt took strike three to end the inning. Wong started the bottom of the 12th at second and O'Neill was intentionally walked to get to Gonzalez. Romy made them pay with a base hit to right to score Wong to win the game. The Sox had won it 5-4 in 12 innings.

                                                            Sox win

Hero of The Night is Romy Gonzalez. His rbi base hit to right in the bottom of the 12th won the game.

The Good:

Rob Refsnyder was 1 for 2 with an rbi.

Dominic Smith was 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch and 2 runs batted in.

David Hamilton scored a run as a pinch runner.

Nick Pivetta tossed 5 2/3 innings of 2 run ball as he allowed 4 hits while striking out 8.

Chris Martin pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Brennan Bernardino got the win with a scoreless 12th inning.

The Bad:

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Vaughn Grissom was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Reese McGuire was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Justin Slaten allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked.

Connor Wong was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but was hit with a pitch and scored a run.

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3 with a home run but committed a costly error.

Tyler O'Neill was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

Zack Kelly allowed an unearned run in two innings.

Final Thoughts:

Talk about a good news/bad news game. The bad news was once again they were held to less than 4 runs in regulation and Rafaela threw yet another ball away. They couldn't hit in the clutch for most of the game and Cora pulled a starter early AGAIN. The good news was they found away to win. Dominic Smith got his first big hit with the Sox and they held the fort in extra innings apart from the Rafaela error. After Slaten allowed the tying run, the bullpen didn't give an inch. Pivetta not getting yanked might have prevented all of that and they win 3-2, who knows. Bottom line is they won anyway and against an AL East opponent, which has been their achillies heel for two years now. With the pitching staff beginning to work itself out, Sox brass needs to find a way to generate some offense until Triston Casas gets back. Otherwise they're going to have to win low scoring games every night and that's damn near impossible. Still, a win is a win and hopefully this sparks them to go on a streak. The win improved the Sox to 22-20, 5.5 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to take game three of this four game set tomorrow night when Tanner Houck (3-4, 2.24 ERA) takes on Taj Bradley of Tampa. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Red Sox Walkoff Cubs (4/28/24)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Mercifully, the Sox pulled the plug on the Joely Rodriguez experiment by designating him for assignment. In his place the Sox called up spring training pickup, 30 year old right handed pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa. Uwasawa was batting practice for the Tampa Bay Rays and they cut him, so naturally the Sox picked him up. For Worcester he was mediocre allowing 8 runs in 15 innings. Can't be any worse than Rodriguez...right?

                                                                           OUT

                                                                        IN

As for the game, talk about a roller coaster. The Boston Red Sox cruised to a 4-1 lead over the Chicago Cubs due to Tanner Houck and the Boston bats. Connor Wong drove in two runs and Jarren Duran drove in two with a triple. Houck left the game in the seventh after allowing a run but the Cubs spoiled the party in the top of the eighth. Mike Tauchman hit a three run homer off Chris Martin to tie the game but the Sox wouldn't go quietly. With Rafael Devers at first and Jarren Duran at third, Tyler O'Neill hit a pop up to Dansby Swanson that he dropped, scoring Duran to win the game. The Sox had walked off the Cubs 5-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                              Happy fans

Houck got the ball in the top of the first and Nico Hoerner grounded out to third to start. Mike Tauchman flied out to left and Ian Happ grounded out to first to end the inning. Hayden Wesneski got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran grounded back to the mound to start. Rafael Devers hit a routine grounder to Hoerner but he booted it for an error. Tyler O'Neill drew a walk but Wilyer Abreu flied out to center. Connor Wong grounded a base hit up the middle to score Devers and move O'Neill to third to put the Sox on top. Masataka Yoshida grounded out to first to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                         Wong helps out

Christopher Morel went down hacking to start the top of the second before Michael Busch took strike three. Dansby Swanson struck out swinging to end the inning. Enmanuel Valdez flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Bobby Dalbec got a infield single by the pitcher's mound. Ceddanne Rafaela popped up to first but Dalbec swiped second base. Duran struck out swinging to end the inning.

Matt Mervis grounded out to second to start the top of the third before Miguel Amaya struck out swinging. Pete Crow-Armstrong grounded out to short to end the inning. Devers got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the third before moving to second on an O'Neill grounder to the mound. Abreu grounded out to first but Wong lined a base hit off the third base bag to score Devers with another run. Yoshida got a base hit to center to move Wong to third but Valdez popped up to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0. 

                                                              "I'm a bear, rawr" - Wong

The Cubs threatened in the top of the fourth although Hoerner grounded to second to start. Tauchman got a base hit to left and Happ got a base hit to right. Morel struck out swinging and Busch lined out to left to end the inning. Dalbec took strike three to start the bottom of the fourth and Rafaela went down hacking. Duran flied out to left to end the inning. 

Abreu made a great catch to rob Swanson of extra bases to start the top of the fifth before Mervis struck out swinging. Amaya went down hacking to end the inning. Richard Lovelady came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth and Devers walked to start. O'Neill took strike three, Abreu flied out to right and Wong flied out to center to end the inning. 

Armstrong grounded out to first to start the top of the sixth before Valdez made a great play to rob Hoernerof a hit. Tauchman struck out swinging to end the inning. Yency Almonte came in to pitch and Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Yoshida. Rob walked but Valdez hit one up the elevator shaft. Dalbec struck out swinging but Rafaela doubled to right. Duran cleared the bases with a triple into the centerfield triangle. Devers was intentionally walked but O'Neill took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 4-0.

                                                          Duran with a triple

The Cubs struck back against Houck in the top of the seventh as Happ took strike three to start. Morel lined out to right but Busch was a plunked. Swanson singled to short and Mervis got a base hit to right to score Busch. That was it for Houck as he allowed just 1 run in 6 2/3 innings off 4 hits while striking out 9. Chris Martin came in and got Amaya on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning with the Cubs down 4-1.

                                                     Houck did a good job

Daniel Palencia came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh as Abreu struck out swinging to start. Wong and Refsnyder grounded out to third to end the inning.

The Cubs roared in the top of the eighth as Armstrong got a base hit to left to start. Hoerner singled to right but Tauchman hit a home run all the way to Nebraska to tie the game. Happ struck out swinging, Morel went down hacking and Busch flied out to left to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                        Tauchman jacks one

Valdez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the eighth before Dalbec took strike three. Rafaela lined out to center to end the inning.

Kenley Jansen came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Swanson grounded out to short to start. Nick Madrigal pinch hit for Mervis and popped up to first and Amaya struck out swinging to end the inning. Mark Leiter Jr hadn't allowed an earned run all year when he came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Duran walked to start. Devers lined a base hit to left that moved Duran to third but O'Neill hit a pop up to Swanson.....DROPPED! Duran scored and the Sox had won the game 5-4.

                                                                Sox win

Hero of The Night is Tyler O'Neill. He drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

                                                              Tyler O'Hero

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 2 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.

Connor Wong was 2 for 4 with 2 rbis.

Masataka Yoshida was 1 for 2.

Rob Refsnyder walked and scored a run in two plate appearances.

Tanner Houck allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings allowing 4 hits while striking out 9.

Kenley Jansen got the win with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Enmanuel Valdez was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Chris Martin allowed 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but walked, drove in 2 runs and scored a run.

Bobby Dalbec was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but stole a base.

Ceddanne Rafaela was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

That game was a roller coaster as the Sox dominated this game for seven innings then immediately fell apart in the eighth. Connor Wong is on fire lately and it comes at a good time with Triston Casas gone and Jarren Duran slumping....although it was Duran who got the two run triple and scored the winning run. Houck once again looked damn good but Chris Martin stole a victory from him. Still, O'Neill is fast becoming a legend in Boston and his big hit tonight is another notch on his gun. The best news wasn't on the field but off of it. Brayan Bello looked good and felt pain free while Vaughn Grissom went 4 for 4 in Worcester tonight, plus Garrett Cooper is on his way. If those three are back healthy soon, then we won't have to worry about Valdez, Dalbec and Chase Anderson....if nobody else gets hurt. Still, even though the team is only 3 games over .500, the fact they're surviving with all the injuries they've had is hope for the future when they get their guns back....or at least the ones that aren't out for the season. The Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have been struggling so the Sox aren't even last place for now. One has to wonder how good the team would be with no injuries the way Abreu, Wong and Rafaela seem to be turning the corner with Devers and O'Neill delivering. Gotta roll out the team you have and the team they have is still in the thick of things. The Sox have an off-day tomorrow then welcome in the San Francisco Giants for a three game set starting Tuesday night. Cooper Criswell (1-1, 2.38 ERA) gets the start for Boston against Logan Webb of the Giants. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Hang On, Beat Angels (4/14/24)

The Boston Red Sox didn't make it easy in today's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The Sox struck first when Tyler O'Neill and Triston Casas hit back to back jacks against Angels starter Tyler Anderson. The Angels tied it up but the Sox went ahead in the bottom of the fifth on a Pablo Reyes rbi double. Brayan Bello (2-1, 3.92 ERA) tossed a solid game, finally pitching into the sixth inning and giving the Sox a chance to win. Masataka Yoshida clubbed his first home run of the season to give the Sox some cushion and they needed it. Justin Slaten and Kenley Jansen both allowed runs but Jansen blew away Mike Trout to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-4.

                                           The retiring Mike Gorman approves of the win

Bello got the ball in the top of the first inning and Anthony Rendon singled to center to start. Luis Rengifo struck out swinging before Mike Trout also went down hacking. Taylor Ward flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox wasted no time getting to Anderson in the bottom of the first as Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Pablo Reyes flied out to right but Tyler O'Neill blasted his seventh home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Triston Casas then launched his fourth home run of the season for back to back jacks. Somehow Bobby Dalbec drew a walk but Masataka Yoshida popped up to Rendon to end the inning with the Sox up 2-0.

                                                   "Back to back jacks, baby" - Casas

Aaron Hicks led off the top of the second by striking out swinging but Brandon Drury hit a home run all the way to Newfoundland to cut the lead. Logan O'Hoppe hit a bullet to Dalbec and Jo Adell grounded out to second to end the inning with the Angels down 2-1.

                                                         Drury gets a piece of Bello

Connor Wong flied out to right to start the bottom of the second before Ceddanne Rafaela grounded out to short. David Hamilton struck out swinging to end the inning. 

The Angels struck back in the top of the third as Zach Neto walked to start. Rendon singled to right to move Zeto to third and Zach scored on the Rengifo force at second. Rengifo stole second and Trout walked. Hicks took strike three to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                      Rengifo drives in a run

Duran grounded out to first to start the bottom of the third before Reyes struck out swinging. O'Neill singled to left and Casas walked, but Dalbec took strike three.

Drury beat out a roller to third to start the top of the fourth but O'Hoppe banged into a double play. Adell struck out swinging to end the inning. Yoshida flied out to left to start the bottom of the fourth and Wong lined out to left. Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning.

Neto took strike three to begin the top of the fifth before Rendon also took strike three. Rengifo grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox took the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Hamilton flied out to right to start. Duran walked and Reyes double to center to score Duran. That was it for Anderson as Adam Cimber came in to pitch. Trout made a great diving catch to rob O'Neill of a hit but Casas was intentionally walked. Wilyer Abreu pinch hit for Dalbec and.....Reyes was thrown out trying to steal third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-2.

                                                     Yerrrrr out!

Trout grounded out to short to start the top of the sixth but Ward singled to center. A wild pitch moved Ward to second and Hicks hit one off Bello to put runners at the corners. That was it for Bello who did well, throwing 5 1/3 innings allowing just two runs. Justin Slaten threw just one pitch but it was enough for Drury to hit into a double play to end the inning.

                                                          Good work Bello

Jose Suarez came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Abreu walked to start. Yoshida then belted his first home run of the season to increase the lead. Wong beat out a roller to short but Rafaela popped up to Rengifo. Hamilton struck out swinging and Wong got picked off to end the inning with the Sox head 5-2.

                                                         First for Yoshida

O'Hoppe singled to left to start the top of the seventh then moved to second on the grounder to third by Adell. Neto hit one up the elevator shaft but Rendon was plunked. Rengifo grounded out to first to end the inning. Duran walked to start the bottom of the seventh but Reyes popped up to second. O'Neill walked but Casas struck out swinging. Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning.

Slaten returned for the top of the eighth and naturally Trout tripled into the centerfield triangle to start. Trout scored on a grounder to short by Ward but Hicks struck out swinging. Drury grounded out to short to end the inning with the Angels down 5-3.

                                                        Angels inch closer

Jose Cisnero came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Yoshida walked to start. Wong singled to right but Rafaela flied out to center. Hamilton struck out swinging and Duran went down hacking to end the inning.

Kenley Jansen came in to close out the top of the ninth and he hit O'Hoppe to start. Mickey Moniak pinch hit for Adell and dumped a base hit in front of O'Neill. Neto walked to load the bases and Rendon hit a rocket to Duran. O'Hoppe scored and Hamilton failed to cover second, causing both runners to move up as well. Rengifo struck out swinging and Trout went down hacking to end the game. The Sox had held on to win 5-4.

                                                            Sox win

Hero of the Night is Masataka Yoshida. His two run home run was the difference in the game.

                                                              Yusha Yoshida

The Good:

Tyler O'Neill was 2 for 3 with a walk and a home run.

Triston Casas was 1 for 2 with 2 walks and a home run.

Wilyer Abreu walked and scored a run in two plate appearances.

Connor Wong was 2 for 4.

Brayan Bello got the win by tossing 5 1/3 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8.

The Bad:

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 4.

David Hamilton was 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked twice and scored a run.

Pablo Reyes was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Bobby Dalbec was 0 for 1 with a strikeout but drew a walk.

Justin Slaten allowed a run in 2 2/3 innings.

Kenley Jansen allowed a run in the ninth but earned his fourth save of the season.

Final Thoughts:

That was too close for comfort but a win is a win. After dropping the first four games at Fenway Park, everyone was mad but back to back wins is better than the alternative. Bello pitched during the day and didn't stink for once and the bullpen bent, but didn't break. Jansen walking the bases loaded and holding the Angels to just the one run was good enough to hold on. The Sox are still making defensive miscues but they got some timely hitting here. The unfortunate injuries to Trevor Story and Nick Pivetta is testing the depth of this team and we're not even out of April yet. Jansen continues to look shaky but things worked out THIS time. O'Neill continues to mash the ball and they're gonna build a statue of him by August if he keeps this pace up. All in all it was a series win and they continue to be perfectly mediocre. The Sox remain home and welcome the Cleveland Guardians in tomorrow morning for the special Patriots Day game. Kutter Crawford (0-0, 0.57 ERA) goes against Xzavion Curry of Cleveland. The game begins at 11:00 AM at Fenway Park.