ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 7: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners fouls off a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field on April 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There will come a period in this season when time unspools languorously, with the unobtrusive ease of a sport that plays a game nearly every day. The edges will soften, the agonies and exaltations abating in equal measure. You cannot sprint 162 times over.
Now is not that period. Now, time does not unspool. Time is a rusted coil of cables that has adhered to its massive spool on the docks through weather and neglect. It screeches when moved, an outraged howling against itself. Any ecstasy in progress makes the inevitable stoppage even more excruciating. Orange leeches onto hands, smears across wood, stains all it touches, etching its furious reluctance into everything it possibly can.
The Mariners are 12 games into the 2026 season, and…
…they have lost eight of those games.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…seven of those losses have been by two runs or fewer; five of them by one run.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…their starting pitching has looked so good.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when George Kirby went eight full innings with just 90 pitches, giving up three runs and no walks. He deserves to be Furious.)
…their defense has looked appalling.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Brendan Donovan’s throwing error ultimately allowed a run to score. Which is never ideal, but is particularly not ideal when you lose a game by one run.)
…their baserunning has appeared wildly suspect.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Luke Raley completely missed stepping on first base in the ninth inning and had to double back, which left him out of scoring position when J.P. Crawford singled in the next at-bat.)
…their offense has been putrid.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when they went an anemic 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Anyone remember Miles4RISP? Simpler times.)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 7: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners fouls off a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field on April 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There will come a period in this season when time unspools languorously, with the unobtrusive ease of a sport that plays a game nearly every day. The edges will soften, the agonies and exaltations abating in equal measure. You cannot sprint 162 times over.
Now is not that period. Now, time does not unspool. Time is a rusted coil of cables that has adhered to its massive spool on the docks through weather and neglect. It screeches when moved, an outraged howling against itself. Any ecstasy in progress makes the inevitable stoppage even more excruciating. Orange leeches onto hands, smears across wood, stains all it touches, etching its furious reluctance into everything it possibly can.
The Mariners are 12 games into the 2026 season, and…
…they have lost eight of those games.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…seven of those losses have been by two runs or fewer; five of them by one run.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…their starting pitching has looked so good.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when George Kirby went eight full innings with just 90 pitches, giving up three runs and no walks. He deserves to be Furious.)
…their defense has looked appalling.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Brendan Donovan’s throwing error ultimately allowed a run to score. Which is never ideal, but is particularly not ideal when you lose a game by one run.)
…their baserunning has appeared wildly suspect.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Luke Raley completely missed stepping on first base in the ninth inning and had to double back, which left him out of scoring position when J.P. Crawford singled in the next at-bat.)
…their offense has been putrid.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when they went an anemic 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Anyone remember Miles4RISP? Simpler times.)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 7: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners fouls off a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field on April 7, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There will come a period in this season when time unspools languorously, with the unobtrusive ease of a sport that plays a game nearly every day. The edges will soften, the agonies and exaltations abating in equal measure. You cannot sprint 162 times over.
Now is not that period. Now, time does not unspool. Time is a rusted coil of cables that has adhered to its massive spool on the docks through weather and neglect. It screeches when moved, an outraged howling against itself. Any ecstasy in progress makes the inevitable stoppage even more excruciating. Orange leeches onto hands, smears across wood, stains all it touches, etching its furious reluctance into everything it possibly can.
The Mariners are 12 games into the 2026 season, and…
…they have lost eight of those games.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…seven of those losses have been by two runs or fewer; five of them by one run.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers.)
…their starting pitching has looked so good.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when George Kirby went eight full innings with just 90 pitches, giving up three runs and no walks. He deserves to be Furious.)
…their defense has looked appalling.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Brendan Donovan’s throwing error ultimately allowed a run to score. Which is never ideal, but is particularly not ideal when you lose a game by one run.)
…their baserunning has appeared wildly suspect.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when Luke Raley completely missed stepping on first base in the ninth inning and had to double back, which left him out of scoring position when J.P. Crawford singled in the next at-bat.)
…their offense has been putrid.
(including the game tonight, against the Texas Rangers, when they went an anemic 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Anyone remember Miles4RISP? Simpler times.)
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López as the benches clear in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
Benches cleared between the Angels and Braves at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning Tuesday night after Jorge Soler took exception with a high pitch thrown by Atlanta starter Reynaldo López and charged the mound, with each player throwing punches.
After the pitch, the two players stared at one another briefly before Lopez gestured at Soler, and the Angels batter charged the mound. López was holding a baseball as he threw a punch and made direct contact to the side of Soler's face, with the ball partially hitting Soler's helmet.
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
The benches quickly cleared and players separated Soler and López after a brief, but intense skirmish that pushed out toward the first-base side of the diamond.
Soler and López were ejected from the game. Major League Baseball likely will suspend both players.
Players on the Angels and Braves rush the field after Jorge Soler and Reynaldo López fight at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López as the benches clear in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
Benches cleared between the Angels and Braves at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning Tuesday night after Jorge Soler took exception with a high pitch thrown by Atlanta starter Reynaldo López and charged the mound, with each player throwing punches.
After the pitch, the two players stared at one another briefly before Lopez gestured at Soler, and the Angels batter charged the mound. López was holding a baseball as he threw a punch and made direct contact to the side of Soler's face, with the ball partially hitting Soler's helmet.
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
The benches quickly cleared and players separated Soler and López after a brief, but intense skirmish that pushed out toward the first-base side of the diamond.
Soler and López were ejected from the game. Major League Baseball likely will suspend both players.
Players on the Angels and Braves rush the field after Jorge Soler and Reynaldo López fight at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López as the benches clear in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
Benches cleared between the Angels and Braves at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning Tuesday night after Jorge Soler took exception with a high pitch thrown by Atlanta starter Reynaldo López and charged the mound, with each player throwing punches.
After the pitch, the two players stared at one another briefly before Lopez gestured at Soler, and the Angels batter charged the mound. López was holding a baseball as he threw a punch and made direct contact to the side of Soler's face, with the ball partially hitting Soler's helmet.
Angels batter Jorge Soler, left, fights Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López in the fifth inning at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
The benches quickly cleared and players separated Soler and López after a brief, but intense skirmish that pushed out toward the first-base side of the diamond.
Soler and López were ejected from the game. Major League Baseball likely will suspend both players.
Players on the Angels and Braves rush the field after Jorge Soler and Reynaldo López fight at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night. (Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Christian Walker #8 of the Houston Astros bats against the Athletics in the top of the fourth inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The league’s best offense decided to take the night off as Astros pitching, defense continue to struggle.
It was a night to forget for the Astros offense, who managed just 1 run on 3 hits with one walk against Rockies pitchers Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela, as Houston loses its second straight game in Denver, 5-1 to the Rockies.
A second inning opposite field HR by Christian Walker was the only run the Astros could muster.
In fact, they would get only one runner to second base the rest of the game.
Astros starter Mike Burrows was felled by his defense tonight much in the same way Ryan Weiss was felled by his defense last night.
In the bottom of the second inning, Burrows got Willi Castro to fly to left, or so he thought. LF Brice Matthews didn’t get a good jump on the ball, charged in and slid to make the catch, but the ball bounced off the heel of his glove (which was somehow scored a hit) and allowed a run to score.
In the bottom of the fourth, Burrows allowed a 2-out single to T.J. Rumfield before hanging a slider over the heart of the plate that Castro blasted for a 2-run homer.
The Rockies got 2 more runs in the seventh. After Steven Okert allowed a one out walk, he was replaced by Kai-Wei Teng. Teng got Hunter Goodman to pop out for second out, but then surrendered a 426 foot HR to Mickey Moniak. That made the game 5-1, which would be the final score.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Christian Walker #8 of the Houston Astros bats against the Athletics in the top of the fourth inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The league’s best offense decided to take the night off as Astros pitching, defense continue to struggle.
It was a night to forget for the Astros offense, who managed just 1 run on 3 hits with one walk against Rockies pitchers Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela, as Houston loses its second straight game in Denver, 5-1 to the Rockies.
A second inning opposite field HR by Christian Walker was the only run the Astros could muster.
In fact, they would get only one runner to second base the rest of the game.
Astros starter Mike Burrows was felled by his defense tonight much in the same way Ryan Weiss was felled by his defense last night.
In the bottom of the second inning, Burrows got Willi Castro to fly to left, or so he thought. LF Brice Matthews didn’t get a good jump on the ball, charged in and slid to make the catch, but the ball bounced off the heel of his glove (which was somehow scored a hit) and allowed a run to score.
In the bottom of the fourth, Burrows allowed a 2-out single to T.J. Rumfield before hanging a slider over the heart of the plate that Castro blasted for a 2-run homer.
The Rockies got 2 more runs in the seventh. After Steven Okert allowed a one out walk, he was replaced by Kai-Wei Teng. Teng got Hunter Goodman to pop out for second out, but then surrendered a 426 foot HR to Mickey Moniak. That made the game 5-1, which would be the final score.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Christian Walker #8 of the Houston Astros bats against the Athletics in the top of the fourth inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The league’s best offense decided to take the night off as Astros pitching, defense continue to struggle.
It was a night to forget for the Astros offense, who managed just 1 run on 3 hits with one walk against Rockies pitchers Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela, as Houston loses its second straight game in Denver, 5-1 to the Rockies.
A second inning opposite field HR by Christian Walker was the only run the Astros could muster.
In fact, they would get only one runner to second base the rest of the game.
Astros starter Mike Burrows was felled by his defense tonight much in the same way Ryan Weiss was felled by his defense last night.
In the bottom of the second inning, Burrows got Willi Castro to fly to left, or so he thought. LF Brice Matthews didn’t get a good jump on the ball, charged in and slid to make the catch, but the ball bounced off the heel of his glove (which was somehow scored a hit) and allowed a run to score.
In the bottom of the fourth, Burrows allowed a 2-out single to T.J. Rumfield before hanging a slider over the heart of the plate that Castro blasted for a 2-run homer.
The Rockies got 2 more runs in the seventh. After Steven Okert allowed a one out walk, he was replaced by Kai-Wei Teng. Teng got Hunter Goodman to pop out for second out, but then surrendered a 426 foot HR to Mickey Moniak. That made the game 5-1, which would be the final score.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Willi Castro #3 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Coors Field on April 7, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the series opening on Monday night, the Colorado Rockies managed to outlast the Houston Astros after a big fifth inning. Tonight in Game 2, they picked up where they left off, defeating the Astros 5-1.
It was a night of stellar pitching from starter Kyle Freeland and tonight’s closer Antonio Senzatela as well as consistent, timely hitting from Willi Castro and T.J. Rumfield with another Mickey Moniak home run.
The hits keep coming!
The Astros got on the board first with a Christian “Rockies Killer” Walker home run in the second inning. This is his fourth off Freeland and his 15th at Coors Field.
(Mickey, if you’re reading, you also look great in that purple coat.)
Castro finished the night 3-for-4 with three hits and three RBI.
Meanwhile, don’t overlook Rumfield who continues to be a consistent offensive contributor and also went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run.
The Rockies finished the evening with five runs on 10 hits with two walks and — are you sitting down? — just four (four!) strikeouts.
“This is a different team, a new team,” Schaeffer said. “We feel like we’re playing good baseball.”
Kyle Freeland deals
If you’re into commemorating anniversaries, nine years ago today, Freeland made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers (6 IP, 1 ER, 6 K) — and tonight he was ready to celebrate in style.
Freeland went 6.1 innings on 81 pitches. He gave up one run on three hits, walked one, and struck out five. He did this on 10 ground-ball outs and a powerful pitch mix. Currently, he has a 2.30 ERA.
“He attacked the strike zone and was really efficient,” Schaeffer said after the game.
Freeland received a well-earned standing ovation when leaving the field.
Do pitchers get to wear the purple coat?
Because Kyle Freeland should absolutely get to wear it tonight.
Senzatela finishes the job
Schaeffer turned the game over to the bullpen in the seventh with Senzatela taking the mound.
He threw two pitches and got two outs, and he did not slow down.
In securing his first career save, Senzatela went 2.2 IP, giving up 0 hits and 0 walks while striking out three.
Schaeffer noted that Senzatela has made significant adjuments, which can be challenging for a veteran, “but he just looks like a different guy.”
It’s not hyperbole to say that he is unrecognizable from his 2025 pitching self.
Tune in tomorrow for Game 3 when Cristian Javier will take on Michael Lorenzen for the Rockies. See you at 1:10 pm.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Willi Castro #3 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Coors Field on April 7, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the series opening on Monday night, the Colorado Rockies managed to outlast the Houston Astros after a big fifth inning. Tonight in Game 2, they picked up where they left off, defeating the Astros 5-1.
It was a night of stellar pitching from starter Kyle Freeland and tonight’s closer Antonio Senzatela as well as consistent, timely hitting from Willi Castro and T.J. Rumfield with another Mickey Moniak home run.
The hits keep coming!
The Astros got on the board first with a Christian “Rockies Killer” Walker home run in the second inning. This is his fourth off Freeland and his 15th at Coors Field.
(Mickey, if you’re reading, you also look great in that purple coat.)
Castro finished the night 3-for-4 with three hits and three RBI.
Meanwhile, don’t overlook Rumfield who continues to be a consistent offensive contributor and also went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run.
The Rockies finished the evening with five runs on 10 hits with two walks and — are you sitting down? — just four (four!) strikeouts.
“This is a different team, a new team,” Schaeffer said. “We feel like we’re playing good baseball.”
Kyle Freeland deals
If you’re into commemorating anniversaries, nine years ago today, Freeland made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers (6 IP, 1 ER, 6 K) — and tonight he was ready to celebrate in style.
Freeland went 6.1 innings on 81 pitches. He gave up one run on three hits, walked one, and struck out five. He did this on 10 ground-ball outs and a powerful pitch mix. Currently, he has a 2.30 ERA.
“He attacked the strike zone and was really efficient,” Schaeffer said after the game.
Freeland received a well-earned standing ovation when leaving the field.
Do pitchers get to wear the purple coat?
Because Kyle Freeland should absolutely get to wear it tonight.
Senzatela finishes the job
Schaeffer turned the game over to the bullpen in the seventh with Senzatela taking the mound.
He threw two pitches and got two outs, and he did not slow down.
In securing his first career save, Senzatela went 2.2 IP, giving up 0 hits and 0 walks while striking out three.
Schaeffer noted that Senzatela has made significant adjuments, which can be challenging for a veteran, “but he just looks like a different guy.”
It’s not hyperbole to say that he is unrecognizable from his 2025 pitching self.
Tune in tomorrow for Game 3 when Cristian Javier will take on Michael Lorenzen for the Rockies. See you at 1:10 pm.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Willi Castro #3 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Coors Field on April 7, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the series opening on Monday night, the Colorado Rockies managed to outlast the Houston Astros after a big fifth inning. Tonight in Game 2, they picked up where they left off, defeating the Astros 5-1.
It was a night of stellar pitching from starter Kyle Freeland and tonight’s closer Antonio Senzatela as well as consistent, timely hitting from Willi Castro and T.J. Rumfield with another Mickey Moniak home run.
The hits keep coming!
The Astros got on the board first with a Christian “Rockies Killer” Walker home run in the second inning. This is his fourth off Freeland and his 15th at Coors Field.
(Mickey, if you’re reading, you also look great in that purple coat.)
Castro finished the night 3-for-4 with three hits and three RBI.
Meanwhile, don’t overlook Rumfield who continues to be a consistent offensive contributor and also went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run.
The Rockies finished the evening with five runs on 10 hits with two walks and — are you sitting down? — just four (four!) strikeouts.
“This is a different team, a new team,” Schaeffer said. “We feel like we’re playing good baseball.”
Kyle Freeland deals
If you’re into commemorating anniversaries, nine years ago today, Freeland made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers (6 IP, 1 ER, 6 K) — and tonight he was ready to celebrate in style.
Freeland went 6.1 innings on 81 pitches. He gave up one run on three hits, walked one, and struck out five. He did this on 10 ground-ball outs and a powerful pitch mix. Currently, he has a 2.30 ERA.
“He attacked the strike zone and was really efficient,” Schaeffer said after the game.
Freeland received a well-earned standing ovation when leaving the field.
Do pitchers get to wear the purple coat?
Because Kyle Freeland should absolutely get to wear it tonight.
Senzatela finishes the job
Schaeffer turned the game over to the bullpen in the seventh with Senzatela taking the mound.
He threw two pitches and got two outs, and he did not slow down.
In securing his first career save, Senzatela went 2.2 IP, giving up 0 hits and 0 walks while striking out three.
Schaeffer noted that Senzatela has made significant adjuments, which can be challenging for a veteran, “but he just looks like a different guy.”
It’s not hyperbole to say that he is unrecognizable from his 2025 pitching self.
Tune in tomorrow for Game 3 when Cristian Javier will take on Michael Lorenzen for the Rockies. See you at 1:10 pm.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the third consecutive game, the Red Sox jumped out to at least a three run lead and then immediately began coughing it up. But this time, there were two key differences that allowed them to hang on and escape with a win.
First, Garrett Crochet started the game throwing up six scoreless frames, so when he ran into trouble in the seventh, he was much closer to the high leverage relievers who could milk the lead to the finish line.
After the game, Crochet even talked about how part of his goal as a starter is always to go deeper than the other starter, and tonight he not only did that, but it was kind of the key to the whole affair as the bridge to Whitlock and Chapman was (just barely) short enough to complete without totally collapsing.
I say this because the second key difference for the Sox tonight is they got some good bullpen work from an unexpected place. That occurred when Zack Kelly came into a 3-1 game with the bases loaded and just one out and managed to get both guys he faced despite falling behind each of them 2-0.
Here’s his final pitch to escape the mess with a groundout:
Now as some of you may be aware, I’m not the biggest Zack Kelly fan. He has excellent pure stuff, but the inconsistency from outing to outing and the tendency to melt down mentally when he faces adversity always leaves me on edge. So as far as tonight is concerned, the good news is Zack Kelly got out of it. The bad news is that means we’re probably going to get a lot more of Zack Kelly in high leverage spots, and it’s only a matter of time before the baseball gods come to collect on that debt.
Offensively, the Red Sox managed just three hits all game, but they also got three runs in a single inning when Jacob Misiorowski came unglued in the sixth and walked the bases loaded. It was the classic dominant outing by a starter who ran out of gas look, and because it happened one inning before Crochet cracked, it allowed Trevor Story to get a bases loaded at bat against a middle reliever in DL Hall. The result was an extremely well timed only extra base hit of the night for the Sox and only hit against a left handed pitcher for Story so far this season.
We’re gonna hand out five of these tonight since it was such a badly needed win.
Garrett Crochet: Obvious first choice! 6.1 innings of work, allowed just two runs, and even though he stumbled in the seventh, he kept the Brewers off the board long enough to outlast Misiorowski.
Garrett Whitlock: Strong bounce back outing after coughing up the winning run last night. He also had to go right through the heart of the Brewers’ order in his scoreless inning of work.
Zack Kelly: Credit where credit is due. The Sox probably don’t win this game if he gives up a missile into the gap somewhere.
Trevor Story: He had by far the biggest hit of the night, and his defense also got better as the game wore on.
Caleb Durbin: It’s very, very rare to give a stud out to a guy who went 0-1 as a pinch hitter, but do you know why he’s here? Situational baseball! Durbin came to the plate with runners on second and third and one out after Trevor Story’s two run double, and you know what he did? He put the ball in play and produced the winning run.
This is not a sexy play, but tonight, that run proved to be the difference maker, and it was so much better than watching a guy with less than elite power strike out swinging for the fences.
Three Duds
Marcelo Mayer: 0-2 with an error before being pinch hit for by Durbin.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 0-3 and didn’t run out of the box on a ground out. The boo birds will come after him hard if things don’t improve.
Hitting David Hamilton: This is a situation and not a man, but it’s worth noting because this was almost the key play of the game in what would have been a hideous loss. To put it bluntly, David Hamilton stinks at hitting! The only way he can hurt you is with his legs, so when he came up with the bases loaded and one out in a 3-0 game, all Garrett Crochet had to do is be around the zone and Hamilton is probably carved up. Instead, Crochet plunked him on the first pitch and nearly let Milwaukee back in this one.
You could also say Alex Cora left Crochet in too long (107 pitches), and it would be a fair criticism. I just can’t use a dud on that here because the alternative was going to Zack Kelly even earlier, so it was an extremely sticky spot.
Play of the game:
Overall, the headline of the night is how good Crochet was for the first six frames. He did exactly what an ace needs to do for most of his outing. Here’s his seven strike outs:
Since the start of last season, Garrett Crochet leads all of baseball with 12 wins in games after his team lost. Oddly, the guy who is second on that list with 11 is Sonny Gray, and he starts the series finale tomorrow afternoon at 1:35pm.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the third consecutive game, the Red Sox jumped out to at least a three run lead and then immediately began coughing it up. But this time, there were two key differences that allowed them to hang on and escape with a win.
First, Garrett Crochet started the game throwing up six scoreless frames, so when he ran into trouble in the seventh, he was much closer to the high leverage relievers who could milk the lead to the finish line.
After the game, Crochet even talked about how part of his goal as a starter is always to go deeper than the other starter, and tonight he not only did that, but it was kind of the key to the whole affair as the bridge to Whitlock and Chapman was (just barely) short enough to complete without totally collapsing.
I say this because the second key difference for the Sox tonight is they got some good bullpen work from an unexpected place. That occurred when Zack Kelly came into a 3-1 game with the bases loaded and just one out and managed to get both guys he faced despite falling behind each of them 2-0.
Here’s his final pitch to escape the mess with a groundout:
Now as some of you may be aware, I’m not the biggest Zack Kelly fan. He has excellent pure stuff, but the inconsistency from outing to outing and the tendency to melt down mentally when he faces adversity always leaves me on edge. So as far as tonight is concerned, the good news is Zack Kelly got out of it. The bad news is that means we’re probably going to get a lot more of Zack Kelly in high leverage spots, and it’s only a matter of time before the baseball gods come to collect on that debt.
Offensively, the Red Sox managed just three hits all game, but they also got three runs in a single inning when Jacob Misiorowski came unglued in the sixth and walked the bases loaded. It was the classic dominant outing by a starter who ran out of gas look, and because it happened one inning before Crochet cracked, it allowed Trevor Story to get a bases loaded at bat against a middle reliever in DL Hall. The result was an extremely well timed only extra base hit of the night for the Sox and only hit against a left handed pitcher for Story so far this season.
We’re gonna hand out five of these tonight since it was such a badly needed win.
Garrett Crochet: Obvious first choice! 6.1 innings of work, allowed just two runs, and even though he stumbled in the seventh, he kept the Brewers off the board long enough to outlast Misiorowski.
Garrett Whitlock: Strong bounce back outing after coughing up the winning run last night. He also had to go right through the heart of the Brewers’ order in his scoreless inning of work.
Zack Kelly: Credit where credit is due. The Sox probably don’t win this game if he gives up a missile into the gap somewhere.
Trevor Story: He had by far the biggest hit of the night, and his defense also got better as the game wore on.
Caleb Durbin: It’s very, very rare to give a stud out to a guy who went 0-1 as a pinch hitter, but do you know why he’s here? Situational baseball! Durbin came to the plate with runners on second and third and one out after Trevor Story’s two run double, and you know what he did? He put the ball in play and produced the winning run.
This is not a sexy play, but tonight, that run proved to be the difference maker, and it was so much better than watching a guy with less than elite power strike out swinging for the fences.
Three Duds
Marcelo Mayer: 0-2 with an error before being pinch hit for by Durbin.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 0-3 and didn’t run out of the box on a ground out. The boo birds will come after him hard if things don’t improve.
Hitting David Hamilton: This is a situation and not a man, but it’s worth noting because this was almost the key play of the game in what would have been a hideous loss. To put it bluntly, David Hamilton stinks at hitting! The only way he can hurt you is with his legs, so when he came up with the bases loaded and one out in a 3-0 game, all Garrett Crochet had to do is be around the zone and Hamilton is probably carved up. Instead, Crochet plunked him on the first pitch and nearly let Milwaukee back in this one.
You could also say Alex Cora left Crochet in too long (107 pitches), and it would be a fair criticism. I just can’t use a dud on that here because the alternative was going to Zack Kelly even earlier, so it was an extremely sticky spot.
Play of the game:
Overall, the headline of the night is how good Crochet was for the first six frames. He did exactly what an ace needs to do for most of his outing. Here’s his seven strike outs:
Since the start of last season, Garrett Crochet leads all of baseball with 12 wins in games after his team lost. Oddly, the guy who is second on that list with 11 is Sonny Gray, and he starts the series finale tomorrow afternoon at 1:35pm.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the third consecutive game, the Red Sox jumped out to at least a three run lead and then immediately began coughing it up. But this time, there were two key differences that allowed them to hang on and escape with a win.
First, Garrett Crochet started the game throwing up six scoreless frames, so when he ran into trouble in the seventh, he was much closer to the high leverage relievers who could milk the lead to the finish line.
After the game, Crochet even talked about how part of his goal as a starter is always to go deeper than the other starter, and tonight he not only did that, but it was kind of the key to the whole affair as the bridge to Whitlock and Chapman was (just barely) short enough to complete without totally collapsing.
I say this because the second key difference for the Sox tonight is they got some good bullpen work from an unexpected place. That occurred when Zack Kelly came into a 3-1 game with the bases loaded and just one out and managed to get both guys he faced despite falling behind each of them 2-0.
Here’s his final pitch to escape the mess with a groundout:
Now as some of you may be aware, I’m not the biggest Zack Kelly fan. He has excellent pure stuff, but the inconsistency from outing to outing and the tendency to melt down mentally when he faces adversity always leaves me on edge. So as far as tonight is concerned, the good news is Zack Kelly got out of it. The bad news is that means we’re probably going to get a lot more of Zack Kelly in high leverage spots, and it’s only a matter of time before the baseball gods come to collect on that debt.
Offensively, the Red Sox managed just three hits all game, but they also got three runs in a single inning when Jacob Misiorowski came unglued in the sixth and walked the bases loaded. It was the classic dominant outing by a starter who ran out of gas look, and because it happened one inning before Crochet cracked, it allowed Trevor Story to get a bases loaded at bat against a middle reliever in DL Hall. The result was an extremely well timed only extra base hit of the night for the Sox and only hit against a left handed pitcher for Story so far this season.
We’re gonna hand out five of these tonight since it was such a badly needed win.
Garrett Crochet: Obvious first choice! 6.1 innings of work, allowed just two runs, and even though he stumbled in the seventh, he kept the Brewers off the board long enough to outlast Misiorowski.
Garrett Whitlock: Strong bounce back outing after coughing up the winning run last night. He also had to go right through the heart of the Brewers’ order in his scoreless inning of work.
Zack Kelly: Credit where credit is due. The Sox probably don’t win this game if he gives up a missile into the gap somewhere.
Trevor Story: He had by far the biggest hit of the night, and his defense also got better as the game wore on.
Caleb Durbin: It’s very, very rare to give a stud out to a guy who went 0-1 as a pinch hitter, but do you know why he’s here? Situational baseball! Durbin came to the plate with runners on second and third and one out after Trevor Story’s two run double, and you know what he did? He put the ball in play and produced the winning run.
This is not a sexy play, but tonight, that run proved to be the difference maker, and it was so much better than watching a guy with less than elite power strike out swinging for the fences.
Three Duds
Marcelo Mayer: 0-2 with an error before being pinch hit for by Durbin.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 0-3 and didn’t run out of the box on a ground out. The boo birds will come after him hard if things don’t improve.
Hitting David Hamilton: This is a situation and not a man, but it’s worth noting because this was almost the key play of the game in what would have been a hideous loss. To put it bluntly, David Hamilton stinks at hitting! The only way he can hurt you is with his legs, so when he came up with the bases loaded and one out in a 3-0 game, all Garrett Crochet had to do is be around the zone and Hamilton is probably carved up. Instead, Crochet plunked him on the first pitch and nearly let Milwaukee back in this one.
You could also say Alex Cora left Crochet in too long (107 pitches), and it would be a fair criticism. I just can’t use a dud on that here because the alternative was going to Zack Kelly even earlier, so it was an extremely sticky spot.
Play of the game:
Overall, the headline of the night is how good Crochet was for the first six frames. He did exactly what an ace needs to do for most of his outing. Here’s his seven strike outs:
Since the start of last season, Garrett Crochet leads all of baseball with 12 wins in games after his team lost. Oddly, the guy who is second on that list with 11 is Sonny Gray, and he starts the series finale tomorrow afternoon at 1:35pm.
