Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Pittsburgh Pirate fan favorite Andrew McCutchen has enjoyed a great career. Today he marked an accomplishment by smashing his 300th career homerun in the Pirates 6 to 2 victory over the Miami Marlins.

[OmahaBaseball]

Well that did not go well for us. On a day that saw the Mariners put up 12 runs on 14 hits, the Boston pitching staff could not stop the bleeding. The Seattle Mariners (2-0) thumped the Boston Red Sox (0-2) by a 12 to 4 score.

Logan Gilbert (1-0) had a solid outing, as he permitted 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in his complete game 122-pitch effort; Game Score 71. The Mariners had no shortage on offense today, led by Julio Rodriguez (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, Walk), Mitch Haniger (3 for 4, Run, 3 RBI, Walk), Josh Rojas (3 for 5, 2 Runs), and Dylan Moore (2 for 3, Run, RBI, 2 Walks).

Kutter Crawford (0-1) was not so fortunate, as he was roughed up for 7 earned runs on 6 hits, 4 walks, and 1 wild pitch in just 2 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 11. Greg Weissert tried to provide relief support but was ineffective as he was knocked around for 4 additional earned runs on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch. Newly acquired reliever Garrett Cleavinger made an appearance in which he gave up 1 earned run on 2 hits and 4 walks (yikes) in 2 innings, before Isiah Campbell wrapped up the last 1 2/3 innings in a scoreless effort. Not a good showing by the Red Sox pitching staff. Boston's overall lackluster offense effort was "led" by Reese McGuire (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Tyler O'Neill (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 3, Run, 2 RBI, Hit-by-Pitch).

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert

AL East Standings: 2 GB, tied for 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A different day but same result; a loss. Despite getting runners on base, the visitors just could not score runs to keep things competitive. The end result was the Seattle Mariners (3-0) topping the Boston Red Sox (0-3) by a 4 to 1 score.

Seattle ace George Kirby (1-0) scattered 9 hits and plunked one batter in 8-innings of work on his way to allowing 1 earned run while striking out 6 in his 117-pitch outing; Game Score 66. Closer Andres Munoz (SV 2) closed things out by striking out the 3 batters that he faced. The Mariners' bats were powered by Jorge Polanco (3 for 3, Run, 2 RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), J.P. Crawford (1 for 2, 2 Runs, RBI, 2 Walks), and Cal Raleigh (2 for 4, Run).

Taking the loss was Garrett Whitlock (0-1) who allowed 4 earned runs on 10 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman, striking out 8, in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 44. Justin Slaten covered the final 1 1/3 innings of scoreless/hitless ball in which he struck out 3 and walked 1. Boston's offense was led by Tristan Casas (3 for 4, Double) and Tommy Edman (2 for 4).

Player of the Game: George Kirby

AL East Standings: 2 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

What a way to start the season for Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. In picking up the 3 to 0 victory, Rodriguez scattered 2 hits while striking out 11 in his 121-pitch shutout effort; Game Score 94. Yes, it is not lost on me that he is a former Red Sox.

[OmahaBaseball]

It took extra-innings, but Toronto Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette pounded out 5 hits in 7 at-bats in the 7 to 4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. On the day, Bichette knocked 3 Singles and 2 Doubles with 2 RBI to lead his team to victory.

[OmahaBaseball]

That makes it a sweep, as Boston dropped all 4 games to open the 2024 season. While this game was close, the loss still stings. In picking up the victory, the Seattle Mariners (4-0) bested the Boston Red Sox (0-4) by a 3 to 2 score. I just need to put this series behind me and get ready for the trip to Oakland.

While he did not earn a decision, Seattle pitcher Bryce Miller pitched 7 solid innings in which he allowed 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7; Game Score 65. Matt Brash (1-0) picked up the win for his scoreless 1 inning of play in which he struck out the 3 batters he faced, before turning the ball over to Andres Munoz (SV 3) who locked down the game after striking out 3 of the 4 batters. While limited offense today, Julio Rodriguez (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI) and Dylan Moore (1 for 3, Double) played well.

Boston pitcher Brayan Bello (0-1) was saddled with the loss after permitting 3 earned runs on 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 hit batsmen in 8 innings of play; Game Score 63. Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI) gave the Red Sox a chance.

Player of the Game: Bryce Miller

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

The first 2024 Power Rankings are out and the Seattle Mariners (4-0) lead the way with 188 points. Not far behind are the Milwaukee Brewers (3-0) with 186 points. On the other end of the list, the Boston Red Sox (0-4) occupy the bottom position with -8 points, though the New York Mets (0-3) are close with -6 points.

[OmahaBaseball]

A great start to the season earned Philadelphia Phillies 3B Alec Bohm National League Player of the Week honors. On the week Bohm went 7 for 12 (.583 AVG) at the plate with a Double, Triple, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 4 RBI, and 1 Walk for a slashline of .583/.615/1.333 that resulted in 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

At just 22-years old, Detroit Tigers 3B Colt Keith is off to an amazing start in his rookie season. On a week that saw him hit .727 BA (8 for 11) with a Double, 2 Homeruns, 5 Runs, 2 RBI, and a Walk for a slashline of .727/.750/1.364 that created 0.6 WAR, Keith was named the American League Player of the Week.

[OmahaBaseball]

I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but Boston just cannot get the win. In dropping their 5th straight game, the Boston Red Sox (0-5) fell to the Oakland Athletics (2-3) by a 6 to 5 score.

Neither starting pitcher earned a decision. For the A's, Luis Medina allowed 5 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks while recording 9 K's in his 107-pitch, 6 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 53. Scott Alexander (1-0) picked up the victory for his 1 1/3 innings of scoreless play in which he scattered 2 hits while striking out 3. Mason Miller (SV 2) closed out the game with his 1-inning of scoreless work. The Red Sox turned to started Jack Flaherty in hopes of righting the ship, but his outing was less than ideal as he served up 5 earned runs on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6, in 5-innings of play; Game Score 42. Kenley Jansen (0-1) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 1 earned run on a hit and a walk in 2 2/3 innings. Nick Pivetta got the final out in his 1/3 inning of play.

Oakland's offense was led by Lawrence Butler (3 for 4, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 3 RBI), Brent Rooker (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI), and Nick Allen (1 for 2, Run, Walk). Boston's limited offense came from Jarren Duran (1 for 3, Double, Run, RBI, Walk), Kyle Teel (1 for 3, Double, RBI, Walk), and Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Double, Run).

Player of the Game: Lawrence Butler

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

How sweet it is! Despite committing 2 errors and being out hit, the Boston Red Sox (1-5) picked up their first win of the season by topping the Oakland Athletics (2-4) by a 4 to 3 score. Of Note, the announced attendance was a pathetic 5,576 fans.

Though he did not record a decision, Tanner Houck kept the team in the game by limiting the damage to 3 runs (2 earned) on 10 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3, in his 104-pitch, 6 1/3 inning outing; Game Score 45. Joely Rodriguez (1-0) picked up the win for his 1 2/3 innings of scoreless pitching in which he allowed just 1 hit before turning the ball over to Liam Hendriks (SV 1) to close out the game. Oakland starter Paul Blackburn (0-2) took the loss after serving up 4 earned runs on 10 hits and 2 walks in 7 2/3 innings; Game Score 44. Lucas Erceg covered the final 1 1/3 innings in a scoreless relief appearance.

There were several solid hitting performances in the game, with Boston led by Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, Stolen Base), Tyler O'Neill (2 for 3, Run, 2 RBI, Sacrifice Fly), Tristan Casas (2 for 4, Double, 2 RBI), and Vaughn Grissom (1 for 4, Run, Walk, 2 Stolen Bases). The A's hitting success was generated by Brent Rooker (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI) and J.D. Davis (2 for 4, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Tyler O'Neill (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 3 GB, tied for 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

A wasted opportunity, as Kutter Crawford pitched a fine game that Boston squandered away. In a 10-inning battle, the Oakland Athletics (3-4) topped the visiting Boston Red Sox (1-6) by a 3 to 2 score. The season has been a struggle so far, as my lineup is batting a dismal .216 (27th in the league) and my starters have posted a 5.29 ERA (28th in the league).

Oakland pitcher Mitch Spence did not record a decision for his 8 innings of work in which he permitted 2 earned runs on 7 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 62. Closer Mason Miller (1-0) picked up the win for his 2 innings of scoreless work. Red Sox started Kutter Crawford was denied the decision despite limiting the opposition to 2 runs (0 earned) on 3 hits and 1 walk with 8 strikeouts in 8 innings of play; Game Score 79. Nick Pivetta tossed a scoreless 9th inning before turning the ball over to Liam Hendriks (0-1) who was tagged with the loss after permitting 1 earned run on 2 hits in 2/3 of an inning.

While neither team crushed the ball today, Oakland batters Shea Langeliers (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 2 Runs) and Brent Rooker (1 for 4, 2 RBI) played well. For Boston, Tommy Edman (1 for 4, 2 Stolen Bases) and Tristan Casas (1 for 3, Run, Walk) made positive contributions.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite falling behind by 4 runs after just 2 innings and seeing the game again go into extra innings, the Boston Red Sox (2-6) pulled out the 6 to 5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels (3-4). The Boston defense again had an error miscue. This is going to be a very long season if my defense continues to play like this.

Boston starter Garrett Whitlock allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits, 1 walk, and 1 balk, striking out 8, in 6 innings of work; Game Score 45. Justin Slaten (1-0) picked up the victory after he limited the home team to just 2 hits in his 3 innings of play. Liam Hendriks (SV 2) closed out the game with a scoreless 10th inning. The Angels sent out Patrick Sandoval for 5 2/3 innings in which he permitted 4 earned runs on 6 hits, 4 walks, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 42. Reliever Jose Cisnero allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits in 3 1/3 innings before turning the ball over to Robert Stephenson (0-1) who was tagged with the loss after serving up 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk in his 10-inning appearance.

The star of the day was Boston 3B Rafael Devers after he smashed the ball for a 4 for 4 day (2 Homeruns, Double, 4 Runs, 3 RBI, Walk) that resulted in 11 total bases. Additionally, Tristan Casas (3 for 4, RBI, Walk) and Tyler O'Neill (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI) played well for the winning team. On the other side of the box score, Aaron Hicks (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Zach Neto (1 for 4, Run, 2 RBI), and Mike Trout (2 for 5) had a solid day at the plate. Of Note, Devers was recognized as MLB's #1 Performance of the Day.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 2 GB, 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

It was nice to get the victory (dare I say the team is on a winning streak...), but it was especially satisfying for one of my starting pitchers to record the win. Despite committing another error (5th in the last 4 games), the Boston Red Sox (3-6) rolled to the 9 to 2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels (3-5).

Picking up the win for Boston was Brayan Bello (1-1) who limited the opposition to 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 3 in 6 2/3 innings; Game Score 54. Isaiah Campbell tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to ensure the win. Angles pitcher Griffin Canning (0-2) was saddled with the loss after he was knocked from the game after just 3 innings due to allowing 5 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 24. Reliever Luis Garcia did not fair much better, as he permitted 2 earned runs on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 2 1/3 innings before turning the ball over to Carlos Estevez (1 hit in 2 2/3 scoreless innings) and then Matt Moore (2 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning).

The Red Sox were locked in at the plate today, led again by the red-hot play of Rafael Devers (3 for 4, 2 Homeruns, Double, 3 Runs, 3 RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), Ceddanne Rafaela (3 for 5, Homerun, Double, 2 Runs, 4 RBIs), and Tommy Edman (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI). Mike Trout (1 for 3, Double, 2 RBI, Walk) and Logan O'Hoppe (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks) played well in the loss. Of Note, for the 2nd consecutive day Devers was recognized as MLB's #1 Performance of the Day.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 2 GB, tied for 4th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Putting to rest that his best years are behind him, Oakland A's 1B Brandon Belt showed that he still has something left in the tank. On a night in which his team topped the Chicago White Sox by a 10 to 7 score, Belt went 5 for 5 with 3 Doubles, scored 2 Runs, and collected 5 RBI.

[OmahaBaseball]

A pitching gem from Jack Flaherty is the news of the day, as the Boston Red Sox (4-6) topped the Los Angels Angels (3-6) by a 4 to 0 score. To be just 1 game out even after that tough start is something I can live with.

Jack Flaherty (1-0) was dominate on the mound today, scattering 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out 10 in 8-innings of shutout work; Game Score 82. Nick Pivetta wrapped up the final inning in just 8 pitches to close out the game. Of Note, for the 3rd consecutive game a player from the Red Sox was recognized as MLB's #1 Performance of the Day. Congrats Jack! Opposing starting pitcher Tyler Anderson (0-2) permitted 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 walk in 8 2/3 innings; Game Score 55. Reliever Jose Soriano secured the final out but not before allowing 1 of the 2 inherited runners to score.

Leading the way at the plate for Boston were rookie catcher Kyle Teel (2 for 3, 2 Doubles, RBI, Walk), Jarren Duran (2 for 5, RBI), and Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI). The Angels limited offense came from Taylor Ward (1 for 4, Stolen Base) and Nolan Schanuel (1 for 3, Walk).

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 1 GB, tied for 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

For the second consecutive week, Philadelphia Phillies 3B Alec Bohm took home National League Player of the Week honors. Building off of his great start, Bohm batted .400 (12 for 30) with 2 Doubles, 4 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 14 RBI, and 1 walk for a slashline of .400/.419/.867 that resulted in 0.5 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

The clubhouse was in celebration mode when news came out that Boston Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers was named the American League Player of the Week. In picking up the honors, Devers smashed the ball to the tune of a .435 average (10 for 23) with 3 Doubles, 5 Homeruns, 10 Runs, 7 RBI, 3 Walks, and 1 Stolen Base for a slashline of .435/.500/1.217 that produced 1.0 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Power Rankings are out and there is a new leader at the top. Moving up 10 spots, the Minnesota Twins (143 points) have a slight lead over the Los Angles Dodgers (142 points). The Boston Red Sox moved up to 17th place with 73 points. The New York Mets occupy the bottom spot with 36 points.

[OmahaBaseball]

Los Angels Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts had a big day in his team's 9 to 6 win over the Chicago Cubs as he hit for the cycle. On this special day, Betts went 4 for 6 with 2 Runs and 3 RBI.