The Boston Red Sox secured a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, highlighted by a peculiar ground-rule double and key hits from Alex Verdugo.
One of the most unusual moments of the game occurred in the top of the second inning. With two outs and Matt Duffy on first base, Kyle Isbel hit a ball to left field that appeared to be caught by Masataka Yoshida. However, Yoshida missed the ball and crashed into the wall. Upon getting up, he found himself confused as the ball had disappeared. It was discovered that the ball had actually gone through one of the red lights on the outfield wall that signify the number of outs. Yoshida reached through the hole in the light to retrieve the ball, resulting in a ground-rule double due to the peculiar circumstances.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed his surprise at the uncommon occurrence, stating, “I’ve never seen that, not even in BP.” The play provided an amusing twist to the game and gave the Red Sox a break.
The Red Sox capitalized on the momentum and scored three runs in the fourth inning, overturning a one-run deficit. Alex Verdugo played a crucial role, hitting a two-run double. Luis Urias reached base on catcher’s interference, and Reese McGuire’s single brought Verdugo home.
Right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-6) pitched five innings, allowing two runs while striking out eight batters. Pivetta showcased his improved curveball and used his off-speed pitches effectively to put the team in a strong position.
The Royals’ MJ Melendez delivered a notable performance with two home runs, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. Triston Casas’ home run for the Red Sox and Freddy Fermin’s late homer for the Royals contributed to the game’s scoring.
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen secured his 25th save of the season, despite giving up a home run to Freddy Fermin in the ninth inning.
The loss went to Royals’ pitcher Jordan Lyles (3-13), who pitched eight innings and conceded four runs on seven hits.
Before the game, the Red Sox made several roster moves, including recalling LHP Brandon Walter from Triple-A Worcester and designating RHP Dinelson Lamet for assignment.
The Royals and Red Sox are set to conclude their series on Thursday, with right-hander Alec Marsh (0-5, 6.75 ERA) starting for Kansas City against left-hander James Paxton (6-3, 3.60 ERA).
MLB Scoreboard for Wednesday, August 9, 2023:
St. Louis 6, Tampa Bay 4
Los Angeles (AL) 4, San Francisco 1
Seattle 6, San Diego 1
Oakland 2, Texas 0
Detroit 9, Minnesota 5
Houston 8, Baltimore 2
Boston 4, Kansas City 3
Toronto 1, Cleveland 0
Chicago (AL) 9, New York (AL) 2
Miami 5, Cincinnati 4
Milwaukee 7, Colorado 6 (10)
Philadephia 7, Washington 0
Atlanta 6, Pittsburgh 5
New York (NL) 4, Chicago (NL) 3
Los Angeles (NL) 2, Arizona 0
Photo credit – Wikimedia Commons / Boston, MA
