The Boston Red Sox entered the season feeling as if they assembled a roster that can compete with anyone. But instead of living up their lofty expectations, Boston has endured a roller coaster ride of a season so far.
With a long season to go, the Red Sox are hoping they can build a win streak at some point, and on Monday, Boston responded from its weekend series loss to the Atlanta Braves — the only game it won was due to a walk-off home run — with a 3-1 win over another National League East team in the New York Mets.
Boston scored all three of its runs in the first two innings and then held on for dear life. Since starter Hunter Dobbins failed to reach the fifth inning, four different relievers appeared in the game, including seven-time All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman, who shut the door for his seventh save.
The Red Sox’s series opening victory came in uncharacteristic fashion with extra base hits, but no home runs. As both teams failed to get the ball out of the ballpark, Jarren Duran, Alex Bregman and Trevor Story drove in one run each for Boston.
Initially, Duran was sent home by Bregman to open the scoring up in the first inning. Story then sent another run home by spraying a ball down the third base line for a long RBI single.
And to add what would serve as an insurance run, Duran registered his MLB-leading sixth triple of the season for his second extra base hit of the night. Duran was one of only two Red Sox batters to record multiple hist in the game as he went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI from the leadoff spot.
Even with the win, the Red Sox are still a game below .500 at 24-25. Boston currently sits 4.5 games behind the hated New York Yankees for the top spot in the American League East.
The Red Sox and Mets will continue their three-game series on Tuesday evening, with the first pitch from Fenway Park scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.
