A pivotal moment unfolded before the game’s defining play on Tuesday.
Before facing the Orioles, the Red Sox opted not to challenge outfielder Colton Cowes, who ranks among the top in arm strength metrics.
This decision echoed in the 11th inning when Anthony of Roma sent a 265-foot fly ball into center field. Even though the throw to home was way off, he managed to score from third base.
Then, Alex Bregman step up to seal the deal, leading the Red Sox into a two-game sweep against the Orioles, setting up an important upcoming series with the Yankees.
“It’s the astonishing arm from center field,” noted Red Sox manager Alex Cora after their 4-3 loss. “We plan before each series on who to challenge. So, we didn’t.”
The Red Sox find themselves in a tight playoff race and can’t afford slip-ups against teams like Baltimore.
The timing of Thursday’s decision was critical, especially when Kassar made a poor throw to home plate.
Although Kassar positioned himself well, his throw missed the mark, requiring catcher Samuel Bassaro to chase it several steps toward the dugout.
Eaton ranks in the top tier for sprint speed and, had he broken for home, might have taken advantage of that off-target throw.
“That was a really poor throw for Eaton to bluff on,” remarked NESN announcer Dave O’Brien, who sensed discontent. “He stayed on third and didn’t head home.”
Finally, Red Sox third-base coach Kyle Hudson made the call, believing Kassar was “close enough” to score.
“We observe the play, use our instincts, and then decide,” Hudson explained. “That was my choice. The throw was offline, but we live with it.”
The disappointing conclusion overshadowed what could have been a great win for the Red Sox, especially after rookie Nate Lowe had tied the game with a two-run homer from a 3-1 deficit in the ninth inning.
Dodgers’ 2024 World Series hero Walker Buehler struggled, allowing two runs over four innings and walking four batters, raising his total to 54 walks for the season.
Buehler expressed, “It’s frustrating, man. When I used to walk so many, I pitched over 200 innings. It’s just not good.”
The Red Sox are currently tied with the Mariners for the final playoff spot, just one game behind the wildcard-leading Yankees.
Boston and Seattle remain 2.5 games ahead of the Royals for that playoff berth.
In the Yankees series, the Red Sox have Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Garrett Crochet lined up to pitch in New York.
