Sox Win Game, Lose Casas (5/2/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Walker Buehler was placed on the Injured List with a bad shoulder while Blake Sabol was optioned down to Worcester. In their places the Sox activated Connor Wong from the Injured List and called up Hunter Dobbins from Worcester. Getting Wong back at least gives the Sox another bat that they're going to need.

                                                                           OUT

                                                                        IN

As for the game, talk about worst case scenario. The Red Sox just got Connor Wong back from injury and Triston Casas suffered a serious knee injury in tonight's game against the Minnesota Twins. Casas was running out a routine grounder in the second inning when he tore a patella tendon in his knee. Not only is he out for this season, next year is in jeopardy as well. It overshadowed a good win where the Sox turned a 1-1 game in a hurry in the seventh inning after Brayan Bello held the Twins to 1 run. Rafael Devers drove in two big runs in the seventh, while Romy Gonzalez, Jarren Duran and David Hamilton drove in runs in the eighth to put the game away. Its a shame the Sox lost Casas because the Sox won the game 6-1.

                                                               Bye bye Casas

Bello got the ball in the top of the first inning and Trevor Larnach struck out swinging to start. Byron Buxton singled in the hole at short and Brooks Lee grounded into a double play to end the inning. Joe Ryan got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran flied out to left to start. Rafael Devers struck out swinging but Alex Bregman launched his eighth home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Wilyer Abreu walked but Trevor Story flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                               Home run Bregman

Carlos Correa grounded out to short to start the top of the second before Jarren Duran made a great catch at the wall to rob Ty France of extra bases. Edouard Julien was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning. Things went dark in a hurry in the bottom of the second when Triston Casas went down in a heap after Joe Ryan threw wide of first for an error. Casas had to be stretchered off the field unable to put weight on his knee. Not good. Romy Gonzalez pinch ran for Casas and took second on a Connor Wong grounder to second. David Hamilton and Ceddanne Rafaela both struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                                Casas is down

The Twins struck back in the top of the third as Ryan Jeffers hit a home run all the way to St. Louis to tie the game. Mickey Gasper lined out to left but Harrison Bader singled to left. Larnach lined out to left and Buxton grounded out to third to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                                 Twins tie it up

Duran flied out to left to start the bottom of the third before Devers flied out to left. Bregman lined out to center to end the inning.

Lee flied out to right to start the top of the fourth before Correa struck out swinging. France lined out to third to end the inning. Abreu struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth and Story flied out to right. Gonzalez struck out swinging to end the inning.

Julien grounded out to short to start the top of the fifth and Jeffers also grounded out to short. Hamilton threw a ball by Gasper away for an error but Bader struck out swinging to end the inning. Wong grounded out to short to start the bottom of the fifth but Hamilton beat out a bunt back to Ryan. Hamilton stole second and third base but Rafaela struck out swinging. Duran lined out to center to end the inning.

Larnach took strike three to start the top of the sixth but Buxton singled to left. Lee grounded out to second to move Buxton to second but Correa also grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the sixth as Devers doubled to left to start. Bregman grounded out to short and Abreu struck out swinging, but Story singled in the hole at second. Gonzalez struck out swinging to end the inning.

France flied out to center to start the top of the seventh before Julien walked. Jeffers took strike three and that was it for Bello. He tossed 6 2/3 innings of 1 run ball allowing just 4 hits and a walk. Justin Wilson came in to pitch to Gasper, but Jonah Bride pinch hit. Julien was thrown out at second trying to steal to end the inning.

                                                                Bello deserved the win

The Sox rallied in the bottom of the seventh with Louis Varland now on the mound. Wong got a base hit to center and Hamilton singled to left, both runners moving over on the Rafaela sacrifice bunt. Danny Coulumbe came in to pitch to Duran and Jarren struck out swinging. Devers got a base hit in the hole at second to score both Wong and Hamilton. Bregman doubled into the left field corner but Abreu popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox up 3-1.

                                                         Devers puts the Sox on top

Greg Weissert came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Bride struck out swinging to start. Bader took strike three but Larnach singled to center. Buxton took strike three to end the inning. Jorge Alcala came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Story got a base hit to center to begin. Story stole second and Gonzalez doubled to right to score him. Gonzalez stole third but Wong struck out swinging. Hamilton doubled to center to score Gonzalez but Rafaela flied out to center. Duran got a base hit to right to score Hamilton and Devers ripped a base hit to right. It looked like Duran scored all the way from first but Twins manager Rocco Baldelli challenged Duran was out. The call was overturned and Duran was out to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-1.

                                                      Hamilton drives in a big run

Liam Hendriks came in to close out the top of the ninth and Lee singled to left to start. Correa struck out swinging and France grounded into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won it 6-1.

                                                        Sox win

Hero of the Night is Rafael Devers. His 2 run single put the Sox up for good.

                                                             Hero Devers

The Good:

Alex Bregman was 2 for 4 with a home run.

Trevor Story was 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Romy Gonzalez was 1 for 3 with an rbi, a stolen base and a run scored.

David Hamilton was 3 for 4 with 2 stolen bases, an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Brayan Bello got the win by tossing 6 2/3 innings of 1 run ball. He allowed 4 hits and a walk while striking out 5.

Justin Wilson got the final out of the seventh inning.

Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Triston Casas was 0 for 1 before leaving the game.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

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

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked.

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

Final Thoughts:

The Sox are in deep trouble if Casas is out for the season. They don't have any depth at first base since they traded Niko Kavadas last July. They have plenty of outfield depth but first base is a black hole without Triston. Not only that, that's a 20 homer season that just got flushed down the toilet. How are they going to replicate that? Trouble scoring aside, that was a good win and another good showing by Bello & the bullpen. The Sox are going to need good pitching to win this season since they just lost a huge chunk of their offense. Devers, Story, Bregman and Abreu have to step up with him out. The Sox had a slow start to the season but so did everyone else. They have time to make a trade for a first baseman and climb into first place....if John Henry wants to spend the money. The win improved the Sox to 18-16, 2 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Twins tomorrow afternoon when Hunter Dobbins (2-0) looks to keep the momentum going against Bailey Ober of Minnesota. The game begins at 3:00 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Blow Another Lead To Toronto (5/1/25)

For the second straight night it looked like the Boston Red Sox were going to beat the Toronto Blue Jays. Tanner Houck held the Jays to just 4 hits and one run through 7 strong innings. Unfortunately the Sox bats could only muster 2 runs on an Alex Bregman double off Jose Berrios. Then with one out in the bottom of the eighth, Justin Slaten (0-2, 5.56 ERA) served up a 3 run meatball to Vladimir Guerrero Jr to put the game away. Yimi Garcia shut the door in the ninth and the Sox dropped their second straight game to the Blue Jays 4-2 at the Skydome.

                                                            Sox keep blowing leads

Berrios got the ball in the top of the first inning and Jarren Duran led off with a base hit in the hole at short. Rafael Devers took strike three but Duran stole second. Alex Bregman struck out swinging and Daulton Varsho robbed Wilyer Abreu at the wall to end the inning. Houck got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Bo Bichette grounded out to third to start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr took strike three and Anthony Santander popped up to third to end the inning.

Trevor Story got a base hit in the hole at short to start the top of the second but Triston Casas grounded out to third. Story moved to second on the play but Rob Refsnyder and David Hamilton both struck out swinging to end the inning. Varsho flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Alejandro Kirk got a base hit to left. Addison Barger lined out to second and Alan Roden struck out swinging to end the inning.

Carlos Narvaez flied out to right to start the top of the third before Duran grounded out to second. Devers got a base hit to right but Bregman flied out to left to end the inning. Ernie Clement lined out to center to start the bottom of the third before Nathan Lukes got a base hit to center. Bichette struck out swinging and Guerrero Jr went down hacking to end the inning.

Abreu took strike three to start the top of the fourth before Story grounded out to third. Casas went down swinging to end the inning. Santander got a base hit to center to start the bottom of the fourth but Varsho swung at air. Kirk banged into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the fifth as Refsnyder got a base hit to center to start. Hamilton got a base hit to right to move Refsnyder to third and David promptly stole second. Narvaez popped up to first but Duran struck out swinging. Devers walked to load the bases and Bregman doubled to left to score both Refsnyder and Hamilton. Abreu lined out to right to end the inning but the Sox were up 2-0.

                                                         Another big hit for Bregman

Barger flied out to left to begin the bottom of the fifth before Roden grounded out to third. Clement grounded out to second to end the inning.

Story grounded out to to second to start the top of the sixth before Casas got a base hit to right. Refsnyder grounded into a double play to end the inning. Lukes struck out swinging to start the bottom of the sixth before Bichette grounded out to short. Guerrero Jr grounded out to second to end the inning.

Hamilton struck out swinging to begin the top of the seventh and Narvaez popped up to second. Mason Fluharty came in to pitch to Duran and Jarren flied out to center to end the inning. Houck returned for the bottom of the seventh and Santander grounded out to second to start. Suddenly Varsho hit a home run off the roof of the Skydome to cut the lead. Kirk grounded out to short but Barger was hit with a pitch. Roden grounded out to short to end the inning and that was it for Houck. He was outstanding, allowing just the home run to Varsho in 7 strong innings. He allowed 4 hits and didn't walk anyone.

                                                              Houck got it done

Devers flied out to left to start the top of the eighth and Bregman flied out to center. Abreu popped up to short to end the inning. Justin Slaten came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Clement popped up to second to start. Lukes got a base hit to center and Bichette doubled him to third to put Guerrero at the plate. Rather than walk him to set up a double play, Guerrero hit a straight fastball 500 feet off the Skydome wall to put the Jays up for good. Santander popped up to short but Varsho walked. Kirk lined out to center to end the inning but the Jays were up 4-2.

                                                      Vlad does it again

Andres Gimenez came in to play third and Yimi Garcia came in to close out the top of the ninth. Story and Casas both struck out swinging before Refsnyder grounded out to first to end the game. The Jays had won it 4-2.

                                                                 Jays win

Jackass of The Night is Justin Slaten. He served up the 3 run bomb to Guerrero that cost the Sox the game.

                                                                Jackass Slaten

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 1 for 3 with a walk.

David Hamilton was 1 for 3 with a stolen base and a run scored.

Tanner Houck tossed 7 innings of 1 run ball allowing just 4 hits while striking out 6.

The Bad:

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but stole a base.

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in 2 runs.

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Triston Casas was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Rob Refsnyder was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

Two nights in a row the Sox have a lead only to piss it away. Not only that, this team does not come back when trailing either. They went right in the tank after that Guerrero home run and it sank the boat. Its a shame because that was Houck's best game of the season and Slaten was just two outs away from potentially Aroldis Chapman ending it in the ninth. As it is, its yet another frustrating loss in a season full of them. The Sox don't have to play the Blue Jays until June 27th and that's best for everyone involved at this point. The loss dropped the Sox to 17-16, 2 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East. The Sox now come home for a six game stretch and they face the Minnesota Twins tomorrow night. Brayan Bello gets the ball against Joe Ryan of Minnesota. The fame begins at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.

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

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

                                                                        OUT

                                                                      IN

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

                                                               Nice going Sox

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

                                                     Bregman gets the wally head

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

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

                                                                 Devers drives in a run

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

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

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

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

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

                                                     Things looked good at this point

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

                                                            Giolito deserved better

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

                                                                  Jays tie it up

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

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

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

                                                                 Jays win

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

                                                              Jackass Whitlock

The Good:

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

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

Wilyer Abreu was 1 for 3 with 2 walks.

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

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Trevor Story was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

Kristian Campbell was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

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

The Ugly:

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts:

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

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

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

                                                 Krystaps Porzingis approves of the win

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

                                                          Duran gets the wally head

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

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

                                                           Campbell gets the wally head

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

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

                                                        Abreu ices it

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

                                                          Guerrero tags Crochet

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

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

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

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

                                                      Great work by Crochet

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

                                                            Duran with another rbi

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

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

                                                       Casas drives in a run

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

                                                             Sox win

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

                                                   The Sox salute our Hero

The Good:

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

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

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

Triston Casas was 2 for 5 with an rbi.

Luis Guerrero pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Brennan Bernardino pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

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

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

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

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

Carlos Narvaez was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Final Thoughts:

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

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

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

                                                                     IN

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

                                               "GREAT FIRST INNING HOUCK!"

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

                                                            Abreu goes yard

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

                                                             That didn't take long

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

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

                                                           Devers jacks one

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

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

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

                                                       "Aye carumba" - Houck

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

                                                        Kwan puts Cleveland on top

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

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

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

                                                         Guardians win

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

                                                                Jackass Houck

The Good:

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

Alex Bregman was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

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

Triston Casas was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Greg Weissert tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Luis Guerrero pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

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

The Ugly:

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

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

Kristian Campbell was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

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

Ceddanne Rafaela was just 1 for 4.

Final Thoughts:

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

Mariners Beat Wild Crochet, Sox (4/24/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Josh Winckowski was sent down to Worcester and Luis Guerrero was called up to take his place. Guerrero impressed last September and he can't be any worse than who they're trotting out now....right?

                                                                           OUT

                                                                      IN

As for the game, another unmitigated disaster in a season full of them so far. Supposed Sox ace Garrett Crochet (2-2, 1.95 ERA) looked anything but as he got rocked by the Seattle Mariners. Crochet walked FIVE batters and allowed 5 hits, throwing over 100 pitches just to get through five innings. The Mariners took a 4-1 lead over the Sox but the bullpen responded. Greg Weissert, Liam Hendriks and Luis Guerrero tossed four shutout innings to keep Boston into it. Alex Bregman drove in a run and Carlos Navarez hit a home run to bring the Sox close, but they couldn't get it done. It all added up to a 4-3 Mariners win over the Sox at Fenway Park.

Crochet got tagged in the top of the first inning when Dylan Moore got a base hit to left to start. Moore took second on a balk but Julio Rodriguez struck out swinging. Cal Raleigh struck out swinging but Randy Arozarena walked. Mitch Garver effortlessly doubled to center to score both runners, putting Seattle up for good just five batters into the game. Donovan Solano grounded out to short to end the inning with the game already over 2-0 Mariners.

                                                                Garver puts the M's up

Woo got the ball in the bottom of the first as Jarren Duran grounded out to short to start. Rafael Devers struck out swinging but Alex Bregman launched his fifth home run of the season to cut the lead. Wilyer Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 2-1.

                                                           Home run Bregman

The Mariners pounced on Crochet in the top of the second as Ben Williamson singled to left to start. Leo Rivas walked but JP Crawford singled to right to load the bases. Moore hit a sac fly to center to score Williamson and Rodriguez grounded out to second to score Rivas to ice the game. Raleigh grounded out to third to end the inning with the Mariners up 4-1.

                                                            Moore drives in a run

Trevor Story grounded out to short to start the bottom of the second but Triston Casas was hot with a pitch. Kristian Campbell struck out swinging and David Hamilton flied out to center to end the inning. 

Arozarena struck out swinging to start the top of the third and Garver grounded out to third. Solano also grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox fought back in the bottom of the third as Carlos Narvaez struck out swinging to start. Duran doubled to left but Devers lined out to left. Bregman singled to left to score Duran and Abreu popped up to third to end the inning with the Sox down 4-2.

                                                            Bregman drives in another

Williamson struck out swinging to begin the top of the fourth but Rivas got a base hit to right. Crawford was frozen for strike three but Rivas swiped second. Moore walked but Rodriguez struck out swinging to end the inning. Story watched strike three go by to start the bottom of the fourth and Casas flied out to right. Campbell struck out swinging to end the inning. 

Raleigh struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth but Arozarena and Garver drew back to back walks. Solano struck out swinging but Arozarena stole third base. Williamson struck out swinging to end the inning. That was it for Crochet who struggled to last 5 innings allowing 4 runs off 5 hits and 5 walks. 

                                                     Not good enough out of Crochet

Hamilton popped up to third to start the bottom of the fifth and Narvaez struck out swinging. Duran popped up to short to end the inning. 

Greg Weissert came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Rivas grounded out to first to start. Crawford got a base hit to center and Miles Mastrobuoni pinch hit for Moore. Miles struck out swinging but Rodriguez beat out a roller to third. Raleigh struck out swinging to end the inning. Devers popped up to third to start the bottom of the sixth but Bregman walked. Abreu was retired on a swinging bunt in front of the plate and Story lined out to first to end the inning.

Liam Hendriks came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Arozarens walked to start. Garver grounded into a double play but Solano and Williamson worked back to back walks. Rivas singled to center to load the bases but Crawford struck out swinging to end the inning. Collin Snider came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Casas grounded back to the mound to start. Campbell struck out swinging and Hamilton grounded out to first to end the inning.

Luis Guerrero came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Mastrobuoni flied out to right to start. Rodriguez grounded out to third and Raleigh flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the eighth with Gabe Speier now on the mound. Narvaez launched his second home run of the year to cut the lead but Duran grounded out to second. Devers struck out swinging and Trent Thornton came in to pitch to Bregman. Alex popped up to second to end the inning with the Sox down 4-3.

                                                                Sox aren't dead yet

Arozarena popped up to third to start the top of the ninth before Garver struck out swinging. Jorge Polanco pinch hit for Solano and got a base hit to right. Williamson flied out to right to end the inning. Rowdy "Roddy" Tellez took over for Polanco with Andres Munoz in to close out the bottom of the ninth. Abreu flied out to center and Story struck out swinging, but Casas walked to put the tying run on. Romy Gonzalez ran for Casas but Campbell earned the golden sombrero by striking out swinging to end the game. The Mariners had won it 4-3.

                                                              Mariners win

Jackass of the Night is Kristian Campbell. He went 0 for 4 with a golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts, including with the game on the line in the ninth.

                                                       Make contact, Jackass!

The Good:

Alex Bregman was 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a home run.

Carlos Narvaez was 1 for 3 with a home run.

Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless inning.

Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Luis Guerrero pitched two scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Rafael Devers was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Trevor Story was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

David Hamilton was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Triston Casas was 0 for 2 but walked.

Honorable Mention:

Romy Gonzalez ran for Casas in the ninth inning.

Final Thoughts:

Another frustrating loss and patience is wearing thin on the Red Sox offense. For a team that's designed to score runs, they've done anything but the first 27 games of the season. Duran, Casas, Devers, Narvaez and Rafaela are all hitting .250 or lower and that's going to work if you want consistent success. Not only that, Abreu and Campbell cooled off so now you're stuck with Alex Bregman and not much else. It showed today big time as the Sox had more strikeouts than hits and walks. Speaking of walks, Crochet walked a season high 5 guys tonight and the Mariners as a team had 8 walks. He's supposed to be the ace of the team yet he gets rocked and rolled by the mediocre Mariners? Once again, the inconsistent offense and inconsistent starting pitching is just another sign this team is headed for another 81-81 season or worse. The only bright spot was two shutout innings by Luis Guerrero. Hopefully he can continue to get guys out at the major league level. The Sox now hit the road and the first stop is a three game set in Cleveland against the Guardians. Tomorrow night its Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.66 ERA) against Blake Lively of Cleveland. The game begins at 7:10 PM at Progressive Field.