This was one of those tone setting games. How would the Red Sox kick off a series after losing three in a row for the first time in what feels like forever? Would the offense come back to life? How would the pitching fare? Who would step up in the big moments? We certainly got it all—and a return to a traditionally LONG game time-wise in the Bronx.
Look, this game was sloppy on all counts. Each team left double digit runners on base, had errors (well, the Yankees had FOUR), a pickoff, a balk, a disengagement
violation, it just felt like trading mistakes. The Red Sox strike first? Ben Rice solo smash right away in the bottom of the frame. Yankees take the lead? Sox tie it right back up the next frame. Yankees take it back again the next frame. The Red Sox tie it back up the next frame. Little jabs in this fight. The bullpen held its own as much as it could. Steven Matz worked himself out of a lead-off triple (from when he came into the 7th) with grace, and Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman had as smooth outings as you could ask from each of them.
The knockout punch—obviously—was Roman Anthony’s monster mash in the top of the 9th. The Nation collectively breathed and that was the ballgame. Courtesy of Mike Carlucci, he let us at OTM know Rafael Devers is at 2.9 bWAR and Roman Anthony is at 2.4. You love to see it.
You love to see a Red Sox win on a rare Thursday game! Time for the weekend to kick off.
Three Studs
Roman Anthony (2-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR)
What else can we say about this kid? Calm, cool, collected. Waits for his opportunities. Punishes mistakes. His trajectory has been extremely smooth and should be in ROY contention.
Nathaniel Lowe (1-for-4, 2 RBI)
Who knew the Red Sox needed a real first baseman? What a great start for the Nathaniel Lowe era for the Red Sox, including the go-ahead RBI double and just solid defense.
Alex Bregman (3-for-5)
His short, compact swing is made for small ball like the Red Sox had to mostly play tonight. It somehow didn’t lead to a run or any RBIs but seeing his bat perform is really nice.
Three Duds
Carlos Narvaez (0-for-3, 2 BBs, 1 E)
The bats of our catchers are an issue right now. Since the break, it hasn’t been pretty.
Lucas Giolito (4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K)
Look, this wasn’t one inning and getting yanked, but in a pivotal series, you would have hoped not to start it off needing to use five relievers.
Ceddanne Rafaela (0-for-4, 1 R, 1 BB)
The Password is here. And his bat is hot. Watch out, Ceddanne.
Play of the Game
The collective squeals/yells/commentaries of the Roman Anthony moonshot would power Monstropolis for WEEKS. What a needed jolt of insurance late in the game.
