Red Sox Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Disastrous Loss
Painful 12-Inning Defeat to Twins Deals Serious Blow to Postseason Aspirations
Boston's Playoff Chances Now Hang by a Thread
Boston Red Sox fans were left devastated after witnessing their team's dismal 12-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night, a defeat that dealt a crushing blow to their playoff hopes.
The Red Sox, who entered the game just 3.5 games out of the final American League Wild Card spot, squandered a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning, allowing the Twins to tie the game and eventually win in extra innings.
The loss dropped the Red Sox's record to 71-63, six games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot. With just 18 games remaining in the regular season, Boston's playoff chances are now hanging by a thread.
The Red Sox's bullpen, which has been a major weakness all season, was once again unable to hold a lead. Matt Barnes, who entered the game in the eighth inning with a 4-1 lead, allowed three runs without recording an out, blowing the save opportunity.
The Red Sox offense, which had been averaging over five runs per game in September, was held to just two runs on six hits over the final seven innings of the game. Rafael Devers, who leads the team with 27 home runs, went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts.
The Red Sox now face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. They will need to win a majority of their remaining games and hope that the Rays falter down the stretch. With the team's next series coming against the first-place Houston Astros, the odds are stacked against them.
Komentar