Red Sox Disappointing Pitching Leads to 8-1 Loss

Red Sox allow seven runs in the first two innings in a disappointing pitching showing in an 8-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

September 3, 2025

The pitching for the Boston Red Sox was disappointing, leading to an 8-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.

Game Summary

Brennan Bernardino started the game after pitching the ninth inning in the last game of the series. He eventually got taken out before the end of the first. The lefty allowed one run through 2/3 of an inning before getting replaced by Jordan Hicks. However, after striking out Jhonkensy Noel to end the first, the Guardians must’ve eaten their vitamins or said their prayers.

Hicks allowed four straight hits, including a two-run home run from shortstop Gabriel Arias, with Steven Matz coming in to replace him. Two more runs got credited to Hicks after a two-run single from Steven Kwan to give Cleveland a 4-0 lead. Matz wound up allowing two of his own, but only one earned. One from a wild pitch, and the other thanks to a Jarren Duran error.

Boston finally found some stability pitching-wise in the form of Zack Kelly, in his first appearance back since June. Kelly wound up giving the Sox four innings, only allowing two hits and striking out four Cleveland batters. During this time, Nick Sogard drove in the sole Red Sox run with an RBI single in the fourth.

Dustin May pitched the last three innings, giving up one run on a sacrifice fly, three hits, and two walks.

What Went Right for the Sox

Kelly Impresses

Kelly’s first stint with the Sox ended back in June with a 5.56 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP. In an outing where most of the bullpen disappointed, Kelly came out with something to prove, and did. This could help Kelly earn a spot on the playoff roster if everything goes right for him.

Gonzalez Proving Himself

Romy Gonzalez continues to be a constant offensive producer for Boston. Wednesday saw Gonzalez secure his fourth multi-hit game in his last five contests.

What Went Wrong for the Sox

Pitching Disappointment Through Two

For a staff that ranks fifth in ERA this season, seven runs through two innings is truly crushing. Just like Garrett Crochet’s blow-up outing last game, this isn’t the stuff you want to see in a potential playoff team.

Lineup Turning Anemic

Despite seven hits, the Sox couldn’t drive in runs, as Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi performed well over six innings, striking out seven while allowing five hits and two walks.

Looking Ahead

The Sox take two out of three against the Guardians before heading out west. They’ll be heading to Chase Field for a three-game weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Boston currently sits a half-game behind the New York Yankees in the division, as well as the first AL Wildcard spot. The Sox are currently four games ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the Wildcard standings.