The Red Sox Pre-Cap Podcast: Recapping the Rays, previewing the Yankees

Welcome back to another episode of the Red Sox Pre-Cap Podcast, your spot on the Over The Monster Podcast Network to catch up on the series that was and preview the series coming up next on the schedule. In today’s show, we take a look back at the series in Tampa Bay and preview a three-game showdown at Fenway against the New York Yankees.

The Red Sox got things started on the right foot in the first game of the Tampa Bay series winning the game 9-5 in extra innings. Most encouragingly the team got a solid outing from Eduardo Rodriguez, his first in a while, and the offense came through in the clutch. This win felt every bit as important as it was.

Game two of this series did not go as smoothly. Garrett Richards took the hill and promptly reminded us of why he can’t be trusted right now. He lasted less than two innings while striking out zero batters and allowing two home runs. He looked terrible. Richards is going to need to commit to learning how to pitch without sticky stuff if he wants to stay in this rotation moving forward. The Red Sox have an enticing option in Tanner Houck waiting in the wings in Triple-A should he continue to falter.

Finally, game three of this set was the most heartbreaking by a mile. Nick Pivetta no-hit the Rays through 6 ²⁄₃ innings before being pulled by Alex Cora at exactly 100 pitches. Up to that point, Pivetta had struck out eight batters and walked two. He looked incredible and I absolutely hated Cora pulling him from the game at that time. This isn’t some prized rookie, this is a journeyman starter who may never get this opportunity again. I wanted it for Pivetta and I wanted it for the purposes of winning this game. Unfortunately, due to a Manuel Margot single, stolen base, and a throwing error by Christian Vazquez the winning run was at third base. One wild pitch later and the game was over. This was a tough way to lose an otherwise well-played game.

The Red Sox will look to dust themselves off and get back at it vs the Yankees at Fenway Park this weekend. Taking two out of three here will be important for both maintaining their position in the division and staying confident moving forward. This will be a big test.

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