Red Sox 4, Athletics 5
The Boston Red Sox fail on the sweep attempt and lose to the Athletics Wednesday.
Red Sox – Athletics Game Summary
Boston failed to capitalize after a leadoff double from Jarren Duran, while the Athletics immediately got to starting pitcher Payton Tolle. With one out, Shea Langeliers hit a ball over the fence, just over the jumping Duran to give the soon to be Las Vegas club a 1-0 lead.
Boston responded the next inning, with a Nate Eaton blooper that bounced off of Nick Kurtz’s glove, tying the game at one run apiece. Despite runners on second and third, Boston failed to take the lead. The bottom half saw a leadoff home run from Kurtz to retake the lead for the Athletics.
The back-and-forth kept going in the third inning, when Trevor Story hit the first pitch he saw for an RBI double. Duran kept it going in the 4th, with a fielder’s choice giving Boston their first lead of the ballgame.
Red Sox Take the Lead
The Athletics failed to rally until the 5th inning. After Boston reliever Justin Slaten loaded the bases, the Red Sox called on Steven Matz to get them out of this predicament. Tyler Soderstrom hit an RBI double to give the Red Sox the lead, although Lawrence Butler made the second out of the inning on the throw to home plate following Soderstrom’s double.
The next three innings saw 1-2-3 innings from Boston, as the Athletics tried, but failed, to get some insurance runs. Fortunately for Boston, Rob Refsnyder hit a pinch-hit double to tie the game at four.
Despite entering the bottom of the ninth tied at four, Boston closer Aroldis Chapman was sent out to ensure a victory. Langeliers led off the inning, and did what the last 50 batters who faced Chapman couldn’t do: reach base. A leadoff double instantly put Chapman in trouble.
Two batters later, Butler sealed the deal with a walk-off single to ensure the Athletics aren’t swept in the series.
What Went Right for the Red Sox
Competed Until the End
The Red Sox, despite being down at multiple points, got back on the horse and put some pressure on. In the 9th inning specifically, Boston showed tremendous fight to give Chapman a chance.
What Went Wrong for the Red Sox
Uncharacteristic Chapman Performance
Not only did Chapman’s 50-straight batters retired streak get broken, he allowed the walk-off. Granted, it was probably bound to happen, however, it doesn’t make Boston fans feel any better about it.
Lots of Arms Used
Seven total Boston pitchers were used throughout this contest, including three of their top five leaders in appearances. It would be better if the Red Sox didn’t fail on the sweep attempt.
Looking Ahead
Boston will head back to their barn to take on the New York Yankees in a three-game weekend series. The Red Sox project to let Lucas Giolito take the bump to start the series. The Yankees have yet to name a pitcher for the game at the time of publication. Boston sits a half game below the Yankees in the Wild Card standings. However, they sit three games ahead of the Seattle Mariners, who currently hold the last AL Wild Card spot.
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