Editor’s Note: All my graphics going forward will come directly from my new website, Stat Soldier. Go check it out by clicking here.
Overall Takeaway
The vibes were sky high on Friday after arguably the game of the year against the White Sox on Thursday. Boston delivered, putting up 9 runs across the first four innings in Friday’s game.
Not a complete surprise that they came into Saturday’s game sluggish. A lot of players are sick after their West Coast trip, and it was clear the extra-inning bonanza also took a lot out of them. During Saturday’s game, the camera caught multiple players coughing, blowing their nose, and frankly looking terrible. It has also been DISGUSTING in New England the last few days. Kudos to the team for toughing it out.
Sucks that both the winning streak and the series win streak have ended. All good things come to an end
“End? No, the journey does not end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it. White shores, and beyond. A far green country, under a swift sunrise.” -Gandalf
Game 1: Red Sox 13-1
Game 2: A’s 7-3
Game 3: A’s 4-3
What I Loved
Dave O’Brien Renewal
It was announced prior to the game that Dave O’Brien had signed a two-year extension to bring him through the 2028 season. I love OB, so give him a lifetime contract for all I care.
BUNTING
I believe that Chad Tracy might love bunting more than he loves his wife. Saw that the team was struggling offensively the last two games, so decided to play some small ball during the 5th inning Sunday. Led directly to the lead and kept Boston in the game.
Payton Tolle
Absolute masterclass on Friday. 14 Ks over six innings and was perfect through four to help secure a 13-1 win. One of the best performances for a Red Sox starter I have watched in a long time.
Brayan Bello… Again
Another 4 innings today after pitching 2 great innings during extras on Thursday. His ERA this season as a reliever sits at 0.75…
Wilyer Abreu
Wilyer took a hard foul off his leg Friday, which led to him being pulled in the sixth inning and scratched from the lineup Saturday. He was 2-2 Friday with 3 RBI’s and knocked in the winning run Saturday with a sacrifice fly to right field.
What I Was ‘Mid’ About
Bullpen Game
I hate the idea of bullpen games. They did great Sunday, but I can’t put it in the loved section on principle.
Jarren Duran Tying To Heat Up
Duran sparked the scoring in Game 1 by crushing a two-run shot over the Green Monster to open the scoring. However, he showed a lot of temper over the last few days. Slammed his bat, slammed his helmet, and screamed some unsavory words. Like many, I love his fire, but at some point he has to dial it back a little.
Jake Bennett’s Start
Bennet threw 88 pitches (59 for strikes), but could only get through 5.1 innings. Second game in a row he could not get out of the 5th, this time giving up four runs.
What I Didn’t Love
Winning Streak Over
The streak died at nine games after Gage Jump carved up the lineup with 11 K’s. Still, Boston had the bases loaded with two outs in the 9th, so they made sure to keep it entertaining.
Offense
Offense was great Friday, but as I said up top, you can tell this team had nothing left this weekend.
Who Got Screwed
Willson Contreras
If you have been watching the games, you can see that everyone is sick. Some are clearly worse than others. Contreras is one of them. So, to boo the guy who has been the lifeblood of this team seems a little ridiculous to me.
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