BOSTON (AP) — Dillon Dingler delivered a three-run home run during the Tigers’ four-run fifth inning against Boston’s struggling ace Garrett Crochet, which helped Detroit secure a 6-2 victory over the Red Sox on Sunday at Fenway Park. The game was played in chilly and rainy conditions.
Dingler also contributed with an RBI double off Crochet in the first inning and finished the game with four hits, playing a key role in the Tigers’ eighth win in their last nine games. This came just a day after the team ended its longest road losing streak in 16 years.
The start of the game was delayed by three hours due to heavy rain that had been predicted. The weather remained chilly throughout, with light rain falling intermittently.
Willson Contreras hit a solo home run for the struggling Red Sox, who have managed only four runs in the first three games of a four-game series. Framber Valdez (2-1) picked up the win, allowing one run, three hits, and striking out seven batters while walking two.
Garrett Crochet (2-3) gave up five runs in five innings, striking out eight and walking two. His ERA increased from 7.58 to 7.88. Coming off a previous start where he allowed 11 runs — 10 earned — in just five outs, Crochet performed reasonably well early in the game before the Tigers mounted their big fifth-inning rally.
Detroit scored all four of their runs with two outs in the fifth inning. Jahmai Jones hit a home run off the base of the stanchion in left center, a drive estimated at 423 feet, making it 2-1. After a walk and a single, Dingler hit a 96-mph fastball from Crochet into the first row of seats in center field.
Contreras then hit a home run over the Green Monster, adding to the Red Sox’s struggles.
Upcoming Games
The Tigers will face the Red Sox in Boston’s traditional Patriots’ Day game. Right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05 ERA) will take the mound for Detroit, while right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43) will start for Boston. The game is scheduled to begin at 11:05 a.m.
Key Players and Performances
- Dillon Dingler: Hit a three-run home run and an RBI double, finishing with four hits.
- Jahmai Jones: Hit a long home run, contributing to the Tigers’ fourth run.
- Willson Contreras: Hit a solo home run for the Red Sox.
- Framber Valdez: Earned the victory with strong pitching, striking out seven batters.
- Garrett Crochet: Struggled in his start, giving up five runs in five innings.
Weather Conditions
- The game was delayed due to heavy rain.
- Played in chilly conditions with intermittent light rain.
- Fenway Park was affected by the weather, impacting the overall atmosphere of the game.
Team Performance
- Detroit Tigers: Secured their eighth win in nine games, showing strong performance.
- Boston Red Sox: Continued to struggle, scoring only four runs in the first three games of the series.
Future Outlook
With the upcoming game set for Patriots’ Day, both teams will look to build momentum. The Tigers aim to continue their winning streak, while the Red Sox need to find consistency in their performance.
