The Boston Red Sox fell to 22–30 after the Minnesota Twins completed the sweep with today’s game. They’re back in last place in the American League East at 13 games back. They’re 3.5 games back of the Twins for the final spot in the American League wild card standings.
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MLB Game Recap
The Twins got on the board first in the top of the first. The Red Sox evened it up in the second as Masataka Yoshida hit a solo home run, his first of the season. Minnesota went back in front in the third. Boston would tie it in the fourth as Willson Contreras hit a two-run home run, his team-leading 11th of the season. Marcelo Mayer singled home a run in the inning as well to give the Red Sox a 4-3 lead. Minnesota took the lead in the sixth, making it 6-4.
Boston had a chance in the ninth. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a fly ball to left that many believed would be a home run. It ended up being a double, a run scored to make it 6-5. Connor Wong tried to score on the play to tie the game, but the defense threw him out at home. Kiner-Falefa could not score, and the game ended with the Boston Red Sox losing 6–5 to complete the sweep. Sonny Gray went four innings, allowing three runs on six hits; he walked two and struck out four.
Standout Performer
Willson Contreras continues to spark the Boston offense. He went 2-4 with the two-run home run.
Key News & Notes
Marcelo Mayer made his MLB debut after the Boston Red Sox called him up on the 24th one year ago. In yesterday’s game, he made his big league debut at shortstop and looked right at home. The Red Sox, before the game, activated Danny Coulombe from the injured list and optioned Tyler Samaniego to Triple-A Worcester. Coulombe pitched an inning in Sunday’s loss, allowing a walk and striking out one. Coulombe, before today, had made 12 appearances, going 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP, and five strikeouts in eight innings. Samaniego in 18 appearances for Boston went 0-2 with a 1.04 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. Coulombe, in two rehab appearances, posted a 5.40 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and had a strikeout in 1.2 innings.
Danny Coulombe boosts the Boston Red Sox bullpen, but the team should not have optioned Jorge Samaniego. Jovani Moran or Greg Weissert are the two names that come to mind.
The Red Sox have also reportedly been looking around for a trade to acquire a right-handed bat, something to monitor over the coming weeks. Aroldis Chapman has also surfaced in trade rumors, as the San Diego Padres have shown interest. If there’s a fit that could be a way to solve issues for both teams, maybe a reunion with Xander Bogaerts could be in the cards.
Farm Report
- Worcester Red Sox (AAA): Worcester had their finale against the Red Wings rained out.
- Portland Sea Dogs (AA): Johanfran Garcia went 2-5 with the game-winning RBI in a walkoff 4-3 win over Reading.
- Greenville Drive (A+): Yoeilin Cespedes went 2-3 with three runs scored and two RBI in game two of the doubleheader. The Drive lost both games of the doubleheader to the Keys, 3-2 and 6-5.
- Salem RidgeYaks (A): Stanley Tucker went 2-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored in a 10-2 win over the Howlers.
- FCL Red Sox (ROK): The FCL Red Sox didn’t play today and are back tomorrow against the FCL Braves.
