đ« Another Historic Meltdown: Angels 7, Red Sox 6
The Red Sox apparently decided to roll out the red carpet for the Angels last night, letting them make Fenway Park history by becoming the first visiting team to hit three home runs in the first inning. Zach Neto kicked things off with a solo shot. Then Mike Trout reminded us why he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer by launching a three-run bomb. And because one horror show wasn't enough, Jo Adell went yard to cap off a six-run first that had Richard Fitts (0-3, 4.71 ERA) looking like he was pitching batting practice. The Sox were down 6-0 before most fans even found their seats. Bravo, gentlemen. Bravo.
⟠Offensive Fire, Defensive Dumpster Fire
To their credit, the Red Sox didnât completely lie down after the first-inning fiasco. They managed to claw back with a four-run fifth inning that included some much-needed doubles from Rob Refsnyder and Romy GonzĂĄlez. These were actual hits, not just fans' daydreams. Ceddanne Rafaela decided to chip in with a solo blast in the eighth, trimming the Angelsâ lead to 7-6.
But, as usual, this team has a PhD in shooting themselves in the foot. The bullpen did a decent job after Fittsâ early exit, holding the Angels to one run over the final eight innings. Unfortunately, âdecent jobâ isnât enough when youâre already in a six-run hole. The Sox had plenty of chances but couldnât bring the tying run across the plate, and Kenley Jansenâyes, the same Kenley Jansen who used to save games for usâslammed the door in the ninth.
đĄ One-Run Woes: A Tale of Consistent Incompetence
Hereâs a stat thatâs getting old fast: last night was the Red Soxâs 16th one-run loss of the season. Sixteen! Thatâs more than any other team in the league. Youâd think a team that constantly finds itself in tight games would eventually figure out how to win a few of them, but nopeâthis squad continues to specialize in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Whether itâs an overcooked bullpen, an offense thatâs allergic to clutch hits, or managerial decisions that make your head spin, this team just canât get out of its own way. Itâs like theyâre trying to set a new record for most creative ways to lose a game.
đïž Looking Ahead: Can They Salvage the Series?
The Sox are back at it tonight in Game 2 of the series, first pitch set for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway. Theyâll send out Bryan Bello to face the Angels and see if he can avoid the first-inning fireworks that sunk Fitts faster than a lead balloon in the Charles River.
If thereâs any pride left in that clubhouse, tonightâs game better be the start of a turnaround. Otherwise, the season is going to feel a lot longer than 162 games.
đ Stay In The Loop! Subscribe to the Bastards of Boston Baseball Newsletter for daily sarcasm, unfiltered rants, and the occasional flicker of hope. đ