Overall Takeaway
Pretty embarrassing to lose a series to the Pirates, especially at home. If there is any consolation, the Yankees have struggled through their series with the White Sox, although they won. Boston jumps now into a series against Cleveland at home, where a series win is almost a must before heading to the West Coast and then immediately jumping into the division series to end the season.
Game 1: Pirates 4-2
Game 2: Pirates 10-3
Game 3: Red Sox 5-2
What I Loved
Payton Tolle
Payton Tolle's major league debut was electric, regardless of the bullpen blowing it for him; he brought an energy that has not been seen in a young Boston pitcher for decades (sorry, Bello). He started to get away from his fastball later in the game, which got him in trouble.
Roman Anthony
continues to impress in his rookie campaign, smashing a solo homer (his whatever-th, but clutch) and adding another hit in Game 1, giving us glimpses of the future star we drafted.
Romy Gonzalez
Romy is only the 2nd player ever to get two hits against Paul Skenes. The other player to do so was Teoscar Hernandez.
Carlos Narváez
12th homer of the season in Game 2 kept the Sox in it early, as well his ability to throw runners out. Overall, OPS has dipped to .730, and his expected numbers are definitely low, but he is still a far cry from Connor Wong.
Trevor Story
Keeping Story here as he has remained perfect in stolen base attempts. He is only batting .185 over his last seven days, so he will need to pick up the pace not to get bumped down a notch.
Aroldis Chapman Signing
Breslow extended Chapman last night, locking him up for next year and possibly 2027. Not only is Chapman one of the best closers in baseball, but he is also one of the best players, period. He currently ranks 7th overall in my team’s Soldier Rating board. More on that soon.
Jarren Duran
Duran has had well over an .800 OPS for the last 30 games. Today was one of his vintage, exciting plays that we saw every week last year, but have been missing this season.
What I Was 'Mid' About
Bullpen
While the bullpen is still one of the best in baseball, they blew it on Friday once Tolle got pulled.
What I Didn't Love
Dustin May
May has now melted down in two straight games. Both times, I felt that Cora left him out there for too long. I understand that you wanted to save the bullpen, but have some pity on the guy.
Losing A Series At Fenway
It is rare to watch the Red Sox lose a series at Fenway, especially when they wear both City Connects.