The Boston Red Sox achieved their sixth consecutive victory on Thursday afternoon, completing their second straight three-game sweep by defeating the White Sox 2-1. This win improved the Red Sox’s record to 43-48, bringing them within five games of a .500 record and moving them out of last place in the American League East for the first time since late May. The team is now 2 1/2 games out of the final American League Wild Card spot, a significant turnaround after being 14 games under .500 just weeks prior.
The Red Sox have won 11 of their last 13 games, with Thursday’s victory featuring the debut of left-hander Patrick Sandoval. Sandoval signed with Boston before the 2025 season but had not yet pitched due to recovery from elbow surgery. This marked his first major league appearance in over two years.
Sandoval’s Debut Performance
In his debut, Sandoval allowed one run on four hits and recorded five strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings. He appeared comfortable for much of the game, and while he likely had more to give, manager Chad Tracy opted to turn the game over to the bullpen in the fifth inning. Sandoval retired the White Sox in order during the first inning, throwing just eight pitches.
Despite Chicago managing to get at least one runner on base in the subsequent four innings, Sandoval consistently worked his way out of trouble until the fifth. In that inning, Luisangel Acuña singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and stole third. Former Red Sox prospect Chase Meidroth then drew a walk, putting runners on the corners before the bullpen was called upon.
Sandoval’s stat line for his debut included 4.1 innings pitched, 5 hits allowed, 1 earned run allowed, 1 walk allowed, and 5 strikeouts. He threw 65 pitches, with 41 strikes, and recorded 6 total whiffs. He is expected to be able to throw more pitches as he continues to get back to full form.
Before joining the Red Sox, Sandoval had a career 4.01 ERA in 107 MLB appearances, including 100 starts, with the Los Angeles Angels. His last healthy season in the majors was in 2024, where he made 16 starts and posted a 5.08 ERA. His best season was in 2022, when he achieved a 2.91 ERA across 27 starts.
Offensive Contributions and Bullpen Strength
The Red Sox offense managed just enough to secure the win, despite playing without Willson Contreras, who began serving a reduced five-game suspension. The team recorded only four hits, drew four walks, and struck out six times, going 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position and stranding five baserunners.
Caleb Durbin, who had been 3-for-21 in July, broke out of his slump in the fourth inning by hitting a two-run homer to right field. This was his ninth home run of the season and accounted for all of Boston’s runs. The Red Sox had threatened earlier in the third inning when Anthony Kay hit Brett Harris, and Connor Wong followed with an infield single. After a lengthy replay review confirmed the safe call, Anthony Seigler advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt, but Kay recovered to retire the next two batters.
The bullpen played a crucial role in maintaining the lead. Tyron Guerrero inherited the jam in the fifth inning and, despite allowing a run on an infield dribbler from former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, limited the damage. Guerrero then pitched another scoreless inning before Garrett Whitlock took over in the seventh. Guerrero has been a reliable reliever for Boston, allowing only one earned run over his last 14 appearances, with a 0.61 ERA during that period.
Justin Slaten followed with a scoreless eighth inning, and Aroldis Chapman secured his 19th save with a quick, 1-2-3 ninth inning. The Red Sox also showcased strong defense, with Jarren Duran making a running grab in left field in the eighth, and Ceddanne Rafaela completing the sweep with a diving catch in center field in the ninth.
Upcoming Series and Injury Update
The Red Sox will now travel to the final stop of their three-city, nine-game road trip for a weekend series against the Mets. Sonny Gray (10-1, 2.61 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday night’s opener, with the Mets’ starting pitcher yet to be announced. First pitch from Citi Field is set for 7:15 p.m. ET.
In other news, the Red Sox officially placed left-hander Ranger Suarez on the 15-day injured list due to a left groin strain, retroactive to July 6. This injury will sideline him for his scheduled start on Saturday against the Mets and will likely prevent him from participating in next week’s All-Star Game. Suarez sustained the injury during his start on Sunday against the Angels, just one day after being selected to his second career All-Star team.
Suarez expressed disappointment about missing the All-Star Game, stating he wanted to represent his team and enjoy the moment, but believes taking care of his body is the best course of action. To fill Suarez’s roster spot, the Red Sox recalled infielder Brett Harris from Triple-A Worcester.
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Source: nesn.com
