UPDATE: In a shocking twist, the Boston Red Sox (54-48) fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, losing 3-2 in a bizarre fashion at Citizens Bank Park. The defeat marks Boston’s seventh consecutive loss in extra-inning road games this season, showcasing the team’s struggles when it matters most.
The game took a dramatic turn in the bottom of the 10th inning, where the winning run scored due to an unusual play. With the bases loaded, Edmundo Sosa’s bat clipped catcher Carlos Narváez’s glove, leading to a rare catcher’s interference call that awarded the Phillies the victory.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Red Sox are encouraged by the performance of pitcher Walker Buehler, who completed seven innings for just the second time this season. He allowed only two runs (one earned) on six hits, needing just 89 pitches to navigate through the Phillies’ lineup. Buehler’s resilience against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who struck out 10 batters in six innings, demonstrates a positive trend as he builds momentum in July.
Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran opened the scoring by hitting a home run to lead off the game against Wheeler, marking his ninth home run of the season. Although Duran’s power numbers have dipped this year compared to his 21 homers in 2024, his ability to deliver early in the game is crucial for Boston’s offense.
Manager Alex Cora opted for Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning, who effectively handled a challenging situation by striking out Bryce Harper on a 100 mph fastball to end the inning. However, the Red Sox were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, going just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
In a notable moment, Alex Bregman, returning from a quad strain, displayed signs of struggle on the bases. Bregman struggled to reach third base on a double by Roman Anthony, raising concerns regarding his full recovery. Nevertheless, he managed to score on a game-tying single by Trevor Story two pitches later.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox face another tough challenge as they prepare to face the Phillies’ breakout star Cristopher Sánchez (8-2, 2.50 ERA) on Tuesday night. Rookie Richard Fitts (1-3, 4.28 ERA) will make his first start since July 7, with the first pitch set for 6:45 p.m. ET.
The urgency for the Red Sox to turn their fortunes around grows as they aim to clinch a critical win in this pivotal series. Fans will be watching closely to see if Boston can overcome the challenges and regain their momentum.
