Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Santana’s Breakout Season Earns Eastern League MVP Honors

Cristian Santana may have had less experience than most of his Eastern League peers, but that did little to slow him down in 2024. The 20-year-old shortstop for the Erie SeaWolves was named the Eastern League’s Most Valuable Player after putting together one of the league’s most productive seasons. Santana hit .298 with a .340 on-base percentage, appearing in 135 games and collecting 167 hits. His power and run production stood out as he totaled 29 doubles, eight triples, 34 home runs, 110 RBI and 82 runs scored.

Santana received five first-place votes and finished with 128 total points to secure the award. Teammate Jackson Jobe finished second in the voting with six first-place votes and 104 points, while Bladimir Restituyo of the Hartford Yard Goats placed third with 88 points. The complete voting results are as follows:

   Player                    Team                 1st Place    Total Pts

Cristian Santana	Erie Seawolves		      5		  128
Jackson Jobe 		Erie Seawolves		      6 	  104
Bladimir Restituyo 	Hartford Yard Goats	      0 	   88
Matthew Lugo 		Portland Sea Dogs	      1 	   81
Mac Horvath 		Bowie Baysox 		      0 	   67
Christopher Familia	Somerset Patriots	      0 	   62
Jud Fabian 		Bowie Baysox 		      0 	   48
Victor Bericoto 	Richmond Flying Squirrels     0 	   40
Matt Gorski 		Altoona Curve		      0 	   34
Brady House 		Harrisburg Senators	      0 	   22
Termarr Johnson 	Altoona Curve		      0 	   20
George Valera 		Altoona Curve		      0 	   12
Joe Perez 		Altoona Curve		      0 	    2

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston Claims Contreras Off Waivers

The Boston Red Sox have added right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras after successfully claiming him off the Major League Baseball waiver wire. The Office of the Commissioner informed the organization that its claim on Contreras, who had been designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates, was approved earlier today.

With the move, Contreras is now officially a member of the club and is fully expected to slot into the bullpen. Contreras, 25, brings major league experience to the pitching staff after spending parts of several seasons with Pittsburgh. During the 2024 regular season, Contreras posted a 1-1 record with a 1.98 ERA in 36.1 innings of work that generated 0.5 WAR in 19 total game appearances.

[OmahaBaseball]

2024 MLB Playoffs - Division Series

The 2024 MLB Playoffs continue ahead, as teams now begin the Division Series round. In the American League, the Boston Red Sox travel to take on the New York Yankees, while the Houston Astros welcome the visiting Baltimore Orioles. In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers will host the San Diego Padres, while the Atlanta Braves square off against the Philadelphia Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love.

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Take Control Early in ALDS with 7–1 Victory Over Yankees

New York City, NY — The Boston Red Sox delivered a statement in the opener of the American League Division Series on Saturday night, rolling past the New York Yankees 7–1 at Yankee Stadium to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five matchup. Boston scored in five different innings and backed the offense with overpowering pitching in front of a sellout crowd of 52,915 that went home disappointed.

Right-hander Tanner Houck (2-0) was the difference from the start, carving through the Yankees lineup for eight innings. Houck scattered five hits, walked three, and struck out seven, allowing only a sixth-inning run; Game Score 72. He threw 112 pitches and kept New York off balance with command on both sides of the plate, earning the win and Player of the Game honors. Reliever Justin Slaten closed it out with a scoreless ninth.

Boston’s offense broke through in the fourth inning and never looked back. Rafael Devers powered the attack, going 2 for 5 with a two-run homer in the fifth that pushed the lead to 3–0. Masataka Yoshida had a standout night at the plate, collecting four hits and two doubles, while Triston Casas and Jarren Duran each drove in a run. The Red Sox piled up 12 hits and consistently pressured Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (0-1), who was charged with seven runs (six earned) over eight innings while striking out 8 and walking 1; Game Score 43.

The Yankees struggled to generate sustained offense, finishing with just five hits. Juan Soto drove in New York’s only run, while Anthony Judge and DJ LeMahieu each singled but were largely neutralized as Boston turned timely double plays and stranded runners in key spots. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #14)

American League Division Series Round: Leads 1-0

[OmahaBaseball]

Cortes, Yankees Silence Red Sox to Even ALDS at 1–1

New York City, NY — Behind a masterful outing from left-hander Nestor Cortes and just enough power in the middle innings, the New York Yankees clipped the Boston Red Sox, 2–1, on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium to square their American League Division Series at one game apiece.

Cortes (1-0) was in complete control, holding Boston to two hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out seven and walking two; Game Score 77. Mixing his fastball and cutter effectively, Cortes repeatedly disrupted the Red Sox’ timing and stranded potential rallies before they could develop. He threw 96 pitches and exited to a standing ovation after retiring the side in the eighth.

The Yankees’ offense came in a decisive burst in the fourth inning. Jasson Domínguez opened the scoring with a solo home run to right field, and Aaron Judge followed moments later with a towering drive of his own, giving New York a 2–0 lead. The back-to-back shots accounted for all three Yankee hits on the night, but proved enough in a tightly played postseason game.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (1-1) matched Cortes for much of the evening, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing only three hits and two runs while walking five; Game Score 65. Despite the solid effort, the Red Sox offense never found its footing, striking out 10 times and managing only a single run in the eighth inning when Marcelo Mayer drove in Triston Casas with a base hit.

Closer Clay Holmes (SV 1) finished the job for New York, striking out three over the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the save. The game was played before a crowd of 53,109 on a cool, partly cloudy night in the Bronx. With the win, the Yankees even the best-of-five series, which now shifts to Fenway Park for Game 3 on Tuesday as the rivalry renews on Boston’s home field.

Player of the Game: Nestor Cortes

American League Division Series Round: Tied 1-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Phillies Reach Contract Extension with Marsh

Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they had reached terms on a 5-year contract extension with promising outfielder Brandon Marsh. In a deal that sees the fan favorite receiving a total of $46.7M that will carry him through the 2029 season, Marsh was very appreciative of the Phillies front-office staff making the extension possible.

Marsh, a key part of the Phillies’ outfield mix since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, has shown above-average defense and offensive versatility. Despite a challenging start to the 2024 season, he rebounded to finish the year with solid production (.244/.344/.391; 3.4 WAR) and will continue to be in the team’s plans as they navigate a competitive National League East landscape.

2025	Age 27	 $2,880,000
2026	Age 28	 $6,700,000
2027	Age 29	$10,500,000
2028	Age 30	$13,300,000
2029	Age 31	$13,300,000

Promised Role:	Starting Lineup

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Take Command with Game 3 Win Over Yankees

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox moved within one victory of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday night, defeating the New York Yankees 9–6 in Game 3 of their Division Series at Fenway Park to take a 2–1 lead in the best-of-five matchup.

Boston erased an early deficit and seized control with a decisive four-run rally in the sixth inning. Jarren Duran delivered the biggest blow, lining a two-run single to right with runners in scoring position, turning a close game into an 8–4 Red Sox advantage. Rafael Devers anchored the offense all night, collecting four hits in five at-bats and scoring twice as Boston finished with 14 hits against three Yankees pitchers.

The Yankees relied on power to stay in contention, getting home runs from Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Jose Trevino, and Anthony Volpe, but defensive miscues and missed opportunities proved costly. New York committed two errors and left several runners on base in key moments. Starter Carlos Rodon (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 33.

Boston starter Jack Flaherty (1-0) earned the win, striking out 10 over six innings despite allowing five runs; Game Score 46. The Red Sox bullpen limited further damage, and Liam Hendriks (SV 1) recorded the final out to seal the victory. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night at Fenway Park, where Boston will look to close out the series and advance to the ALCS.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #10)

American League Division Series Round: Leads 2-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Eliminate Yankees, Advance to ALCS

Boston, MA — The Red Sox earned a hard-fought 2–1 win over the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Fenway Park, closing out the American League Division Series, three games to one, in front of a rain-soaked crowd of 36,793.

After three scoreless innings, Boston struck first in the bottom of the third. Marcelo Mayer opened the rally with a double and later came home on Jarren Duran’s two-out single, with another run scoring on aggressive baserunning to give the Red Sox a 2–0 edge. The Yankees answered in the fourth when DJ LeMahieu drove in a run with a double, but New York was unable to capitalize further, stranding several runners.

Red Sox right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-0) was dominant, working eight innings while allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight without issuing a walk; Game Score 78. He consistently kept the Yankees off balance and was named Player of the Game. Closer Liam Hendriks (SV 2) handled the ninth inning calmly to record his second save of the postseason. Yankee starter Chase Hampton (0-1) was saddled with the loss after permitting 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings of work; Game Score 53.

Masataka Yoshida, named series MVP, continued his strong postseason with a key hit and steady presence in the middle of the lineup, finishing the series with a .444 batting average. With the victory, Boston moves on to face the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series, which opens October 13.

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert (Season: #5)

American League Division Series Round: Wins 3-1
American League Division Series MVP: Masataka Yoshida

[OmahaBaseball]

The Championship Series round is here, and there is some surprise with the final four participating teams. While it was expected that the Houston Astros would make a serious run in the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox were not expected to be here. In the National League, both of the favorites were bounced from the race, and now fans are able to enjoy the unexpected series between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres.

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Rally Late to Take ALCS Opener

Houston, TX — In a back-and-forth opener that set the tone for the series, the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Houston Astros, 7–6, in 10 innings Sunday night at Minute Maid Park to seize a 1–0 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston leaned on power, patience, and a steady bullpen finish to overcome early Houston bursts and a charged postseason atmosphere.

Houston struck first when Yordan Alvarez launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, and then added two more in the fourth on Yainer Diaz’s two-run shot to build a 4–1 cushion. Red Sox starter Tanner Houck battled through traffic, allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings, keeping the team within striking distance despite surrendering two home runs; Game Score 45. The game flipped in the sixth when Jarren Duran ignited the rally with his own solo homer, and moments later Tyler O’Neill unloaded a three-run blast to right, giving Boston its first lead. Rafael Devers added breathing room with a solo homer in the seventh, his second long ball of the postseason, before Houston clawed back with runs in the seventh and eighth to force extra innings.

Starter turned bullpen help, Brayan Bello (BS 1) was roughed up for a run in the 8th inning, and the team was forced to turn to closer Liam Hendriks (1-0) who slammed the door when it mattered most; tossing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts to earn the win. In the top of the 10th, Masataka Yoshida delivered the decisive blow, lining a run-scoring single off Josh Hader (0-1) to put Boston ahead for good. Duran finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two walks and two runs scored, earning Player of the Game honors, while Devers chipped in two hits and a homer.

The Red Sox totaled 10 hits and drew nine walks, repeatedly pressuring the opposing pitching staff. The Astros, limited to six hits, were led by Alvarez’s early power and Diaz’s three-RBI night, but stranded key runners late. Boston’s defense was clean, committing no errors, and turned two double plays to halt mounting threats. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night, with the visitors looking to extend their advantage before the series shifts venues

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #5)

American League Championship Series Round: Leads 1-0

[OmahaBaseball]

Astros Ride Valdez, Big Fifth Inning to Even ALCS

Houston, TX — Framber Valdez (1-0) authored a complete-game gem and the Houston Astros broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning, defeating the Boston Red Sox 8–3 on Monday night to knot the American League Championship Series at one game apiece before a raucous crowd at Minute Maid Park.

Houston struck early with two runs in the first inning and answered each Boston push, building steady pressure against Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford (1-2). The decisive moment came in the bottom of the fifth, when Jeremy Peña lined a two-out, two-run double to left with runners on second and third, capping a surge that gave the Astros a commanding 6–2 advantage. Peña finished 1 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Valdez was dominant after allowing early runs, settling into a rhythm and leaning on his heavy sinker to induce ground balls and limit damage. He scattered nine hits, walked just one, and struck out eight over 123 pitches, becoming the clear tone-setter for Houston’s pitching staff; Game Score 64. Offensively, the Astros collected 11 hits, with Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker each recording two hits. Yainer Díaz drove in two runs, while contributions came throughout the lineup as Houston consistently capitalized on Boston mistakes and timely opportunities.

Boston, which totaled nine hits, was paced by Rafael Devers, who doubled and later homered in the eighth inning. Jarren Duran added an RBI, but the Red Sox left multiple runners stranded and could not slow Houston’s momentum after the middle innings. Crawford took the loss after surrendering seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings; Game Score 21. With the series tied 1–1, the ALCS now shifts to Fenway Park for Game 3 on Wednesday, setting up a pivotal stretch as both teams vie for the American League pennant.

Player of the Game: Framber Valdez

American League Championship Series Round: Tied 1-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Rally Late to Edge Astros in ALCS Game 3

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox staged a dramatic late comeback Wednesday night, defeating the Houston Astros 7–6 at Fenway Park to seize a 2–1 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston overcame a back-and-forth contest and broke through in the eighth inning to swing momentum in the best-of-seven matchup.

Boston struck early with two runs in the first inning and added another in the third, highlighted by Rafael Devers’ solo home run; his 4th of the postseason. Houston stayed quiet through five innings before erupting late, scoring two runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth to briefly take a 6–5 lead. Kyle Tucker led the Astros’ charge, driving in three runs, including a two-run homer in the eighth that silenced the Fenway crowd. The Red Sox responded immediately. With two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the eighth, Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a clutch two-run single to right field off of closer Josh Hader (0-1), flipping the score back in Boston’s favor.

Starter Jack Flaherty provided a strong foundation, pitching seven innings and limiting Houston to four runs on 5 hits and permitting 4 walks while striking out 5; Game Score 52. The ever shaky pitching of Brayan Bello (1-0; BS 2) struck again as he served up 2 earned runs on 2 hits in one inning of work. Much to the relief of the Fenway faithful, closer Liam Hendriks (SV 3) closed the door late, as he worked a clean ninth inning to earn the save. Boston secured a crucial home win and must now prepare to host Game 4.

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #13)

American League Championship Series Round: Lead 2-1

[OmahaBaseball]

International Amateur Showcase Puts Top Prospects on MLB Radar

Major League Baseball concluded its annual international amateur showcase this week, an event that represents the most important stage of the year for young prospects across the globe. Scouts from all 30 clubs gathered to evaluate the next wave of international talent, as players looked to elevate their profiles ahead of the upcoming signing period. The showcase once again highlighted the global reach of the sport, with standout performers from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Mexico drawing significant attention.

Pitching depth was a major theme this year, as several teenage arms showed advanced velocity, command, and poise well beyond their age. Among the most closely watched prospects was Luis Maldonado, a 16-year-old left-hander from the Dominican Republic whose projectable frame and smooth delivery stood out to evaluators. Fellow Dominican right-hander David Silvas, also 16, impressed with a lively fastball and developing secondary pitches. Venezuela was well represented by Ezio Vasario, a 16-year-old right-hander with strong mechanics, and David Irizarry, a 17-year-old who showcased polish and mound presence. Position players rounded out the group of top names. Gilberto Gonsales, a 16-year-old third baseman from the Dominican Republic, showed quick hands and power potential, while outfielder Nelson Castillo impressed with his bat speed and arm strength. Venezuela’s Guadalupe Lara, a 16-year-old second baseman, stood out for his instincts and contact ability.

The full list of prospects is now available on the international amateur free agents screen, allowing teams to continue evaluations and tracking. However, clubs will have to wait to make their moves. Contracts cannot be offered until the international signing period officially opens on January 15, 2025. Teams can also review their international practice invitees through the international scouting screen as preparations continue for what promises to be another competitive and impactful signing period. The Boston Red Sox have invited the following players to private training.

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox One Win From World Series After Game 4 ALCS Victory

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox moved within a victory of the World Series on Thursday night, defeating the Houston Astros 4–1 in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park.

Right-hander Logan Gilbert (2-0) was the story for Boston, turning in a dominant postseason outing. Gilbert scattered four hits over eight innings, allowing just one run while striking out 10 and not issuing a walk; Game Score 80. He consistently kept Houston’s lineup off balance, retiring 15 of the final 17 batters he faced before handing the ball to Liam Hendriks (SV 4), who closed out the ninth inning for the save.

Boston struck first in the third inning and broke the game open in the sixth as the lineup tagged starter Ronel Blanco for 3 earned runs on 5 hits and 6 walks; Game Score 49. Tommy Edman delivered the biggest swing of the night, launching a two-run home run to give the Red Sox a 3–1 lead. Jarren Duran added insurance with a solo homer in the eighth inning, energizing the Fenway crowd.

The Astros managed only four hits and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Their lone run came in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Yainer Diaz, but Houston was unable to mount any sustained rallies against Gilbert. With the win, the Red Sox took a 3–1 advantage in the best-of-seven series and will have the opportunity to clinch the American League pennant in the next game, also at Fenway Park.

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert (Season: #6)

American League Championship Series Round: Leads 3-1

[OmahaBaseball]

World Series Bound — Red Sox Rout Astros

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox left no doubt Friday night, overwhelming the Houston Astros 13–1 at Fenway Park to clinch the American League Championship Series in five games and earn a return trip to the World Series.

Boston seized control almost immediately, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to chase Astros starter Cristian Javier (1-1) early; Game Score 23. The Red Sox offense kept the pressure on throughout the night, piling up 13 hits and breaking the game open with a six-run sixth inning that sent much of the Fenway crowd into celebration mode. Kyle Teel delivered the knockout punch in that sixth inning, launching a grand slam to cap the outburst and earn Player of the Game honors. Masataka Yoshida collected three hits and drove in two runs, while Triston Casas and Tyler O’Neill each contributed two RBI as Boston showcased its lineup depth from top to bottom.

On the mound, Tanner Houck (3-0) provided exactly what the Red Sox needed in a closeout game, as he scattered seven hits over 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run while striking out five; Game Score 63. Boston’s bullpen help came from the scoreless outing of Anthony Gose who covered the final 1 2/3 innings in which he allowed just 1 walk to seal the emphatic victory. Houston’s lone run came on an RBI double by Yainer Díaz in the sixth, but they never threatened after Boston’s early surge. The loss ended Houston’s bid for another pennant and underscored Boston’s dominance throughout the series.

Tommy Edman, who struggled most of the season and was regulated to the bench, had a terrific Series in which he hit .500 over the five-game set, was named ALCS MVP as the Red Sox captured the series 4–1. Boston will now await the winner of the National League Championship Series, with the World Series scheduled to begin October 24.

Player of the Game: Kyle Teel (Season: #1)

American League Championship Series Round: Wins Series 4-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Harrison Bader will remain with the Toronto Blue Jays for an additional 2-years, as the parties came to terms on a contract extension. While Bader had a down year that saw him split time between the AAA and Major league levels, he is seen as a strong clubhouse presence who still has outstanding defensive skills.

2025	Age 30	 $4,200,000
2026	Age 31	 $4,200,000

[OmahaBaseball]

The 2024 World Series match-up is set, with the Boston Red Sox squaring off against the Atlanta Braves. By all accounts, neither team was expected to be here as they entered into the playoffs as Wildcard hopefuls. It will be interesting to see how this plays out!

[OmahaBaseball]

Teel’s Sixth-Inning Blast Lifts Red Sox Past Braves in World Series Opener

Atlanta, GA — A three-run home run by rookie catcher Kyle Teel proved to be the turning point as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Atlanta Braves, 6–4, on Thursday night in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series. With Boston trailing 4–2 entering the sixth inning, Teel connected on a two-out drive to right-center off starter Spencer Strider (3-2; Game Score 41), silencing the sellout crowd and giving the Red Sox their first lead of the night.

The Braves struck early when Michael Harris II led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run. Harris finished 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored, while Matt Olson added a solo homer in the fourth inning. While the Braves totaled 11 hits, they left eight runners stranded on the bases and many a potential rally was stalled. After some early-innings trouble, Red Sox starter Tanner Houck (4-0) settled in and pitched seven innings in which he allowed four earned runs on nine hits; Game Score 45. Brayan Bello (H 1) worked a scoreless eighth, and closer Liam Hendriks (SV 5) retired the side in order in the ninth to earn the save.

Boston’s offense was spread throughout the lineup, with contributions from Marcelo Mayer, who homered in the third inning, and Triston Casas, who doubled and reached base four times. The Red Sox also took advantage of two Atlanta fielding errors. With the win, Boston grabbed a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series, as their miracle playoff run continues.

Player of the Game: Michael Harris II

World Series: Leads 1-0

[OmahaBaseball]

Duran, Mayer Power Red Sox to Dramatic Game 2 Win

Atlanta, GA — The Boston Red Sox are halfway to a championship. Behind a relentless performance from Jarren Duran and a clutch, late-inning blast by rookie shortstop Marcelo Mayer, the Red Sox stunned the Atlanta Braves, 8–7, on Friday night at Truist Park to take a 2–0 lead in the 2024 World Series.

Boston struck early and finished late, surviving a furious Atlanta comeback in a game delayed nearly an hour by rain and played for almost five hours before a rocking crowd of 42,538 passionate fans. Duran set the tone in the opening inning, launching a two-run home run to right-center off Braves starter Reynaldo López (5 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 30). The All-Star left fielder finished 2 for 4 with three RBI, a walk, and a run scored, earning Player of the Game honors and continuing a dominant postseason.

Boston carried a slim lead into the middle innings, but Atlanta finally broke through in the sixth. Ronald Acuña Jr. crushed a two-run homer off Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford (Game Score 47) to ignite the crowd, and the Braves followed with three runs in the seventh to grab a 6–5 advantage. Then came the swing that may define the series. With two outs in the top of the eighth and two runners on, Mayer jumped on a hanging pitch from reliever Pierce Johnson (1-3) and sent it screaming into the right-field seats. The three-run homer silenced Truist Park and flipped the game — and possibly the series — back in Boston’s favor.

Atlanta refused to go quietly. Matt Olson homered in the ninth to pull the Braves within one, but closer Liam Hendriks (SV 6) regrouped to record the final outs to wrap up the game. The Red Sox bullpen steadied after early trouble, with Ryne Stanek (1-0) earning the win by escaping a jam in the seventh. Despite 11 hits, Atlanta stranded nine runners and couldn’t deliver the decisive blow. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday night at Fenway Park, where Boston will look to push the Braves to the brink while Atlanta will try to claw its way back into the series. For now, momentum — and history — favors the Red Sox.

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #6)

World Series: Leads 2-0

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Rout Braves, Move One Win From World Series Sweep

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox are on the brink of a World Series championship after overwhelming the Atlanta Braves, 13–5, on Sunday night to seize a commanding 3–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Boston struck immediately and never let up, scoring 13 runs on 14 hits while chasing Atlanta ace Max Fried before he could escape the first inning. Fried (1-3) lasted just one-third of an inning, surrendering seven runs on five hits and two walks (Game Score 3) as the Red Sox lineup punished nearly every mistake.

Rafael Devers led the offensive barrage, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI, and three runs scored to earn Player of the Game honors and to continue his dominant playoff performance. If there was any doubt remaining regarding the outcome of the game, the finishing blow came in the second inning when Triston Casas launched a three-run home run into the Fenway night, stretching Boston’s lead to 10–0 to effectively silence any chance the Braves had of a comeback. The Red Sox also received key contributions from Jarren Duran, who drove in two runs, and Tommy Edman, who added two hits and two RBI.

On the mound, Jack Flaherty (2-0) delivered a steady performance for Boston, pitching six innings and allowing just two runs while striking out nine; Game Score 60. The Red Sox bullpen followed with scoreless relief until a late Atlanta surge in the ninth inning narrowed the margin but did little to change the outcome. Atlanta managed five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from Ozzie Albies in the ninth off of Naoyuki Uwasawa, but the damage was already done. Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the uphill battle ahead but remained defiant. “We lost,” Snitker said. “We’ll deal with it. The series isn’t over.”

The game was played under chilly, cloudy conditions that included a 44-minute rain delay in the seventh inning, the crowd of 37,172 fans cheered throughout as they sensed history in the making. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night, where Boston will look to complete the sweep and capture another World Series title.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #11)

World Series: Leads 3-0