Red Sox Walkoff Jays in 10 (4/10/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made some roster moves. Robert Stock accepted his demotion to Worcester and the Sox signed former all-star catcher Yasmani Grandal to a minor league deal. With Connor Wong out of action the Sox need some catching depth and the 36 year old Grandal was the best on the street. He was a 2 time all-star in Los Angeles and Milwaukee and belted 23 home runs for the 2021 Chicago White Sox. He's past his prime and hasn't played since he hit .228 for Pittsburgh last year, but its a better option than than Blake Sabol.

                                                                    In

As for the game, now that's more like it. One night after the Boston Red Sox looked like a little league team with men on base against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Sox turned the tables in extra innings. Walker Buehler pitched his best game so far holding the Jays to two runs in 6 1/3 innings. With the Sox trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, a wild pitch scored Rob Refsnyder to tie the game. After the Sox blew a game winning rally in the bottom of the ninth, the Jays scored off Brennan Bernardino to take a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the tenth, Jarren Duran drove in the tying run and Story beat out a double play grounder with the bases loaded to win the game. The Sox had walked the Jays off 4-3 in 10 innings at Fenway Park. 

                                                                     Sox win

Buehler got the ball in the top of the first inning and Bo Bichette got a base hit to center to start. Andres Gimenez struck out swinging but Anthony Santander got a base hit to right. George Springer grounded into a double play to end the inning. Bassitt got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers got a base hit to left but Alex Bregman popped up to second. Triston Casas took strike three to end the inning.

Will Wagner flied out to left to start the top of the second inning before Ernie Clement lined out to third. Alan Roden got a base hit to right and Taylor Heineman got a base hit to right....booted by Abreu for an error to move Roden to third. Nathan Lukes lined out to first to end the inning. Trevor Story got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the second before swiping second base. With a runner in scoring position, Kristian Campbell popped up to third, Wilyer Abreu struck out swinging and Ceddanne Rafaela popped up to short to end the inning.

Bichette popped up to short to start the top of the third before Gimenez grounded out to second. Santander struck out swinging to end the inning. Carlos Narvaez struck out swinging to start the bottom of the third before Duran got a base hit to right. Devers grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Springer grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth before Wagner struck out swinging. Clement lined out to center to end the inning. Bregman lined out to short to start the bottom of the fourth before Casas lined out to center. Story struck out swinging to end the inning. 

Roden struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth and Heineman popped up to short. Lukes was hit with a pitch and Bichette took strike three to end the inning. Campbell popped up to short to start the bottom of the fifth before Abreu lined out to center. Rafaela grounded out to first to end the inning.

Gimenez struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth before Santander took strike three. Springer grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth as Narvaez flied out to right to start. Duran walked, swiped second and moved to third on a Devers fly out to right. Bregman somehow got a base hit to left to score Devers to put the Sox on top. Casas got a base hit to left to chase Bassitt. Chad Green struck out Story swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                          Bregman drives in a run

The Jays were personally offended the Sox scored on them so they rallied in the top of the seventh. Wagner walked on four pitches not even close but Clement flied out to center. Defying all logic, Sox manager Alex Cora yanked Buehler at the first sign of trouble at just 89 pitches. Buehler tossed 6 1/3 innings and would be charged with one run on 4 hits and a walk. Justin Wilson came in to face Roden but Myles Straw pinch hit for him. Naturally Straw got a base hit to left and Heineman got a base hit to left to score Wagner, moving Straw to third. Vladimir Guerrero Jr pinch hit for Lukas and hit a double play ball to Campbell. He flipped it to Story who....threw the ball away for an error to score Straw to put the Jays up for good. Bichette was intentionally walked and Gimenez grounded out to first to end the inning with the Jays up 2-1.

                                                            Buehler with a good start

Davis Schneider took over for Clement to start the bottom of the seventh and Campbell walked to start. Abreu flied out to center and Campbell got thrown out at second trying to steal. Rafaela struck out swinging to end the inning.

Garrett "The Lock" Whitlock came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Santander took strike three to start. Springer doubled to right but Wagner struck out swinging. Schneider walked but Straw forced him at second to end the inning. Brendon Little came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Narvaez. Wagner booted a grounder by Refsnyder for an error and Duran drew a walk. Naturally with two men on, Devers struck out swinging on a pitch in the dirt. Yimi Garcia came in to pitch to Bregman and Alex forced Duran at second to put runners at the corners. A wild pitch scored Refsnyder to tie the game, but Casas flied out to left to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                               Refsnyder scores

Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Heineman singled to left to start. Guerrero Jr flied out to center and Heineman stole second on the swinging strikeout by Bichette. Gimenez struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox looked to win the game in the bottom of the ninth when Story got a base hit to left to start. Story stole second and naturally Campbell lined out to left. Abreu was intentionally walked but Rafaela struck out swinging. Sabol struck out swinging to end the inning.

Brennan Bernardino came in to pitch the top of the tenth with Gimenez starting at second base. Gimenez moved to third on the nubber in front of the plate by Santander and scored on the Springer sac fly to right. Wagner flied out to center to end the inning with the Jays up 3-2.

                                                         Springer puts the Jays on top

Sabol started at second base with Nick Sandlin now on the mound. Somehow Duran got a base hit to center to score Sabol with the tying run. Duran was thrown out at second trying to steal but Devers got a base hit to center. Bregman got hit with a pitch and David Hamilton ran for Devers. Casas was hit with a pitch to load the bases to bring up Story. Story hit a grounder to Gimenez who bobbled it, instinctively throwing to first to get Story...but Hamilton scored to win the game. The Sox had walked it off 3-2.

                                                                    Sox win

Hero of the Night is Trevor Story. He stole multiple bags to put himself in scoring position then said screw it and drove the winning run in himself.

                                       "Want something done? Do it yourself" - Hero Story                      

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, an rbi, a stolen base, and a run scored.

Rafael Devers was 2 for 5.

David Hamilton scored the winning run as a pinch runner.

Walker Buehler tossed 6 1/3 innings of 1 run ball allowing 4 hits and a walk while striking out 7.

Garrett Whitlock pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Justin Wilson allowed a run in 2/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 4 but the one hit drove in a run.

Triston Casas was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Kristian Campbell was 0 for 3 but walked.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and an error but drew a walk.

Rob Refsnyder was 0 for 1 at the plate but scored a run.

Blake Sabol was 0 for 1 at the plate but scored a run.

Brennan Bernardino allowed an unearned run and got the win in the 10th.

Final Thoughts:

For 9 innings it looked like the Sox were headed to a series sweep and another painful defeat where they left men on base with runners in scoring position all night. Campbell and Abreu have clearly cooled off and now the offense can't get anything done. Still, the pitching has been spectacular so far when the Sox aren't throwing the ball all over the field. You'd think they'd have improved their defense the last couple of years, but, no. Walker Buehler stepped it up big time today and so far the bullpen is holding up. Going 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position isn't going to cut it moving forward but they managed to survive this one. Hopefully they can break out of this funk, otherwise its going to be a long season. The Sox now travel to Chicago for a three game set with the White Sox and old friend Chase Meidroth. Sean Newcomb (0-1, 5.19 ERA) takes on Davis Martin of the White Sox. The game begins tomorrow night at 7:40 PM Eastern time at Comiskey Park.

Jays Beat Slumping Sox in 11 (4/9/25)

 For the third straight game the Boston Red Sox offense went ice cold against the Toronto Blue Jays. After scoring 18 runs on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, they've scored just four since. Kevin Gausman allowed an unearned run in eight innings against the pathetic Sox bats that once again went 0-11 with runners in scoring position. Tanner Houck went 6 2/3 strong innings to keep the Sox in the game but the story was the inept offense failing to do anything. Both bullpens remained strong into extra innings. In the top of the 11th, Bo Bichette hit a sacrifice fly off Josh Winckowski (0-1, 0.00 ERA) to put the Jays up. The Sox didn't even hit the ball out of the infield after the eighth inning and suffered an ignominious 2-1 defeat by the Jays at Fenway Park.

                                                  Gary's message to the Boston offense

The Jays wasted no time getting to Houck in the top of the first inning as Bo Bichette grounded out to short to start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr singled to third, Anthony Santander got a base hit to center and Andres Gimenez got a base hit to left to load the bases. Will Wagner beat out a double play ball to put the Jays on top by scoring Guerrero. Alejandro Kirk flied out to center to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.

                                                                    Jays go on top

The Sox answered against Gausman in the bottom of the first as Jarren Duran got a base hit to center to start. Duran took off for second and Kirk's throw went into centerfield allowing Duran to take second and third. Rafael Devers struck out swinging but Alex Bregman hit a sac fly to center to score Duran to tie the game. Triston Casas flied out to right to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                           Bregman ties it up

Alan Roden grounded out to first to start the top of the second before Ernie Clement struck out swinging. Nathan Lukes grounded out to third to end the inning. Trevor Story lined out to right to start the bottom of the second before Wilyer Abreu grounded back to the mound. Kristian Campbell took strike three to end the inning.

Bichette grounded out to first to start the top of the third before Guerrero Jr popped up to first. Santander flied out to right to end the inning. Hamilton flied out to left to start the bottom of the third before Carlos Narvaez struck out swinging. Duran grounded out to first to end the inning.

Gimenez walked to start the top of the fourth before Wagner hit a bullet to Abreu, who doubled off Gimenez for the double play. Kirk struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fourth as Devers smacked a double to center to start. Bregman, Story and Casas all struck out swinging to end the inning.

Roden grounded out to second to start the top of the fifth before Clement flied out to right. Lukes lined out to left to end the inning. Abreu struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth before Campbell took strike three. Hamilton flied out to center to end the inning.

Bichette grounded out to second to start the top of the sixth but Guerrero Jr lashed a base hit to center. Santander hit a bullet to Casas who doubled off Guerrero to end the inning. The Sox blew another rally in the bottom of the sixth as Narvaez struck out swinging to start. Duran struck out swinging but Devers pounded a ground rule double down the right field line. Once again with a runner on second....Bregman grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Jays went up for good in the top of the seventh as Gimenez got a base hit to right to start. Wagner walked but Kirk grounded into a double play to chase Houck. For whatever reason, Sox manager Alex Cora left Garrett Crochet in to freeze to death last night but yanks Houck after just 90 pitches with the inning not even over. Houck allowed just 1 run in 6 2/3 innings giving up just 5 hits and 2 walks. Justin Wilson came in to get Roden to ground out to second to end the inning.

                                                               Houck did what he could

Casas flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh before Story flied out to right. Abreu popped up to third to end the inning.

Justin Slaten came in to pitch the top of the eighth and Clement grounded out to short to start. Lukes lined out to a running Duran and Bichette lined out to short to end the inning. Gausman returned for the bottom of the eighth but Campbell got a base hit to left to start. Hamilton flied out to right and Narvaez grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning and Guerrero Jr singled to left to start. Santander struck out swinging and Gimenez also went down hacking. George Springer pinch hit for Wagner and flied out to center to end the inning. Jeff Hoffman came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Duran grounded out to second to start. Devers popped up to third and Bregman took strike three to end the inning.

Greg Weissert came in to pitch the top of the tenth inning with Gimenez starting at second base. Kirk popped up to first but Roden grounded out to second to move Gimenez to third. Clement flied out to left to end the inning. Bregman started the bottom of the tenth and second and moved to third on the Casas grounder to second. With a chance to end it....Story struck out swinging on a pitch not even close. Abreu was intentionally walked and he took second on defensive indifference. Campbell struck out swinging to end the inning.

Josh Winckowski came in to pitch the top of the eleventh with Clement starting at second base. Lukes grounded out to short to move Ernie to third and Clement scored on the sac fly to center by Bichette. Guerrero Jr grounded out to third to end the inning with the Jays up 2-1.

                                                         Jays go up for good

Nick Sandlin came in to pitch the bottom of the eleventh with Campbell starting at second. Hamilton struck out swinging and Rob Refsnyder pinch hit for Narvaez. Refsnyder hit one up the elevator shaft and Duran grounded out to second to end the game. The Jays had won it 2-1.

                                                               Jays win

Jackass of the Night is Trevor Story. He was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts including with the winning run on third in the tenth.

                                                                    Jackass Story

The Good:

Rafael Devers was 2 for 4.

Tanner Houck tossed 6 2/3 innings of 1 run ball. He allowed 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2.

Justin Wilson got the final out of the seventh inning.

Justin Slaten pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Greg Weissert pitched a scoreless tenth inning.

The Bad:

Triston Casas was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

David Hamilton was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

Rob Refsnyder was 0 for 1 at the plate.

The Ugly:

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

Alex Bregman was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but drove in a run.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked.

Kristian Campbell was just 1 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Josh Winckowski took the loss by allowing an unearned run in the 11th inning.

Final Thoughts:

This is a team wide epidemic that was masked by a brief hot streak by Wilyer Abreu and Kristian Campbell. Once those two cooled off, the offense has been pretty much non-existent all season with men on base. The Sox were 0 for 11 with a runner in scoring position and had not one but two chances to win or tie the game in extra innings. The Sox aren't just not hitting, they're not even making contact. Some of the pitches they're missing are straight fastballs right down the middle, in the dirt or 3 feet over their heads. Fans on social media are upset at Alex Cora for his in-game managerial decisions but he himself could grab a bat and it won't make a difference. Fans are also calling for the head of hitting coach Pete Fatse. At some point the players are going to have to execute, coaching won't matter when the bat is in their hands. Hopefully this is just cold April jitters because this is going to be a long season if this continues. The sad part was the pitching was outstanding tonight and Tanner Houck deserved better. The Sox look to avoid a sweep tomorrow afternoon against the Jays when Walker Buehler (1-1, 8.68 ERA) takes on Chris Bassitt of Toronto. The game begins at 4:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Jays Freeze Crochet, Sox (4/8/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made roster moves. Connor Wong was placed on the Injured List with a fractured pinky finger and former San Francisco Giants catcher Blake Sabol was called up to replace him. Robert Stock was designated for assignment and Josh Winckowski was called up to replace him. So much for Stock.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                       IN

As for the game, that was an epic disaster. With temperatures dropping to the mid 20's as time went on, the Red Sox were ice cold against the Toronto Blue Jays in more ways than one. Garrett Crochet (1-1, 1.45 ERA) got roughed up for 4 runs in the top of the sixth inning with no help coming from the incompetent Red Sox defense that committed another two errors. At the plate, the Sox were stymied by Easton Lucas as he allowed just 3 hits in 5 1/3 innings. Zack Kelly put the game out of reach by allowing two runs of his own and the Jays ran away with this one 6-1 at a frozen Fenway Park.

                                                      Live look at the Red Sox offense

Crochet got the ball in the top of the first inning and Bo Bichette got a base hit to left to start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr grounded out to second to move Bichette to second. Anthony Santander struck out swinging but George Springer walked. Ernie Clement singled to left to load the bases and Davis Schneider took strike three to end the inning. Lucas got the ball in the bottom of the first inning and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Rafael Devers struck out swinging and Alex Bregman flied out to right to end the inning.

Myles Straw grounded out to short to start the top of the second before old friend Tyler Heineman grounded out to short. Alan Roden flied out to right to end the inning. Rob Refsnyder struck out swinging to start the bottom of the second before Trevor Story also went down hacking. Kristian Campbell flied out to center to end the inning.

Bichette walked to start the top of the third and took second on a grounder to second by Guerrero Jr. Santander flied out to right and Springer took strike three to end the inning. Romy Gonzalez lined out to left to start the bottom of the third before Carlos Narvaez grounded out to short. Ceddanne Rafaela got a base hit to left. Duran walked but Devers forced him at second to end the inning.

Clement grounded out to short to begin the top of the fourth before Schneider swung at air for strike three. Straw took strike three to end the inning. Bregman flied out to left to start the bottom of the fourth before Refsnyder grounded out to short. Story singled to left but Campbell struck out swinging to end the inning.

Heineman got a base hit to center to start the top of the fifth but Roden's bunt got him thrown out at second. Bichette flied out to right and Guerrero lined out to a running Refsnyder to end the inning. Gonzalez swung at air to start the bottom of the fifth before Narvaez also went down hacking. Rafaela flied out to right to end the inning.

The Jays struck in the top of the sixth as Santander grounded out to short to start. Naturally Springer hit a home run all the way to Jupiter to put the Jays up for good. Clement lined out to a diving Rafaela and Schneider hit a routine grounder to third. Bregman inexplicably turned and fired the ball into the Monster Seats for an error. Straw walked and naturally Campbell threw a routine grounder by Heineman away for an error to score Schneider to ice the game. Roden walked on 5 pitches not even close to load the bases and chase Crochet. The Jays broke Crochet in the sixth inning as he allowed 4 runs in just 5 2/3 innings on 5 hits and 4 walks. Zack Kelly came in to pitch and naturally Bichette ripped a base hit to center to score two runners, putting the game out of reach. Guerrero Jr lined out to right to end the inning with the Jays up 4-0.

                                                   "God damn its cold" - Crochet

The Sox laid down in the bottom of the sixth as Duran struck out swinging to start. Somehow Devers got a lucky base hit to right and that was it for Lucas. Chad Green came in to pitch to Bregman and naturally Bregman struck out swinging. Refsnyder got a base hit in the hole at short but with two men on, Story popped up to short to end the inning.

Zack Kelly came in to pitch the top of the seventh as Santander struck out swinging to start. Springer got another base hit to center but Clement flied out to left. Andres Gimenez pinch hit for Schneider and forced Springer at second to end the inning. The Sox finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh with Yariel Rodriguez on the mount. Campbell lined out to center but Gonzalez doubled off the Monster. Wilyer Abreu pinch hit for Narvaez and lined out to short, but Rafaela singled off the glove of Gimenez to score Gonzalez. Brendon Little came in to pitch to Duran and a wild pitch moved Rafaela to second. Now with a runner in scoring position, Duran struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 4-1.

                                                         Rafaela drives in a run

Just when the Sox inched closer, the Jays iced it in the top of the eighth with Blake Sabol now behind the plate. Straw got a base hit to right and Heineman walked. Roden took strike three but Bichette got a base hit to left to score Straw. That was it for Kelly as Josh Winckowski made his season debut by plunking Guerrero Jr. Santander grounded out to second to score Heineman. Springer grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox down 6-1.

                                                          Santander wraps up the scoring

Mason Fluharty came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Devers reached on a throwing error by Bichette....only for Bregman to take strike three. Refsnyder grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Clement struck out swinging to start the top of the ninth before Gimenez lined out to left. Straw grounded out to second to end the inning. Jacob Barnes came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Story got a base hit to center to start. Campbell got a base hit to center but once again with runners in scoring position, Gonzalez grounded into a double play. Sabol took three straight strikes right down the middle to end the game. The Jays had won it 6-1.

                                                              Jays win

Jackass of the Night is Alex Bregman. He went 0 for 4 at the plate with 2 strikeouts and made a crucial error to cost them the game.

                                                          "That Bregman is a Jackass"

The Good:

Trevor Story was 2 for 4.

Josh Winckowski tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Blake Sabol was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Zack Kelly allowed 2 runs in 1 2/3 innings.

The Ugly:

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

Rafael Devers was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Rob Refsnyder was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Kristian Campbell was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout and an error.

Romy Gonzalez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but scored a run.

Garrett Crochet took the loss allowing 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings but only one was earned. He allowed 5 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5.

Final Thoughts:

That was one of the most embarrassing games of the season for so many reasons. Not only could they not hit Easton Lucas, as soon as a runner touched second base the hitters totally froze besides Rafaela. Crochet was battling through five innings while Lucas cruised. Then the errors kicked in. Bregman was supposed to be Devers in the field and he's committed 3 errors already. Campbell's throw was awful but Gonzalez didn't exactly stretch out for it....but he shouldn't be playing first to begin with. Bottom line was this was a badly executed game from the manager on down. I don't care how cold it was, you're supposed to be mentally tough, this wasn't mentally tough. The Blue Jays play in a dome and they showed more poise than the Sox. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow night when old nemesis Kevin Gausman goes for the Jays against Tanner Houck (0-1, 6.52 ERA) at 6:45 PM at Fenway Park.

Jays Shut Down Sox (4/7/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a shocking roster move. The Sox traded Quinn Priester to the Milwaukee Brewers for 19 year old outfield prospect Yophery Rodriguez, the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft and either a sack of money or a player to be named. With Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello due back from injury, the Sox were going to have way too many pitchers. Hunter Dobbins impressing last night pretty much sealed the fate of Priester. The Sox got Priester at the deadline last year for Nick Yorke and he won his only major league start despite struggling in Worcester. Now who did they get? Yophery Rodriguez is a 19 year old outfielder who was the #7 ranked prospect in Milwaukee's system. He had a couple of good games for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers after hitting .250 with 7 home runs and 60 rbis last year for the Low A Carolina Mudcats. He's the same age as Roman Anthony so now the Sox have two 19 year old guys to keep their eyes on. The Sox also get the "competitive balance pick" which is essentially the Brewers second round pick. The Sox now have two of the top 35 picks in the draft coming up. Good luck to Priester in Milwaukee, hope this doesn't come back to haunt the Sox. The other move is Cooper Criswell was optioned back to Worcester after his recent struggles and old pal Robert Stock was called up to replace him. Stock was a cult hero on the 2020 Red Sox so its nice to see him again.

                                                                         OUT

                                                                            IN

As for the game, it was bound to happen after the Sox scored 18 runs last night. Tonight Braxton Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays held the Sox to just 5 measly hits and 2 runs. "Big" Dick Fitts (0-2, 4.50 ERA) battled for 6 innings but allowed 3 runs to the Jays. Greg Weissert and the returning Robert Stock put the game out of reach by allowing 3 runs combined. It didn't matter anyway as the red hot Kristian Campbell didn't play and Wilyer Abreu finally cooled off, leading to a Jays 6-2 victory over the Sox at Fenway Park.

                                                                Sad Jerry

Fitts got in trouble almost immediately in the top of the first inning as Ceddanne Rafaela made an amazing sliding catch to rob Bo Bichette of a triple to start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr struck out swinging but Anthony Santander walked. Andres Gimenez walked and Connor Wong hurt his hand on a catcher's interference on George Springer to load the bases. Alejandro Kirk flied out to left to end the inning.

Jarren Duran doubled to center to start the bottom of the first and moved to third on a Rafael Devers grounder to second. Alex Bregman popped up to second and Triston Casas grounded out to third to end the inning.

Carlos Narvaez came in to catch the top of the second and Will Wagner grounded out to short to start. Nathan Lukes struck out swinging and Alan Roden lined out to third to end the inning. Trevor Story grounded out to short to start the bottom of the second before Wilyer Abreu took strike three. Narvaez popped up to short to end the inning.

The Jays struck first in the top of the third as Bichette doubled to center to start. Guerrero Jr walked but Santander grounded out to first to move both runners over. Gimenez hit a sac fly to right to score Bichette and Springer got a base hit to left to score Guerrero. Kirk got a base hit to right but Wagner lined out to Rafaela to end the inning with the Jays up 2-0.

                                                          Springer drives in a run

The Sox rallied in the bottom of the third as David Hamilton walked to start. Hamilton stole second but then got picked off almost immediately. Rafaela walked and Duran doubled to right to move Ceddanne to third. Devers hit a sac fly to center to score Rafaela but Bregman flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox down 2-1.

                                                       Devers brings the Sox closer

Lukes popped up to third to start the top of the fourth before Roden struck out swinging. Bichette struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the fourth as Casas grounded out to second to start. Story grounded out to short and Abreu grounded out to first to end the inning.

Guerrero Jr got a base hit to center to start the top of the fifth but Santander grounded into a double play. Gimenez walked and naturally stole second base. Springer got another base hit to left to score Gimenez to ice the game. Kirk flied out to right to end the inning with the Jays up 3-1.

                                                            Springer does it again

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the fifth as Narvaez grounded out to short to start. Hamilton grounded out to first and Rafaela grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Jays blew a rally in the top of the sixth as Duran dropped a pop up by Wagner for an error to start. A wild pitch moved Wagner to second and Lukes got a base hit to left to move Wagner to third. Somehow Wagner remained at third as Roden forced Lukes out at second for a big out....but wait! Sox manager Alex Cora that Roden was out at first as well. Sure enough, the call stood with Wagner still on third. Bichette flied out to center to end the inning. That was it for Fitts who battled but allowed 3 runs in 6 innings of work. He gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out four.

                                                               Fitts deserved better

Greg Weissert came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Guerrero Jr got a base hit to right to start. Santander took strike three and Gimenez forced Guerrero at second. Gimenez stole second and Springer did it again with a base hit to right to score him. Kirk got a base hit in the hole at second and Wagner got a base hit to center to score Springer. Lukes grounded out to second to end the inning with the Jays up 5-1.

                                              Someone needs to throw up and in next time

Casas walked to start the bottom of the seventh and Story drilled a base hit to left. Naturally Abreu flied out to left, Narvaez flied out to left and Hamilton took strike three right down the middle to end the inning.

Robert Stock made his first appearance at Fenway in 5 years by getting Roden to pop up to first to start the top of the eighth. Bichette grounded out to second and Guerrero grounded out to short to end the inning. Suddenly the Sox came to life in the bottom of the eighth with Yimi Garcia on the mound. Wagner threw a grounder by Rafaela away and Duran walked. Devers lined out to center and Bregman flied out to left, but Casas got a base hit to left to score Rafaela. Duran moved to third but he was stranded when Story took strike three right down the middle to end the inning with the Sox down 5-2.

                                                             Casas drives in a run

Stock got roughed up in the top of the ninth as Santander drilled a base hit to right to start. Gimenez flied out to center and Springer once again got a base hit, off the glove of Stock. Kirk lined out to second but Wagner walked to load the bases. Lukes booped a single to center to score Santander but Wagner was thrown out at third. Blue Jays manager John Schneider challenged he was safe but the umpires upheld the call to end the inning with the Jays up 6-2.

                                                           Lukes drives in a run

Ernie Clement came in for Wagner and Myles Straw came in for Lukes with Jeff Hoffman on the mound for the bottom of the ninth. Abreu struck out swinging, Narvaez grounded out to third and Hamilton flied out to left to end the game. The Jays had won it 6-2.

                                                          Jays win

Jackass of The Night is Greg Weissert. He turned a 3-1 game into 5-1 after allowing a couple of runs.

                                                                  Jackass Weissert

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Triston Casas was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

The Bad:

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Carlos Narvaez was 0 for 4.

The Ugly:

Rafael Devers was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.

Alex Bregman was just 1 for 4.

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

David Hamilton was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and got picked off but walked and stole a base.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 0 for 2 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Dick Fitts took the loss but allowed just 3 runs in 6 innings of work. He gave up 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4.

Robert Stock allowed a run in 2 innings of work.

Honorable Mention:

Connor Wong caught the top of the first.

Final Thoughts:

Double dose of bad news as it was revealed after the game Connor Wong fractured his pinky finger and will spend some time on the Injured List. The Sox also lost the game where the offense had just 5 hits. Usually when a team scores nearly 20 runs in one game, they can't hit for beans in the next game. The worst part was the New York Yankees lost today so the Sox would have ended up in first place had they won the game. It was good to see Robert Stock again who hadn't pitched at Fenway since he accidentally went viral five years ago. Fitts was a victim of poor run support and he might be the next to go back to Worcester once one of the injured starters returns. It'll be interesting to see who takes Wong's place. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow night with Garrett Crochet on the mound against Easton Lucas of Toronto. The game begins at 6:45 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Bash Cardinals in Game 2 (4/6/25)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox brought up rookie pitcher Hunter Dobbins to make his major league debut. He was 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA for Worcester last year to end the year. He can throw 99 on the gun and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

                                                                       IN

As for the game, don't look now but the Red Sox have gotten red hot. After a pathetic start to the season, the Sox have won 5 straight games including a massacre of the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of today's doubleheader. Hunter Dobbins (1-0, 3.60 ERA) won his major league debut by holding the Cardinals to just 2 runs in 5 gutty innings. Meanwhile the bats exploded and looked like a juggernaut. Alex Bregman drove in six runs with a 3 run home run sprinkled in. Rafael Devers and Wilyer Abreu both had 3 rbis apiece with both Ceddanne and Jarren Duran busting out of their slumps with 3 hits apiece. Every member of the starting nine had at least one hit before some of them left the game. The only drawback was the Cards bats were relentless to score 7 runs on 12 hits of their own. The Sox countered with 22 hits and 18 runs to run away with this one 18-7 at Fenway Park.

                                                         Beth Rona approves of the win

The Cards jumped all over Dobbins in the top of the first as Lars Nootbaar grounded out to second to start. Wilson Contreras doubled to the centerfield wall and Brendan Donovan poked a double down the third base line to score Contreras. Nolan Arenado walked but Dobbins picked him off. Alec Burleson struck out swinging to end the inning with the Cards up 1-0.

                                                       Donovan gives St. Louis the lead

Mikolas got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran swung at air 3 feet over his head to start. Rafael Devers hit a bullet single off the Monster and moved to third when Alex Bregman got a base hit up the middle, booted by Victor Scott for an error. The red hot Wilyer Abreu drilled a base hit into right to score Devers to tie the game. Both runners moved over on the Trevor Story grounder to the mound but Kristian Campbell grounded out to second to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                           Abreu drives in a run

Dobbins dominated in the top of the second as Jordan Walker grounded out to third to start. Pedro Pages and Scott both struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the second as Romy Gonzalez dumped a base hit to right to start. Carlos Narvaez doubled off the Monster and Ceddanne Rafaela lashed a base hit to right to score Gonzalez, moving Carlos to third. Naturally Duran hit a measly pop up to short but Devers walked on a bad full count call. Bregman took advantage with a two run double off the Monster to increase the lead. Abreu continued his hot streak with a two run double into the gap in center to push the lead further. Story moved Abreu to third on a grounder to second but Campbell flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 6-1.

                                                            Bregman with the big double

Winn lined out to a running Rafaela to start the top of the third but once again Nootbaar got a seeing eye single into left. Somehow Contreras sliced a base hit to right but Abreu gunned down Nootbaar at third. Donovan hit yet another seeing eye single into right but Arenado grounded out to first to end the inning. Gonzalez grounded out to second to start the bottom of the third before Narvaez flied out to center. Rafaela blooped a base hit to right and promptly stole second. Duran got a seeing eye single to right to score Rafaela to increase the lead. Devers got a seeing eye single of his own up the middle to move Duran to third. That was it for Mikolas as Cards manager Oliver Marmol brought in Gordon Graceffo to pitch to Bregman. Alex then launched a three run bomb to ice the game. Abreu was rung up for strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 10-1.

                                                                Home run Bregman

The Cardinals fought back in the top of the fourth as Duran totally whiffed on a pop up by Burleson for a "double" to start . Walker walked but Pages struck out swinging. Scott grounded out on a roller to first but Winn hit a 40 foot chopper "single" to score Burleson. Nootbaar flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 10-2.

                                                                  Winn drives in a run

Story grounded out to third to start the bottom of the fourth but Campbell sliced a base hit to right. Gonzalez struck out swinging and Narvaez forced Campbell to end the inning.

Contreras was hit with a pitch to start the top of the fifth but Donovan lined out to Campbell. Arenado got a base hit to center but Burleson struck out swinging. Walker grounded out to second to end the inning. That was it for Dobbins who battled to toss 5 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5.

                                                               First start for Dobbins

Rafaela grounded out to third to start the bottom of the fifth but Duran caught the Cards asleep with a seeing eye grounder into right that he stretched to a double. Devers hit a 470 foot blast....to dead center off the Monster for an rbi double. Any other park and that was gone. Bregman popped up to short and Abreu lined out to second to end the inning with the Sox up 11-2.

                                                                Long double for Devers

Brennan Bernardino came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Pages grounded out to third to start. Scott grounded out to second and Winn struck out swinging to end the inning. Thomas Saggase came in for Arenado with Michael Siani in for Scott to start the bottom of the sixth. Story doubled to the left field wall to start but Campbell grounded out to third. Gonzalez grounded out to Donovan to move Story to third and Narvaez scored him with a double into the left field corner. Rafaela drew a walk and Duran hit a ball in the hole at short to score Story. Devers doubled off the centerfield wall to clear the bases and increase the lead. Bregman then doubled into the left field corner to score Devers with another run. John King was summoned to face Abreu and Wilyer grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 16-2.

                                                      Duran gets in on the fun

Cooper Criswell came in to pitch the top of the seventh with David Hamilton replacing Story at short, Triston Casas taking over for Bregman and Rob Refsnyder in for Duran. Refsnyder dropped a pop up from Nootbaar for a 2 bag error to start. Contreras grounded back to the mound to move Nootbaar to third and Donovan walked. Saggese hit a sac fly to left to score Nootbaar and Burleson grounded out ton first to end the inning with the Cards down 16-3.

                                                           Cards get a run back

Story grounded out to second to start the bottom of the seventh but Campbell drew a walk. Gonzalez got a seeing eye single into right and Narvaez walked to load the bases. A passed ball scored Campbell and Rafaela beat out a grounder to short to score Gonzalez, moving Narvaez to third. That was it for John King as Chris Roycroft came in to pitch to Refsnyder. Rob flied out to left and Connor Wong pinch hit for Devers and grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox up 18-3.

                                                           Rafaela beats it out

Criswell returned for the top of the eighth and Walker flied out to left to start. Pages grounded out to second and Siani grounded out to second to end the inning. Roycroft returned for the bottom of the eighth and Casas was robbed of a home run by Walker to start. Abreu struck out swinging and Hamilton also went down hacking to end the inning.

Criswell returned to close out the top of the ninth and Winn got yet another seeing eye single to left to start. Nootbaar flied out to left and Luken Baker pinch hit for Contreras. Baker hit a routine grounder to Gonzalez who threw the ball away for an error. Donovan made him pay with a double off the Monster to score Winn. Sagges then hit a home run all the way to Cuba to make the fans groan. Burleson grounded out to short but Walker got a base hit to center to keep the torture going. Pages flied out to left to end the game. The Sox had won the game 18-7.

                                                             Sox win

Hero of The Night is Alex Bregman. He was 4 for 5 with a three run home run and 6 total rbis, damn near outscoring the Cardinals by himself.

                                                         Hero Bregman

The Good:

Jarren Duran was 3 for 5 with 2 rbis and 3 runs scored.

Rafael Devers was 4 for 4 with a walk, 3 rbis and 4 runs scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 2 for 6 with 3 rbis.

Romy Gonzalez was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Carlos Narvaez was 2 for 4 with a walk, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 3 for 4 with a walk, stolen base, an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Hunter Dobbins earned the win in his major league debut by tossing 5 innings of 2 run ball. He allowed 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5.

Brennan Bernardino tossed a scoreless sixth inning.

The Bad:

Rob Refsnyder was 0 for 1 at the plate with an error.

Connor Wong was 0 for 1 at the plate.

Triston Casas was 0 for 1 at the plate.

David Hamilton was 0 for 2.

Cooper Criswell allowed 5 runs in 3 innings of work despite getting the "save".

The Ugly:

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Kristian Campbell was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

That was definitely a great end to opening weekend, wasn't it? The Sox scored 36 runs in three games and swept their way back over .500. Nobody in their right mind thought that Devers and Bregman were going to stink forever and now that they got their timing down, they're going to be a tough duo to stop. If Story and Casas get into a groove, now other teams are really in trouble. Abreu is having a hell of a start to the season, hopefully he can keep this up. Campbell is right behind him and once again, it would be unfair to expect it to last, but enjoy it while its happening. The only drawback to this entire series is the pitching allowed 20 runs in three games as well. The Cards bats were almost as relentless which means the Sox better improve their pitching in a hurry. The good news is you won't be seeing Criswell or Sean Newcomb once the injured starters come back. Still, knowing that Hunter Dobbins wasn't afraid of the bright lights means the Sox have pitching depth just in case someone else goes down. Sox fans have a lot to be happy about for the first time in years and hopefully they carry this momentum into Toronto for the next series. The Sox look to make it six wins in a row tomorrow night when they welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays for a four game set. "Big" Dick Fitts (0-1, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound against Easton Lucas of the Blue Jays. The game begins at 6:45 PM at Fenway Park.