In Boston, the Red Sox were hoping for a triumphant turnaround all season long, and they almost achieved it on Thursday night at Fenway Park. However, their hopes were dashed in a frustrating ninth inning that resulted in a 7-5 loss to the Rays.
While the attention centered on Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder’s controversial appearance on the field after his team had exhausted its mound visits, there were other significant developments for the Red Sox, who wrapped up their homestand with a 3-4 record.
Kenley’s Struggles:
Despite a remarkable comeback that saw the Red Sox erase a 5-1 deficit, their aspirations were dashed when Kenley Jansen took the mound in the ninth inning. After swiftly striking out Josh Lowe, Jansen’s command faltered, issuing a crucial walk to Randy Arozarena, which ignited a Rays’ rally. Jansen, expressing disappointment in his performance, acknowledged his recent struggles with walks, which have plagued him this season.
Duran’s Heroics:
Jarren Duran emerged as a potential hero for the Red Sox with his impressive offensive display, including timely doubles and a game-tying solo home run in the sixth inning. Despite the loss, Duran’s performance highlighted his ability to impact games positively, drawing praise from manager Alex Cora for his resilience and offensive prowess.
Criswell’s Tough Outing:
On the pitching front, Cooper Criswell endured a challenging start against his former team, the Rays. After several strong outings, Criswell struggled with his command, leading to an early exit from the game. With Garrett Whitlock nearing a return from injury, Criswell’s role in the rotation remains uncertain, potentially prompting a move to the bullpen or a stint in Triple-A Worcester to refine his mechanics.
Overall, while the Red Sox fell short of a comeback victory, there were notable performances and areas for improvement as they look ahead to upcoming challenges on the road.
