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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:05:06 GMT -5
Bullpen game for get away day then return to face the Blue Jays whom have vultures flying over them. Hard to believe that so many things have gone south for them. Vlad, Bichette, KK, Springer. Even Gausman looks beatable now. What's the talk up there? I think they are too talented to tank. And I don't know that anyone saves their jobs by tanking either. And I am not sure they have enough in their system to trade for more talent. The more logical fans who were shocked Schneider came back know he is as good as gone and likely soon they think there is validity to the trade one of Vlad/ Bichette cuz they will not take both, Vlad has taken alot of grief for the usual, goofy stuff, non hustle shit They have tried Springer everywhere from lead off to as low as 7th. Struggling all season that the plate. Solid fielder.
Their pen has been a mess , SP not bad, the problem is they have not hit well as a team all season
Starters have to be perfect and it can get ugly quickly
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:06:40 GMT -5
8 pitchers combined for an 8/0 K/W. No errors. 1/1 in SBs. Nice. We're likely to need innings from Houck tomorrow. We will need them I wish we could of spared one from working today
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:07:34 GMT -5
Wong and Refsnyder homer, and the Red Sox take series from Reds with 7-4 victory AP
CINCINNATI (AP) Connor Wong and Rob Refsnyder each hit two-run homers as the Boston Red Sox took the series from the Cincinnati Reds with a 7-4 victory on Sunday.
The Red Sox have won seven of eight and are now a season-best six games over .500.
“We finished the trip the right way,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora sad. “We played well. There was a lot of energy. Great team performance.”
Jarren Duran led off for Boston and went 3 for 5 with a double and two RBIs.
Reds manager David Bell was ejected in the fourth inning by home plate umpire Todd Tichenor for arguing balls and strikes. It was Bell’s third ejection this season and 30th as Reds manager, tying him with Sparky Anderson for most in franchise history.
“It’s an emotional game,” Bell said. “I was reminded today that I’m not supposed to say anything.”
The Reds have lost eight of 12 and three straight series.
Sunday was a bullpen day for the Red Sox who used eight pitchers. Zack Kelly, who threw six pitches while earning the victory on Saturday, started and tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Greg Weissert (3-1) was credited with the victory.
“We asked certain guys (to do) a lot today in the pitching department,” Cora said. “We'll see where we are tomorrow.”
Wong extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-run home run in the fourth inning off Reds starter Nick Lodolo to put the Red Sox ahead 2-0.
“The offense did our job,” Duran said. “We just tried to keep it simple. He’s a really good pitcher and if he feels you’re being a little too aggressive, he’s going to pick you apart.”
Lodolo (8-3) took the loss for Cincinnati. Bell said the left-hander was dealing with a blister.
“He started the game with a pretty good blister,” Bell said. "It really affected him mostly on the curve ball. He was able to throw some good ones. It was a pretty good effort right there.”
Refsnyder's two-run homer, his third of the season, came in the sixth off Brent Suter to lift Boston to a 7-1 lead.
The Reds scored three runs in the sixth off Brad Keller, including Tyler Stephenson's RBI double.
Kenley Jansen allowed one hit in the ninth and recorded his 15th save.
The Red Sox improved to 24-16 on the road, fourth-best in the majors.
“There's a lot of things that go into that,” Cora said. “It's a good group. They get along. Athleticism and youth has put us in this spot. They're establishing themselves as big-leaguers. They just show up and play.”
TRAINERS ROOM
Reds: 2B Matt McLain ( left shoulder surgery ) had an exam on his shoulder which went well. McLain remains on track to return in August. He has started running and should begin swinging a bat soon.
UP NEXT
Red Sox: Right-hander Tanner Houck (7-5, 2.14 ERA) starts Monday against the Blue Jays.
Reds: Right-hander Carson Spiers (0-1, 3.20) starts Monday against the Pirates.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:18:40 GMT -5
Gritty bullpen game caps 5-1 road trip for Sox Led by Kelly, 8 relievers combine to help Boston take series in finale 7:26 PM ADT
Mike Petraglia
CINCINNATI -- The Red Sox are turning into Team Togetherness.
And that togetherness was in full bloom over the final two hot and humid days on the Ohio River.
Jarren Duran extended his hitting streak to 13 games with three more hits and drove in two to finish the weekend 7-for-13, as the Red Sox captured the rubber game of the series, 7-4, on Sunday before 29,199 at Great American Ball Park.
Connor Wong and Rob Refsnyder each had a two-run homer, and eight relievers combined to lead the Red Sox to their fourth straight series win and a 5-1 finish to the road trip through Toronto and Cincinnati.
For the first time this season, the Red Sox (42-36) stand six games above .500 and are tied with Baltimore for second in MLB with 24 road wins.
“I think we're just playing baseball,” Duran said. “You know how it is. It's always ups and downs, bumps and bruises. But I just think we're rolling right now and we got a really good thing going on with the team, and we're staying together and I love that. So we're just gonna keep the ball rolling.”
“They like each other. It's a group that -- on the road, they spend a lot of time together,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I keep saying that. Athleticism and youth have put us in this spot. They don't care if we are stuck in Chicago for five hours in the clubhouse because the plane is not there.
“They will play cards or video games. So they don't know any better. They're establishing themselves as big leaguers, most of them, and I think that's one of the reasons it doesn't matter. They show up and play.”
There was no better sign of the fledgling unity that is beginning to define the 2024 Red Sox than their bullpen over the final two games in Cincinnati.
On Saturday, Nick Pivetta was knocked out after 4 1/3 innings. Six relievers had to come to the rescue, holding the Reds at bay to allow the Red Sox to rally for a 4-3 win. All six of those relievers pitched again Sunday in a bullpen game started by Zack Kelly.
“We asked certain guys a lot today in the pitching department,” Cora said. “We'll see where we’re at [Monday]. Zack keeps pounding the strike zone with good stuff.”
Kelly, who faced just one batter Saturday on six pitches, opened Sunday’s game with 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Greg Weissert (3-1) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Kenley Jansen earned his second save in as many days -- and his 15th in 16 chances -- with a scoreless ninth.
“It's fun. I enjoy kind of changing the routine every now and then, keeps you on your toes. But it was good. Like we talked about, [being in] the bullpen is doing your job and handing off the baton,” Kelly said. “So just a good day all around for the boys.”
The Red Sox jumped on Cincinnati ace Nick Lodolo (8-3) for four runs (three earned) in the fourth, thanks to the long ball and some help from the Reds’ defense. Lodolo had won his previous five starts before Boston snapped that streak Sunday.
“I think we just tried to keep it simple,” Duran said of Boston’s approach against Lodolo. “He’s a really good pitcher. And if he feels like you’re getting too aggressive, he’s going to pick you apart. So we just kind of kept it simple. Just like kind of single him to death. And if we get a big swing, we get a big swing, but we tried to keep it simple at the plate.”
“We finished the trip the right way,” Cora said. “We played well. There was a lot of energy. What Jarren is doing in the leadoff spot is fun to watch, puts up good at-bats, hits the ball the other way. It’s fun to watch.”
Following a leadoff walk to Rafael Devers to open the fourth, Wong matched teammate Duran by extending his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-run homer that put the Red Sox up, 2-0.
After the Reds answered with an Elly De La Cruz double and a Jeimer Candelario single for a run in the fourth against Brennan Bernardino, Weissert came on to record the final three outs of the frame, including retiring Will Benson with runners on second and third to end the rally.
“It's always a team effort and our bullpen came in and was clutch,” Duran said. “They pitched really good, and the offense did our job. We put really good at-bats together and it was a full team win today, and I love it.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:20:14 GMT -5
Red Sox win: Hitting streak extends to 13 games for Connor Wong with homer
Updated: Jun. 23, 2024, 5:38 p.m.|Published: Jun. 23, 2024, 4:40 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
CINCINNATI — Manager Alex Cora mentioned before Sunday’s game that catcher Connor Wong should be in the conversation to make the AL All-Star team.
Wong, who spoke Friday about the potential of an All-Star Game selection, extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-run homer in the fourth inning that put Boston ahead 2-0.
The Red Sox went on to win 7-4 over the Reds here at Great American Ball Park to take the series, 2-1. Boston (four series wins in a row) has won seven of its past eight games and now sits at a season-high six games over .500 at 42-36.
“There’s some kids that are playing better,” Cora said. “Rafaela, Hamilton. Of course, the big boys are doing their thing. But now it’s a longer lineup. A lineup that can do a lot of stuff. We’re very dynamic. We went from a roster that we had some question marks early on in the season and now it feels like it’s one of the best rosters position-player wise that we’ve had in a while. From one to 13, we’re not afraid to play them. We’re in a good spot right now.”
Wong sent his homer 395 feet to left field.
“Shoot, there’s some good ones (catchers) that are having great seasons but at least in the conversation he should be,” Cora said about Wong.
The Red Sox scored four runs in the fourth. Romy Gonzalez doubled and Dom Smith walked after Wong’s homer. Gonzalez scored on Ceddanne Rafaela’s force-out and Rafaela scored on Jarren Duran’s RBI double (107.7 mph off the bat).
Boston added three more runs in the sixth inning. Duran’s RBI single made it 5-1 and Rob Refsnyder’s 401-foot two-run homer made it 7-1.
Reds left-handed starter Nick Lodolo entered with a 2.76 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 11 starts. But the Red Sox knocked him out after 4 ⅔ innings.
“Overall, a great team performance,” Cora said. “We put good at-bats against a tough lefty.”
Zack Kelly opened for the Red Sox. He pitched 2 ⅔ scoreless innings and allowed one hit and no walks while striking out three. Kelly has thrown 4 scoreless innings in two starts this season.
“Zack keeps pounding the strike zone with good stuff,” Cora said. “Booz (Cam Booser), this is the third straight he’s pitched. He got us some big outs.”
The Red Sox used eight pitchers. Brad Keller allowed three runs in the sixth but that was the only real life the Reds’ offense showed. Kenley Jansen earned the save.
“We asked certain guys a lot today in the pitching department,” Cora said. “Well see where we’re at tomorrow.”
Asked if the Red Sox need to make a roster move, Cora replied, “We’ll talk about it.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:22:05 GMT -5
Alex Cora: Red Sox roster ‘one of the best’ in a while, ‘playing with joy’
Updated: Jun. 23, 2024, 7:42 p.m.|Published: Jun. 23, 2024, 6:36 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
CINCINNATI — Manager Alex Cora praised the Red Sox’ roster after a 7-4 victory over the Reds on Sunday here at Great American Ball Park.
“We went from a roster that we had some question marks early on in the season and now it feels like it’s one of the best rosters position-player wise that we’ve had in a while,” Cora said. “From one to 13, we’re not afraid to play them. We’re in a good spot right now.”
The Red Sox have won seven of their past eight games and four straight series. They sit at six games over .500 (42-36) for the first time this season. They also now own the third AL Wild Card spot by a half game over the Royals.
How long does Cora mean when he says it’s one of the best rosters “in a while?”
“Last year, for a stretch I think we were good but then we got hurt,” Cora said. “In ‘22, it was the same case. I mean the 13 players that we have are doing an outstanding job. If you go one by one, who’s struggling right now? Everybody’s doing their part. They’re doing what we’ve asked them to do and they’re playing with joy, which is more important.”
Cora’s roster features athleticism, speed and versatility, which has helped the Red Sox go 13-7 in June and 9-2 in their past 11 games.
“There’s some kids that are playing better,” Cora said. “(Ceddanne) Rafaela. (David) Hamilton. Of course, the big boys are doing their thing. But now it’s a longer lineup. A lineup that can do a lot of stuff. We’re very dynamic.”
One flaw with the roster is that it’s very left-handed hitter heavy (Cora talked Saturday about right-handed hitting catcher Connor Wong potentially playing some first base). The imbalance created a situation Sunday where left-handed hitter Dom Smith had to start at first base against Reds left-handed starter Nick Lodolo.
Triston Casas will be the everyday first baseman when he eventually returns from the 60-day IL. But the Red Sox need to mix and match right now.
“We’re going to pick and choose the at-bat that we like against that certain lefty and I mean (choose) from Hammy, Valdy (Enmanuel Valdez) and Dom. I think we’re very left-handed but they’re really good at what they do,” Cora said.
Cora went with Smith as the left-handed hitter Sunday. He started Romy Gonzalez (RHH) at second base and Hamilton (RHH) at shortstop.
“I feel like Dom can put good at-bats against lefties and Hammy, he gets to the four-seamer. That’s why he was playing today instead of Valdy,” Cora said. “So we’re going to mix and match.”
The versatility on the roster also helps Cora move players to different positions after pinch hitting early in games. Cora used left-handed hitter Wilyer Abreu as a pinch hitter for Gonzalez in the fifth inning after Boston knocked out the left-handed starter. Cora kept Abreu in the game as the right fielder. He shifted Tyler O’Neill from right to left field, Jarren Duran from left to center field, Ceddanne Rafaela from center field to shortstop and Hamilton from shortstop to second base in the bottom of the fifth
Boston went 5-1 on its road trip and now returns home to face the Blue Jays.
“We finished the trip the right way,” Cora said. “We played well. There was a lot of energy. What Jarren is doing in the leadoff spot is just fun to watch.”
Zack Kelly — who opened for the Red Sox on Sunday — talked about the resilience the team showed.
“If you look at Friday, we were on a five-game heater and we obviously dropped that game to these guys to start the series,” Kelly said. “It would have been really easy to kind of flatline, kind of come out flat on Saturday.”
Boston fell behind 3-0 early Saturday, then came back to win 4-3.
“It kind of speaks to the resiliency of this group,” Kelly said. “Kind of flushed that right away and came back and won two ballgames and the series.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:23:19 GMT -5
Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_ Having to use Chris Martin, Justin Slaten, and Kenley Jansen in this game is brutal.
No off-day tomorrow to reset things. 5:35 PM · Jun 23, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:24:21 GMT -5
Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_ Look who’s holding the 3rd WC spot… just ridiculous considering all their injuries this season. Hell of a way to weather the storm.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:26:41 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe So much for Keller. Here is Martin.
This really impacts the next series as the Sox will need another 2-3 relievers to get through this game. 5:05 PM · Jun 23, 2024 · 8,092 Views
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 23, 2024 19:27:36 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe Jarren Duran (20) and David Hamilton (21) are the first Sox teammates with at least 20 SBs through 78 games since Chick Stahl (20) and Tommy Dowd (21) in 1901, the first year the Sox existed.
The Civil War veterans at the Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds loved those guys. 6:50 PM · Jun 23, 2024 · 10.9K Views
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Jun 23, 2024 21:26:38 GMT -5
Alex Cora: Red Sox roster ‘one of the best’ in a while, ‘playing with joy’ Updated: Jun. 23, 2024, 7:42 p.m.|Published: Jun. 23, 2024, 6:36 p.m. By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com CINCINNATI — Manager Alex Cora praised the Red Sox’ roster after a 7-4 victory over the Reds on Sunday here at Great American Ball Park. “We went from a roster that we had some question marks early on in the season and now it feels like it’s one of the best rosters position-player wise that we’ve had in a while,” Cora said. “From one to 13, we’re not afraid to play them. We’re in a good spot right now.” “Last year, for a stretch I think we were good but then we got hurt,” Cora said. “In ‘22, it was the same case. I mean the 13 players that we have are doing an outstanding job. If you go one by one, who’s struggling right now? Everybody’s doing their part. I agree. Some of this is small sample size, McGuire and Yoshida are the only ones out of the 13 that aren't hitting over the past 28 days.
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Post by Kimmi on Jun 24, 2024 15:15:39 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats Including the playoffs, Dalbec is hitting .193 in his last 511 major league plate appearances, with a 38% strikeout rate.
In 2023-24, he's K'd in 71 of 146 MLB plate appearances, 49%.
OPS by year: 959, 792, 652, 570, 410 10:04 PM · Jun 21, 2024 Ouch. I pull for the guy every time he gets called up, but he just hasn't been able to get it together at the big league level, for one reason or another. On a related note, I hope Casas returns soon. His first target date was June 21, which we have obviously passed. Early July? Dom has done a nice job filling in, but Casas would (should) be a significant improvement.
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Post by Kimmi on Jun 24, 2024 15:18:55 GMT -5
Red Sox win: Jarren Duran robs HR in 9th after scoring daring go-ahead runUpdated: Jun. 22, 2024, 7:54 p.m.|Published: Jun. 22, 2024, 7:06 p.m. I love Duran's reaction after catching that ball. And I love Devers' reaction when Duran was able to score on the shallow fly ball. These guys are playing with a lot of excitement right now.
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Post by Kimmi on Jun 24, 2024 15:23:15 GMT -5
Zack Kelly for one-plus today and likely Brad Keller for a bit. Challenge today for the Sox. Reds lefty Nick Lodolo is 5-0, 2.08 in his last five starts. I didn't think we had a chance of winning this game. Once again, the offense (thankfully) proved me wrong. Before this series, the Reds were 8-1 in winning series after winning the first game of the series. Even though we've done very well in series lately, it would be nice to start winning more first games. I don't know if it impacts the team or not, but from my vantage point, I really hate losing the first game of any series. LOL
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 24, 2024 16:49:47 GMT -5
Red Sox win: Jarren Duran robs HR in 9th after scoring daring go-ahead runUpdated: Jun. 22, 2024, 7:54 p.m.|Published: Jun. 22, 2024, 7:06 p.m. I love Duran's reaction after catching that ball. And I love Devers' reaction when Duran was able to score on the shallow fly ball. These guys are playing with a lot of excitement right now. They are growing as a team and it is cool to watch
and as for casas and his June prediction, I put little faith into it. He is back when he's back.
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