Red Sox Suffer 6-2 Loss to Tigers in Fenway Park
The Boston Red Sox faced a tough challenge on Sunday at Fenway Park, falling 6-2 to the Detroit Tigers. This loss brought their record down to 8-13, while the Tigers improved to 12-10.
Garret Crochet’s Struggles Continue
Red Sox ace Garret Crochet was expected to bounce back after his worst start of the season last Monday, where he allowed 11 runs in just five innings. Unfortunately, he struggled again on Sunday against the Tigers. Crochet gave up five runs on seven hits, including two home runs and two walks, while striking out eight batters.
The 26-year-old lefty had a strong first four innings, allowing just one run. However, he faltered in the fifth inning, retiring only two batters before the Tigers took control. The Tigers scored four runs in that inning, with Jahmai Jones hitting a 423-foot solo home run and Dillon Dingler launching a 397-foot three-run shot.
Jones’ home run came off a 96.1 mph sinker from Crochet, while Dingler’s blast was against a 95.6 mph four-seam fastball. This marked a significant shift in performance for Crochet, who had only allowed one home run in his first three starts but has now given up four in his past two games.
Crochet’s ERA dropped to 7.88, with 21 earned runs in 24 innings. Despite this, his velocity showed some improvement in this game, as his 35 four-seam fastballs averaged 95.8 mph—up from 94.9 mph on his 13 fastballs in his previous start.
Offensive Struggles
The Red Sox offense managed only six hits in the game, with two of those coming in the ninth inning. Boston, which has averaged 3.86 runs per game through its first 21 games, has only scored four runs over the first three games of this four-game series against the Tigers. Tigers starter Framber Valdez allowed just one run in seven innings.
Willson Contreras led the Red Sox with a team-leading fourth home run, tying the game 1-1 in the first inning. He hit the ball 394 feet to left field with an exit velocity of 109.4 mph.
Key Moments and Challenges
In the first inning, the Red Sox lost one of their challenges when catcher Carlos Narváez tried to turn a 2-2 ball call into a strikeout. However, the call was upheld, and Dingler followed with an RBI double two pitches later.
Roman Anthony, who has had issues with accuracy and strength on his throws, made a crucial play by throwing out Gleyber Torres at the plate after he attempted to score on Dingler’s single to left field.
Upcoming Matchup
The Red Sox and Tigers will face off again on Marathon Monday at 11:10 a.m. Right-hander Sonny Gray (2-1, 4.43 ERA) will start for Boston, opposing righty Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.05 ERA).
