A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
2019 Boston Red Sox | ||
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League | American League | |
Division | East | |
Ballpark | Fenway Park | |
City | Boston | |
Record | 84–78 (.519) | |
Divisional place | 3rd (19 GB) | |
Owners | John W. Henry (Fenway Sports Group) | |
President | Sam Kennedy | |
President of baseball operations | Dave Dombrowski (until Sept. 9)[1] Acting (from Sept. 9): Brian O'Halloran, Eddie Romero, Zack Scott, Raquel Ferreira[2] | |
General manager | none (de facto by President of Baseball Operations) | |
Manager | Alex Cora | |
Television | NESN: Dave O'Brien (play-by-play); Jerry Remy, Dennis Eckersley, Carlos Peña, Jarrod Saltalamacchia (color); Tom Caron (studio) | |
Radio | WEEI-FM, Boston Red Sox Radio Network: Joe Castiglione & rotation of partners | |
Stats | ESPN.com BB-reference | |
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The 2019 Boston Red Sox season was the 119th season in the team's history, and their 108th season at Fenway Park. The Red Sox entered the season as reigning World Series champions, but did not repeat, as they were eliminated from playoff contention on September 20. With a record of 84 wins and 78 losses, they finished third in the American League East, 19 games behind the New York Yankees. It was the first time the Red Sox did not win their division since 2015.
Offseason
During the offseason, the team retained or re-signed most players from the 2018 team. Not retained were closer Craig Kimbrel, reliever Joe Kelly, starter Drew Pomeranz, and second baseman Ian Kinsler.[3] Prior to Opening Day, the team sent catcher Sandy León to the minor leagues, opting to carry two catchers on the roster, Christian Vázquez and Blake Swihart.[4] Manager Alex Cora stated he would use Andrew Benintendi as the team's leadoff hitter, with Mookie Betts batting second, swapping their positions from the team's usual 2018 batting order.[5] Cora did not name a specific relief pitcher as closer.[6]
October–December 2018
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October
November
December
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January–March 2019
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January
February
March
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Regular season
Key dates:[40]
- March 28: Season opener at Seattle Mariners.
- April 9: Home opener vs. Toronto Blue Jays.
- June 29–30: 2019 MLB London Series in England vs. New York Yankees
- July 8–11: All-Star break.
- July 9: All-Star Game at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
- July 12–14: Home series vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, whom Boston defeated in the 2018 World Series.
- September 29: Final regular season game, vs. Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.
Opening Day, March 28 at Seattle Mariners
The 2019 regular season began on March 28 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park (formerly known as Safeco Field). Manager Alex Cora named Chris Sale as Boston's Opening Day starting pitcher, and advised the starting lineup to the media on March 27.[6] Seattle scored seven runs off of Sale, who only pitched three innings and took the loss. Mariners' shortstop Tim Beckham had two home runs en route to a 12–4 final score. Mookie Betts went 3-for-5 at the plate.
Opening Day lineup
Order | No. | Player | Pos. |
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1 | 16 | Andrew Benintendi | LF |
2 | 50 | Mookie Betts | RF |
3 | 11 | Rafael Devers | 3B |
4 | 28 | J. D. Martinez | DH |
5 | 2 | Xander Bogaerts | SS |
6 | 18 | Mitch Moreland | 1B |
7 | 36 | Eduardo Núñez | 2B |
8 | 19 | Jackie Bradley Jr. | CF |
9 | 7 | Christian Vázquez | C |
– | 41 | Chris Sale | P |
March/April
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MarchMarch 28–March 31, at Seattle Mariners Red Sox lost the series 1–3 (24–34 runs) AprilApril 1–April 4, at Oakland Athletics Red Sox lost the series 1–3 (9–18 runs) April 5–April 7, at Arizona Diamondbacks Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (13–20 runs) April 9 & April 11, vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prior to the home opener, the Red Sox celebrated their 2018 World Series victory, including raising a World Series banner and awarding World Series rings.[48] In the game, Boston jumped out to an early 2–0 lead after two innings, only to fall behind 5–2 at the end of four, en route to a 7–5 defeat. Chris Sale gave up five runs in four innings for the loss, including a steal of home by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. For the Red Sox, Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland both homered, while Dustin Pedroia was 1-for-4 in his first MLB game since May 2018. In the second game of this short series, Toronto led 5–3 after three innings and 6–5 after eight. In the ninth inning, a Betts walk followed by a Moreland double tied the game. Two subsequent walks (one intentional) loaded the bases, then Rafael Devers delivered a walk-off single, giving Boston a 7–6 win. Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (12–13 runs) April 12–April 15, vs. Baltimore Orioles Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (16–21 runs) April 16–April 17, at New York Yankees Red Sox lost the series 0–2 (3–13 runs) April 19–April 21, at Tampa Bay Rays The opening game against the AL East leading Rays was a 6–4 Red Sox win. Tied 4–4 in the eighth inning, Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland hit back-to-back home runs, and Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his fourth save of the season. In the second game of the series, the Red Sox jumped out to an early 5–0 lead, with four runs coming on a grand slam by Andrew Benintendi in the second inning. The Rays came back to tie the game, 5–5, through eight innings. Boston scored one run in the top of the ninth, helped in part by a pinch hit double by Michael Chavis in his first MLB at bat. Brasier closed out the game for his fifth save of the season, the final out coming when catcher Christian Vázquez threw to first base to pickoff Rays outfielder Tommy Pham. The final game of the series was Boston's first extra innings game of the season. The Red Sox had a 3–2 lead after seven innings, but the Rays tied it in the bottom of the eighth. After scoreless ninth and tenth innings, Boston scored in the top of the eleventh, on a sacrifice fly by Vázquez that scored Rafael Devers. Brasier then got his third save in three days, closing out the 4–3 win. Red Sox won the series 3–0 (16–12 runs) April 22–April 25, vs. Detroit Tigers Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (24–18 runs) April 26–April 28, vs. Tampa Bay Rays The April 26 game was postponed due to rain, resulting in a day-night doubleheader being scheduled for June 8.[56] In Saturday's game, Tampa Bay starter Charlie Morton held Boston to two hits and no runs through six innings, as the Rays went on to a 2–1 win. An eighth inning homer by Mookie Betts was the Red Sox' only run. In Sunday's game, Red Sox starter Chris Sale allowed two runs in each of the first two innings (two of the four runs were unearned), taking the loss in a 5–2 Rays win. Michael Chavis hit his third MLB home run. Red Sox lost the series 0–2 (3–7 runs) April 29–April 30, vs. Oakland Athletics In the first game of a three-game series, Boston fell behind 4–0 after two innings, then rallied for six runs in the bottom of the third, en route to a 9–4 win. Mookie Betts was 3-for-4, while Michael Chavis had three RBIs. Ryan Brasier got the win in a seven-pitcher effort from the Boston staff. The second game of the series was a 5–1 Boston win, as starter Rick Porcello pitched eight scoreless innings for the win. Betts and Mitch Moreland each homered. |
May
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MayMay 1, vs. Oakland Athletics (cont'd) Red Sox won the series 3–0 (21–8 runs) May 2–May 5, at Chicago White Sox In the first game of a four-game series, the Red Sox took a 4–3 lead into the bottom of the ninth. A one-out error by third baseman Rafael Devers put a runner on first. A single then put runners at the corners, and Nicky Delmonico followed with a three-run walk-off home run off of Ryan Brasier, giving Chicago the win, 6–4. Chris Sale got his first win of the season in the second game of the series, a 6–1 Boston win, allowing no runs and three hits in six innings pitched. Devers and Michael Chavis each homered. The third game of the series was notable for the Red Sox scoring nine runs with two outs in the third inning; after the first two batters were retired, Boston had 10 hits in a row (four singles, three doubles, and three home runs).[57] Chavis and Christian Vázquez each had four hits during the game, a 15–2 Boston win. The series' closing game was tied, 2–2, going into the eighth inning, when Boston scored seven runs. Four runs came on a grand slam by Xander Bogaerts, as the Red Sox won, 9–2. Red Sox won the series 3–1 (34–11 runs) May 6–May 8, at Baltimore Orioles The opening game of the series saw all of Baltimore's runs come on a grand slam by Jonathan Villar off of Josh Smith, who was making a spot start for Boston. The Red Sox plated only a single run, resulting in a 4–1 loss. The first five batters in Boston's order were a collective 0-for-19. With David Price on the injured list, Héctor Velázquez started the second game of the series, leaving after three innings with the score tied, 2–2. Marcus Walden then pitched three innings in relief, later getting credit for the win, as Boston led 6–3 after six innings. Matt Barnes closed out the 8–5 win with a four-out save. J. D. Martinez hit his 200th MLB career home run;[58] Xander Bogaerts and Mitch Moreland also homered. The final game of the series featured Chris Sale holding the Orioles to three hits and one run through eight innings, including pitching an immaculate inning in the bottom of the seventh.[59] Sale received a no decision, as the game went to extra innings, tied 1–1. There were no runs scored in the first two extra frames, with Jackie Bradley Jr. reaching over the outfield wall to prevent a game-winning homer by Trey Mancini in the bottom of the 11th.[60] Andrew Benintendi hit a solo home run to give Boston a 2–1 lead in the top of the 12th, and Heath Hembree closed out the win with his first MLB save. The win gave the Red Sox a 19–19 record, the first time the team was at .500 since the second game of the season. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (11–10 runs) May 10–May 12, vs. Seattle Mariners Eduardo Rodríguez started the first game of the series, holding Seattle scoreless through seven innings. Boston's offense had 15 hits, winning by a 14–1 score. Andrew Benintendi, Rafael Devers, and Mitch Moreland each homered. With the win, the Red Sox reached 20–19, their first winning record of the season. In the second game of the series, Seattle jumped out to an early 4–0 lead in the top of the first inning; Boston responded with one run in bottom of the second and eight runs in the bottom of the third. Boston's 9–5 victory gave the team their first four-game winning streak of the season. Rick Porcello went 6+2⁄3 innings and got the win. Every Boston batter walked at least once, while Moreland and Sandy León each homered. The final game of the series was an 11–2 Boston win, with Michael Chavis going 3-for-5 at the plate with five RBIs, while J. D. Martinez had two home runs. Red Sox won the series 3–0 (34–8 runs) May 14–May 15, vs. Colorado Rockies In the opener of a two-game series, Chris Sale struck out 17 batters, a new career high.[61] He left the game after seven innings with a 3–2 lead, but received a no decision as the game went to extra innings, tied 4–4. Colorado scored a run in the 11th inning off of two walks and a single for a 5–4 win, ending Boston's winning streak at five games. Boston's relievers had seven more strikeouts; the total of 24 tied the single-game record for the Red Sox franchise.[62] The second game of the series also went to extra innings; after Boston built an early 5–0 lead, Colorado tied the game at five in the seventh inning. In the 10th inning, the Rockies had a leadoff double, but were unable to score. In Boston's half of the inning, Xander Bogaerts doubled, Rafael Devers was intentionally walked, and then Michael Chavis drove in Bogaerts to give the Red Sox the win, 6–5. Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (10–10 runs) May 17–May 19, vs. Houston Astros Boston lost the first game of a three-game series, 3–1. A two-run homer by George Springer in the eighth inning took the Astros from a 1–0 deficit to a 2–1 lead. Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vázquez each had three hits for the Red Sox. Houston scored five runs in the second game of the series before Boston had a chance to bat, chasing starter Héctor Velázquez after 1⁄3 of an inning. Boston got no closer than trailing by three runs, 6–3, after the fourth inning, as the Astros went on to win, 7–3. Vázquez homered for the Red Sox. In the final game of the series, Houston had a 3–1 lead after three innings. In the fifth inning, Boston tied the game, 3–3, on a Michael Chavis solo home run, followed by a Mookie Betts double and Bogaerts RBI single. Bogaerts again drove in Betts in the seventh inning, giving the Red Sox what proved to be the winning run in a 4–3 victory. Brandon Workman got the save, the first of his MLB career.[63] Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (8–13 runs) May 20–May 23, at Toronto Blue Jays The Red Sox won the first game of the series, 12–2, while out-hitting the Blue Jays, 16 to 3. Michael Chavis, Jackie Bradley Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers all homered. Boston lost the second game of the series, 10–3, after Toronto jumped out to a 6–0 lead through five innings, powered by DH Rowdy Tellez with two home runs for five RBIs. Boston's runs came on three solo homers; by Bradley Jr., Devers, and Mitch Moreland. The third game of the series was a 6–5 Boston win in 13 innings. Toronto erased one-run deficits both in the bottom of the ninth and in the bottom of the 12th. Boston's winning run came on a Chavis homer; Devers and Mookie Betts also homered earlier in the game. In the final game of the series, Toronto scored first and last, however it was a Boston win, 8–2. Ryan Weber held the Blue Jays to one run on three hits in six innings, earning his first MLB win as a starting pitcher.[64] Steve Pearce hit his first home run of the season. Red Sox won the series 3–1 (29–19 runs) May 24–May 26, at Houston Astros Boston out-hit Houston, 7–4, in the first game of the series, but lost, 4–3. Chris Sale allowed four runs (two earned) in six innings and took the loss, falling to 1–6 on the season. Houston had a 4–0 lead through four innings, with Boston scoring on solo home runs by Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Christian Vázquez in the sixth, eighth, and ninth innings, respectively. In the second game of the series, Red Sox starter David Price left in the first inning, due to flu-like symptoms.[65] The game remained scoreless until Houston took a 2–0 lead in the sixth inning. Boston rallied to tied the game in the top of the ninth, 3–3, but was unable to take the lead, despite having runners on first and third with no outs. In the bottom of the ninth, the Astros had a double, two walks, and a game-winning single by Carlos Correa, giving the Red Sox another 4–3 loss. Houston took a 1–0 first-inning lead in the final game of the series, however Boston scored four unanswered runs to win, 4–1. Rafael Devers hit his seventh home run of the season and Marcus Walden got the save. Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (10–9 runs) May 27–May 29, vs. Cleveland Indians Cleveland took an early 3–0 lead in the first game of the series, with Boston evening the score, 3–3, at the end of four innings. Boston then scored six runs in the fifth, and went on to win, 12–5. Sandy León had a three-run homer and J. D. Martinez hit two home runs. The second game of the series had a 69-minute rain delay during the second inning. Scoreless until the sixth inning, Boston took a 3–0 lead, and held a 5–2 lead going into the ninth inning. Cleveland rallied for five runs in the ninth, with the tying runs being charged to Ryan Brasier, and Travis Lakins taking the loss as Boston fell, 7–5. The final game of the series featured 23 runs and 32 hits, with Cleveland winning, 14–9. Four different Red Sox homered, including Andrew Benintendi, who had three RBIs. Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (26–26 runs) May 30–May 31, at New York Yankees |
June
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JuneJune 1–June 2, at New York Yankees (cont'd) Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (12–14 runs) June 4–June 6, at Kansas City Royals Red Sox won the series 3–0 (23–8 runs) June 7–June 9, vs. Tampa Bay Rays Red Sox lost the series 1–3 (9–21 runs) June 10–June 13, vs. Texas Rangers Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (19–22 runs) June 14–June 16, at Baltimore Orioles In the opener of a three-game series in Baltimore, Boston had 16 hits including six home runs, for a 13–2 win. Eduardo Rodríguez held the Orioles to one run in seven innings, improving his record on the season to 7–4. The second game was scoreless until the sixth inning, with the Red Sox taking a 3–2 lead, en route to a 7–2 final. Chris Sale got the win and improved his record to 3–7, while J. D. Martinez hit his 16th home run of the season. Boston trailed Baltimore, 3–2, going into the ninth inning of the final game of the series, when a home run by Marco Hernández tied the game and sent it to extra innings. The Red Sox then outscored the Orioles, 5–3, in the extra frame, giving Boston an 8–6 victory and their fifth consecutive win. Red Sox won the series 3–0 (28–10 runs) June 17–June 19, at Minnesota Twins Boston extended their winning streak to six games, with a 2–0 win in the series' opener in Minnesota. The only runs of the game came on three singles to open the game, and a pair of ninth-inning doubles. Rick Porcello improved his record to 5–6, while Ryan Brasier recorded his seventh save of the year. The second game of the series was Boston's longest to this point in the season, as the teams were tied, 2–2, at the end of regulation. In the 13th inning, Mookie Betts homered for the Red Sox and Max Kepler homered for the Twins, leaving the game still tied, 3–3. Although Andrew Benintendi reached third base with no outs in the top of the 17th, he was left stranded there. In the bottom of the inning, the Twins loaded the bases with one out on a single, a double, and an intentional walk; Kepler then drove in the winning run with a single to right field. J. D. Martinez and Twins third baseman Miguel Sano each struck out five times in the game.[71] Minnesota led the final game of the series, 4–3, after four innings. Boston then scored the final six runs of the game for the win, 9–4. Eduardo Rodríguez improved his season record to 8–4. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (14–8 runs) June 21–June 23, vs. Toronto Blue Jays Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (15–19 runs) June 24–June 26, vs. Chicago White Sox Red Sox won the series 2–1 (19–16 runs) June 29–June 30, vs. New York Yankees in London, United Kingdom The first MLB game played in Europe opened with the Yankees scoring six runs in the top of the first inning, chasing Boston starter Rick Porcello after one-third of an inning. The Red Sox responded with six runs of their own in the bottom of the first, as New York starter Masahiro Tanaka only lasted two-thirds of an inning. The Yankees built a 17–6 lead through five innings, which the Red Sox narrowed to 17–13 at the end of the seventh, but there was no further scoring. Michael Chavis had a pair of three-run home runs, while Jackie Bradley Jr. also homered. At 4 hours 42 minutes, the game was only three minutes shorter than the longest nine-inning game in MLB history (August 18, 2006, also between the Red Sox and Yankees).[72] In the second and final game of the series, the Red Sox jumped out to a 4–0 first-inning lead. The Yankees scored two runs in the second, and it remained 4–2 until the seventh inning, when New York scored nine runs, giving them an 11–4 lead. Boston closed to 12–8 in the bottom of the eighth, and had the bases loaded with two outs, but there was no further scoring. The loss, Boston's third in a row, left the team with a 44–40 record at the end of June, 11 games behind New York in the American League East standings. Red Sox lost the series 0–2 (21–29 runs) |
July
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JulyJuly 2–July 4, at Toronto Blue Jays In the opening game of the series, Boston scored four runs in the top of the first inning, and built a 7–1 lead en route to a 10–6 victory. Starting pitcher David Price limited the Blue Jays to four hits and two runs in six innings. Rafael Devers had two home runs and six RBIs, while Christian Vázquez went 3-for-5 with a homer. The second game of the series was tied, 3–3, after four innings. The only further scoring was three runs by the Blue Jays, handing the Red Sox a 6–3 defeat. Vázquez hit his 13th home run of the season, Chris Sale saw his record fall to 3–8, and Xander Bogaerts had a golden sombrero (four strikeouts) for the first time in his career.[73] In the final game of the series, a nine-run sixth inning and a pinch hit home run by Marco Hernández in the ninth gave Boston an 8–7 win. Devers and Michael Chavis also homered. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (21–19 runs) July 5–July 7, at Detroit Tigers Boston won the opener of the series, 9–6, in a game that included a two-hour rain delay. Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts each homered, their 16th and 17th of the season, respectively. The start of the second game of the series was delayed by rain for four hours. Boston then jumped out to an early 5–0 lead, and went on to win, 10–6. Andrew Benintendi was 4-for-6 at the plate, only lacking a home run for the cycle. On Sunday, the Red Sox completed a series sweep with a 6–3 win. David Price improved his record on the season to 7–2, and Christian Vázquez hit his 14th home run of the year. Boston reached the All-Star break with a record of 49–41 (0.544 winning percentage), nine games behind the division-leading Yankees, and two games behind Cleveland for the second wild card spot. Red Sox won the series 3–0 (25–15 runs)
In a 4–3 American League win, all three Boston all-stars played, but were hitless. J. D. Martinez started at DH and was 0-for-2, Xander Bogaerts grounded out as a pinch hitter, and Mookie Betts appeared as a defensive replacement without batting.[74] Alex Cora managed the American League team, with assistance from his Red Sox coaches and Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona.[75] July 12–July 14, vs. Los Angeles Dodgers In this three-game series between the teams that contested the 2018 World Series, Boston won the opener, 8–1, in a game that included a one-hour rain delay. Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodríguez improved his record to 10–4 for the season, allowing only five hits and one run in seven innings. Rafael Devers, Christian Vázquez, and Xander Bogaerts each homered. The second game of the series was a one-run game entering the fifth inning, but turned into an 11–2 Dodgers' win. Chris Sale saw his record for the season fall to 3–9; Bogaerts had Boston's only home run and both RBIs. In the final game of the series, Boston fought back from a 4–2 deficit to tie the game in the eighth; the game then went to extra innings. The Red Sox were not able to capitalize on a leadoff double by Jackie Bradley Jr. in the 11th. The Dodgers went on to score three runs in the 12th, giving Boston a 7–4 loss. Duration of the game was five hours and 40 minutes. Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (14–19 runs) July 15–July 18, vs. Toronto Blue Jays The first game in this four-game series was a 10–8 Boston win; a two-run victory after the Red Sox had held leads of 5–0 and 10–4. Eight different Red Sox players scored, and Michael Chavis hit his first MLB grand slam. Toronto won the second game, 10–4, as Andrew Cashner took the loss in his first start with Boston, having allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in five innings. Xander Bogaerts hit his 21st home run of the season. The Red Sox won the third game, 5–4, with Eduardo Rodríguez improving his record on the season to 11–4. Rafael Devers went 3-for-4 at the plate, including his 18th home run of the year, and had four RBIs. Boston won the final game of the series, 5–0, with Chris Sale getting his first win at Fenway Park since July 11, 2018.[76] Devers and Mookie Betts both homered. Red Sox won the series 3–1 (24–22 runs) July 19–July 21, at Baltimore Orioles Baltimore won the opener of this three-game series, 11–2, as Boston's only runs came on a second-inning two-run homer by Sam Travis. In the middle game of the series, Boston took an early 5–0 lead, with Baltimore tying the game, 5–5, in the third inning. Boston then scored eight runs in the fourth inning, en route to a 17–6 win. Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a pair of three-run home runs; Rafael Devers, Mookie Betts, and Sandy León also homered. Baltimore took the closing game of the series, 5–0, as the Red Sox were held to one hit, a seventh-inning double by Devers. Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (19–22 runs) July 22–July 24, at Tampa Bay Rays Boston won the series' first game, 9–4, mainly powered by a seven-run third inning, which saw J. D. Martinez, Andrew Benintendi, and Sam Travis each homer. Eduardo Rodríguez improved his record on the season to 12–4. The second game was also a Boston win, 5–4. Christian Vázquez had a pinch hit home run, and the Red Sox reached 10 games over .500 (56–46) for the first time this season. The final game of the series included a formal protest by the Red Sox, "due to placement of substitutes in the lineup following the removal of the DH."[77] On the field, Boston had a 2–0 lead through three innings, however the Rays then scored three unanswered runs to win, 3–2. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (16–11 runs) July 25–July 28, vs. New York Yankees In the opener of a four-game series, the Red Sox scored seven runs in the first inning and went on to a 19–3 win, setting a franchise record for the most runs scored in a game against the Yankees.[78] Boston had 10 doubles,[79] including two by Michael Chavis, who entered the game after Brock Holt was ejected.[80] Xander Bogaerts had two home runs, while Rafael Devers and Sandy León also homered. In the second game of the series, Boston scored three first-inning runs, led 7–0 after four innings, and went on to a 10–5 win. Andrew Cashner held the Yankees to three runs on 10 hits in 6+2⁄3 innings. Mookie Betts had the fifth three-homer game of his career,[81] and J. D. Martinez also homered. The Red Sox reached 11 games over .500 (58–47) for the first time this year.[82] Boston also won the third game of the series, 9–5, with Martinez and Andrew Benintendi hitting home runs. The Red Sox were unable to complete the sweep, as the Yankees won Sunday's game, 9–6. The two teams combined for five errors, including a throwing error by Jackie Bradley Jr. that allowed two runs to score.[83] Benintendi again homered, while Chris Sale saw his record fall to 5–10 on the season. Red Sox won the series 3–1 (44–22 runs) July 30–July 31, vs. Tampa Bay Rays Boston scored two first-inning runs in the opening game of the series and held a 5–4 lead after five innings, but fell to Tampa Bay, 6–5. The Red Sox left seven runners on base in the final three innings. Andrew Benintendi homered for the third consecutive game.[84] In the series' second game, the Rays had a 5–0 lead after two innings, and went on to an 8–5 win. J. D. Martinez and Michael Chavis each homered. Boston finished July with three consecutive losses; at 59–50, the team was 10 games behind the division-leading Yankees, and 2+1⁄2 games out of the second wild card spot. |
August
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AugustAugust 1, vs. Tampa Bay Rays (cont'd) Tampa Bay completed their sweep of the three-game series with a 9–4 win. Xander Bogaerts had two home runs, and Mookie Betts also homered. Andrew Benintendi was 3-for-4 at the plate with three doubles. With four losses in a row, Boston fell to 59–51 on the season. Red Sox lost the series 0–3 (14–23 runs) August 2–4, at New York Yankees The opening game of this series—with four games to be played in three days, due to a rainout earlier in the season—was won by New York, 4–2. All scoring occurred in the first inning, with Boston's runs coming on a J. D. Martinez home run with Xander Bogaerts on base. The Red Sox' losing streak reached five games, for the first time since their 2015 season. New York won the second game of the series, 9–2, in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader. Boston's two runs came on solo homers by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and starting pitcher Chris Sale were both ejected in the fourth inning.[85] A 6–4 loss to the Yankees in the second game of the doubleheader gave the Red Sox their seventh loss in a row. Rafael Devers hit his 22nd home run of the season. The Yankees completed the sweep on Sunday evening with a 7–4 win. Christian Vázquez and Michael Chavis both homered, as the Red Sox' losing streak reached eight games. Red Sox lost the series 0–4 (12–26 runs) August 5–7, vs. Kansas City Royals The Red Sox ended their losing streak with a 7–5 win in the first of three games against the Royals. Sam Travis and Rafael Devers each homered, with Brandon Workman recording his sixth save of the year. Kansas City won the second game of the series, 6–2, scoring all their runs off of Boston starter Andrew Cashner in 5+1⁄3 innings. The final game of the series saw Boston take a 4–2 lead through five innings, with Kansas City coming back to tie the game, 4–4, after seven innings. With no further scoring in regulation, the game went to extra innings, and entered a rain delay in the top of the 10th inning. At approximately 12:30 a.m., the game was officially suspended—the Royals returned to Fenway on August 22 at 1:05 p.m. to complete the game.[86] For completion of the game and series, see August 22. Series was tied 1–1, pending completion of suspended game August 8–11, vs. Los Angeles Angels The first game of the four-game series was won by Boston, 3–0. Chris Sale held Los Angeles to two hits in eight innings, improving his record on the year to 6–11. Red Sox scoring came on a two-run homer by Sam Travis and a solo homer by Sandy León. Boston won the second game, 16–4, while also outhitting the Angels, 14–3. J. D. Martinez was 4-for-5 at the plate, with two home runs and two doubles. Mookie Betts, Rafael Devers, and Mitch Moreland also homered. The Angels responded to their 12-run loss on Friday with an 8-run win on Saturday, 12–4. Sam Travis hit his fifth home run of the season. Los Angeles took an early 3–0 lead in the final game of the series, with Boston going ahead, 4–3, after five innings. An eighth-inning run by the Angels tied the game, which went to extra innings; a tenth-inning run gave Los Angeles the win, 5–4. Christian Vázquez hit his 18th home run of the season. Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (27–21 runs) August 12–14, at Cleveland Indians In the series' opening game, Boston trailed, 5–1, after three innings. Two runs by the Red Sox in the fourth, one in the seventh, and one in the ninth resulted in a 5–5 tie. In the bottom of the ninth, Cleveland's Carlos Santana hit a walk-off home run, giving Boston their third loss in a row. Boston built a 6–1 lead midway through the sixth inning of the second game of the series, only to have Cleveland tie the game and force extra innings. A home run by Jackie Bradley Jr. in the top of the 10th inning proved to be the difference in a 7–6 Red Sox win. Andrew Cashner was used in relief and got the save, the first of his MLB career.[87] Chris Sale recorded the 2,000th strikeout of his MLB career.[88] Rafael Devers became the latest MLB player to record six hits in a game; he was 5-for-5 in the first nine innings, and had his sixth hit in the 10th inning.[89] The Red Sox won the third and final game of the series, 5–1. Devers homered, and Xander Bogaerts hit two home runs. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (17–13 runs) August 16–18, vs. Baltimore Orioles The opening game of the series was a 9–1 Boston win, as the Red Sox outhit the Orioles, 12–5. Mookie Betts hit his 21st home run of the season. Boston extended their winning streak to four games with a 4–0 win in the middle game of the series. Eduardo Rodríguez improved his record on the season to 14–5, while Brock Holt and Rafael Devers each homered. Boston completed the sweep on Sunday, coming back from a 6–0 deficit to record a 13–7 win. Devers and Sam Travis each homered, as Boston used seven pitchers, with Marcus Walden getting the win. Devers became the first MLB players to reach 100 RBIs on the season.[90] Red Sox won the series 3–0 (26–8 runs) August 20–21, vs. Philadelphia Phillies Boston lost the opening inter-league game against Philadelphia, 3–2. All three Phillies runs came in the first inning, from a walk, two doubles, and a single. Both Red Sox runs came in the third inning, as Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer. Boston's five-game winning streak ended as the team fell to 67–60 on the season. Philadelphia then swept the two-game series with a 5–2 win, despite the Red Sox outhitting the Phillies, 8–6. Bradley Jr. homered again, his 16th of the season. Rick Porcello took the loss and fell to 11–10 on the season. Red Sox lost the series 0–2 (4–8 runs) August 22, vs. Kansas City Royals This was the resumption of the suspended game from August 7, which was halted due to rain with no outs in the top of the 10th with no runners on base and the score tied, 4–4.[91] The Red Sox allowed anyone under 18 years old to enter Fenway Park for free; all other tickets were only $5 each, with proceeds going to The Jimmy Fund.[92] After retiring the Royals in order in the top of the 10th, Christian Vázquez hit a one-out double, which was followed by an intentional walk and then a game-winning single by Brock Holt. Red Sox won the series 2–1 (14–15 runs) August 23–25, at San Diego Padres This three-game series was held on Players Weekend, when MLB players are allowed and encouraged to put nicknames on the back of their uniforms. For the opening game, the nicknames used by Boston's starting lineup were as follows:[93][94] |