In an exciting series opener at Arlington, Texas, Rob Refsnyder’s clutch two-RBI single during the eighth inning propelled the Boston Red Sox to a well-fought 4-2 triumph against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
The Boston Red Sox, who entered the game with a record of 75-76, faced a challenging month of September, hitting just .190 with runners in scoring position. Despite this, they showcased their resilience by delivering in crucial moments and snapping a four-game losing streak.
Notable offensive contributions came from Rafael Devers, Bobby Dalbec, and Luis Urias, all of whom recorded multiple hits and contributed with a run each. Urias, in particular, played a crucial role, delivering a game-tying single in the fifth inning.
Pitching wise, Kutter Crawford pitched effectively, accumulating seven strikeouts over six innings and allowing only two runs. Josh Winckowski (4-2) showcased his dominance by striking out the side during his inning of work and earned the victory. Garrett Whitlock and Chris Martin continued the Red Sox’s strong pitching performance to secure the win, with Martin notching his second save and maintaining his 19th consecutive scoreless appearance.
On the opposing side, the Texas Rangers (82-68) struggled to generate offense, managing just two hits against Crawford during their two run-scoring innings. Marcus Semien was a bright spot for the Rangers, going 2-for-4 and driving in both of their runs.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred in the eighth inning when the Red Sox capitalized on Texas reliever Will Smith (2-7). Urias drew a walk, and Connor Wong followed with a double into the left-field corner, setting the stage for a decisive three-run inning. With two batters later, Devers was intentionally walked, loading the bases. Rob Refsnyder then seized the moment with a two-run single, putting the Red Sox ahead. An insurance run came courtesy of Adam Duvall’s sacrifice fly.
Additionally, it was notable that Rangers’ third baseman Josh Jung, recovering from a left thumb fracture, and right fielder Adolis Garcia, returning from a right patellar tendon strain, made their comeback in the game, going 1-for-4 and 0-for-3, respectively.
The game’s starting pitchers also displayed their prowess, with left-hander Jordan Montgomery performing admirably for the Rangers. Montgomery allowed only one run on five hits and tallied eight strikeouts over seven innings.
The Rangers took an early lead as Marcus Semien launched Crawford’s first pitch of the game over the left-field fence. Crawford, however, settled down and retired the Texas side in order in four of the next five innings.
In the fifth inning, Bobby Dalbec’s double off the right-field wall and a well-timed single by Luis Urias inched the Red Sox closer, tying the game at 2-2.
The Rangers’ hitless drought against Crawford finally came to an end in the sixth inning when Evan Carter led off with a triple to right-center and promptly scored after Semien’s base hit to center.
In the end, the Boston Red Sox’s eighth-inning rally proved decisive, securing a much-needed victory and providing a testament to their resiliency in a challenging season.
