![San Diego Padres v Boston Red Sox](https://www.bostonsports.today/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2159969327.0.jpg)
A much better game all the way around at Fenway Park this rainy Sunday…
After two absolutely clunky games this weekend, the Red Sox looked to avoid their first sweep since May 7-8 in a two game series in Atlanta. One thing was for certain: starting pitching had to be better. Would the Red Sox be able to say their Hail Marys or would the Padres force a hard confession at Fenway?
Key Moments
B1: An Early Lead
An oppo-taco for Raffy certainly spelled good things for the Red Sox early in this one. Get out in front early and support your starter.
T2: Josh Escapes the Jam
Credit to Winck who did enough to settle the game down and keep it competitive.
B3: Free Pass
For the first time what felt like all weekend, the Red Sox were able to capitalize on a Padres mistake. While they couldn’t do more than that, the insurance run was valuable.
T5: Flying!
Hey, hey, what do you say! This is the athleticism Ceddanne Rafaela is known for and welcome to finish Winckowski’s outing.
B5: Duran Dingers
Someone get Jarren Duran to the All Star Game. PLEASE.
T9: Save Secured
Quick and clean before the rain comes.
Three Studs
Josh Winckowski (5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 K)
Winckowski is defintely this year’s “project pitcher”, spending most of the season in Worcester to stretch out as a starter. When needed most after two rough games, he certainly came through.
Wilyer Abreu (2-for-2, 2 R, 1 BB)
On base for the Raffy HR, scoring on a passed ball, getting on base twice, this was a great impact game for Abreu.
Rafael Devers (2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI)
Devers has the fourth most RBI of any player under the age of 28 in Red Sox history. Let that sink in. It’s been a quietly great season for Raffy, and maybe that’s where he thrives—under the radar.
Three Duds
Enmanuel Valdez (0-for-4, 1 K)
No hits and a weird throw at second base that resulted in a lack of double play in the sixth inning. At least no one scored there.
David Hamilton (0-for-3)
He tried his DARNDEST on that throw from Valdez, it was worth the challenge, but not a ton of impact otherwise.
Reese McGuire (0-for-3, 1 K)
McGuire isn’t playing poorly…just Wong has clearly become catcher 1 here. Not his day.
Play of the Game
Give me Raffy’s homer in the 1st inning. What a tone setter!