Image Source: Boston Herald
Guardians pitching kept Cleveland within striking distance, but Sonny Gray and the Boston Red Sox bullpen delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory Wednesday night at Fenway Park. The win evened the series and improved Boston’s record to 85-73 with four regular-season games remaining.
The game was defined by strong pitching, missed opportunities and one timely hit. Boston collected 12 hits but struggled to turn its traffic on the bases into runs, going 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 men on base through eight innings.
Guardians Held in Check by Sonny Gray’s Masterful Start
Gray delivered one of his best performances of the season in what was his final regular-season start. The veteran right-hander tossed six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three Cleveland hitters.
It was Gray’s sixth scoreless start of at least six innings this year, tying his single-season high from 2015 and 2025. He also became the first Red Sox pitcher age 36 or older to make at least six such starts in a season since Luis Tiant in 1977.
According to manager Chad Tracy, Gray’s consistency has been one of the team’s most impressive features throughout the season.
“Just a really good pitcher,” Tracy said after the game. “The level of consistency for him from start to finish has been very fun to watch, and impressive.”
Gray had thrown 77 pitches, including 52 strikes, after six innings. Despite the scoreless tie at that point, Tracy turned to the bullpen, a move that could indicate Gray is being lined up to start Game 1 of Boston’s Wild Card series Tuesday.
Red Sox Finally Find the Decisive Hit
Cleveland starter Foster Griffin also worked effectively in difficult situations. The southpaw struck out seven and did not issue a walk, but Boston managed 10 hits against him across six innings.
The Red Sox repeatedly threatened without breaking through. Boston had multiple runners on base in four of the first five innings and loaded the bases in the third. Cleveland escaped each time until the sixth inning.
Jarren Duran opened the sixth with a single, and Andruw Monasterio followed with a two-out RBI single that brought home the game’s only run. The Guardians could not answer, despite putting pressure on Boston’s relief corps late in the contest.
“I thought we swung the bat great,” Tracy said. “We actually got some hits. Obviously you’d like to score more, but we did take better plate appearances.”
- Boston finished with 12 hits.
- The Red Sox went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.
- Boston left 11 runners on base.
- Andruw Monasterio produced the lone RBI.
- Foster Griffin allowed one run over six innings for Cleveland.
Chapman Returns With Explosive Ninth Inning
Boston’s bullpen protected the narrow lead with a scoreless inning from each of its three key relievers. Tyron Guerrero and Garrett Whitlock handled the seventh and eighth innings before Aroldis Chapman took over in the ninth.
Chapman had not pitched since Sept. 13 while dealing with lat tightness, but the All-Star closer looked completely recovered. He struck out Jo Adell and pinch-hitters Angel Martínez and Angel Genao on 12 pitches to secure the win.
Cleveland briefly threatened in the eighth. Brayan Rocchio led off with a single, and Whitlock issued a one-out walk to José Ramírez. Whitlock recovered by inducing an inning-ending double play from designated hitter Chase DeLauter.
The victory was also Tracy’s first since the interim manager tag was removed Tuesday. With the postseason already secured Sunday, Boston is now focused on finishing the regular season healthy and determining its playoff pitching arrangement.
Rafaela Leaves After Returning From Injured List
The biggest concern for Boston came from Ceddanne Rafaela, who had just returned from a 10-day stint on the injured list because of a right quad strain.
Rafaela started energetically in center field, recording all three outs in the first inning. His defensive highlights included a diving catch that denied Cleveland’s Steven Kwan a leadoff single.
However, Rafaela pulled up after reaching first base on a leadoff single in the bottom of the second. He was removed when the inning ended because of right hamstring tightness, with Duran taking over in center field.
Tracy said Rafaela would undergo an MRI Thursday. The manager described the situation as frustrating and concerning, particularly with the postseason approaching.
Duran provided a positive moment later in the game. After his eighth-inning single, he stole second base, giving him his second career season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He joined Mookie Betts and Jackie Jensen as the only players in franchise history with multiple 20-20 seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Guardians and Red Sox?
The Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Guardians 1-0 on Wednesday night at Fenway Park.
How did Sonny Gray perform?
Sonny Gray threw six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three.
Who drove in Boston’s only run?
Andruw Monasterio delivered the only RBI with a two-out single in the sixth inning.
What happened to Ceddanne Rafaela?
Rafaela left the game with right hamstring tightness after returning from the injured list. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI Thursday.
What is Boston’s record after the win?
The Red Sox improved to 85-73 with four regular-season games left to play.
