The Boston Red Sox kept their slim playoff chances alive with a crucial 4-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of their three-game series. Strong performances by the Red Sox, including starter Tanner Houck’s dominant five shutout innings, helped Boston improve to 79-78 on the season.
Houck, who allowed just one hit and struck out six batters, secured his ninth win of the season. The Red Sox capitalized on an uncharacteristically shaky performance from Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt, who struggled with his control and issued a season-high seven walks. Bassitt’s rough night resulted in three runs (two earned), dropping him to 11-14 on the year.
“It was a weird night for him,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “He couldn’t really find the zone, especially with his off-speed stuff.”
The Red Sox wasted no time taking advantage of Bassitt’s struggles, opening the scoring in the second inning when Vaughn Grissom’s sacrifice fly brought Connor Wong home from third base. Grissom, recently called up from triple-A Worcester, recorded his fourth RBI of the season.
Boston added to their lead in the third inning with a clutch RBI single from outfielder Wilyer Abreu, bringing his season total to 58 RBIs. Abreu, who leads all American League rookies in slugging percentage, doubles, and extra-base hits, continued his impressive campaign as a rising star for the Red Sox.
The Red Sox tacked on a third run in the fourth inning, taking advantage of a balk by Bassitt that allowed Nick Sogard to advance to third. Ceddanne Rafaela then brought Sogard home with a swinging bunt, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Toronto managed to score a lone run late in the game, but Boston’s bullpen shut down any comeback hopes, keeping their playoff dreams alive for another day.
