This feels like as close to end as it has been for the Red Sox’s postseason hopes.
The regular season ends two weeks from today and the Red Sox have no time left to lose. Can they cling onto the cliff for dear life or will Uncle Scar (aka the Yankees) assert the AL East is their kingdom?
Key Moments
B3: Torres’ Solo Smash, Judge’s Monster Shot
The two classic types of home runs at Yankee Stadium. A low line drive flare that eked out of the short porch and a Judgeian blast that hit the back wall in dead center field.
T4: TO Takes Off
At least one person is showcasing their skills…for free agency maybe. We can only imagine what a Tyler O’Neill fully healthy across the season could have done.
B7: Gonzalez’s Gaffe
I’m not going to say a change in this play would have emboldened the Red Sox to make up the then two-run deficit. But this feels like a microcosm for August and September. A chance for success just absolutely flubbed.
T9: The Final Wasted Chance
Two on, one down, arguably your most consistent hitter all season…and nothing. The drain has been swirled.
Studs
Connor Wong (3-for-4)
You can’t win if you don’t get on base, and Connor Wong has had a pretty successful season at the dish.
Tyler O’Neill (1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
O’Neill continues to do exactly as he’s been asked to do—rip homers.
Luis Guerrero (1.1 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)
Not the worst outing for the 24-year-old, as he ate his outing well.
Duds
Kutter Crawford (4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR)
Homers continue to be Kutter’s nemesis.
Trevor Story (0-for-3, 3 Ks)
This feels like Spring Training 2.0 for Story, who looks great enough in the field but has no feel at the dish.
Romy Gonzalez (0-for-4, 1 K, 1 error)
Just…when Romy Gonzalez is one of your top options to play, I get he’s had his moments but the depth has to be better than this.
Play of the Game
It’s the Judge homer as he continues to make a case for AL MVP.