Red Sox 5, Royals 4: First Half Ends On High Note

One last game for the Boston Red Sox as they head into the All Star Break. The Yankees lost in heartbreaking fashion earlier today, but all the focus should just be on winning this one. Could the Sox take yet ANOTHER series or would the Royals reign supreme?

Key Moments

B1: Devers Goes DEEP

After giving up a solo shot in the top of the frame, the Red Sox answered right back. When will pitchers learn that’s Devers’ sweet spot? Absolutely demolished down the right-field line, and more than just the ball. B1: BOS 2-1 KC

B2: Dom Doubles The Lead

Do I need to apologize to Dom Smith? He’s finally looking comfortable and certainly on a hot streak as he smashes a two-run homer of his own in the very next frame. B2: BOS 4-1 KC

T7: Bello’s Stellar Outing

Brayan Bello finally looking more like Brayan Bello. Maybe not with the strikeout numbers, but his stuff looked significantly better today than in outings of late. Two homers isn’t great—lucky they’re both solos—but still, a very necessary outing for Bello’s confidence. T7: BOS 4-3 KC

B7: Smith’s Second RBI Knock

This had WAY more impact than I thought it would have. This insurance run comes up big late. B7: BOS 5-3 KC

T9: Rocket Rafaela

Pardon the quality but WOW. Freddy Fermin with an RBI single, the potential for runners at the corners with one down and Rafaela comes up FIRING to throw out Garrett Hampson at third base. He started the game at shortstop and didn’t play center until the 8th! Absolute versatility. T9: BOS 5-4 KC

T8/T9: Kenley’s Six Out Save

Kenley Jansen enters in the top of the...8th? Cora would rather have Jansen face the meat of the Royals lineup and keep things clean. How does this work out?

Strikeout, strikeout, strikeout with an absolute YAK of a slider to freeze Salvador Perez. Well played. Well, at least until the 9th, where things got hairier.

Still, the Red Sox would prevail! FINAL: BOS 5-4 KC

Studs

Rafael Devers (2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB)

While Devers has opted out of the All Star Game, he still is one and a game like this is where he showcases why. His 23rd dinger of the season and right off the jump when the Sox needed it.

Dom Smith (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 BB)

With Casas nowhere in sight just yet, Smith is actually stepping up to the plate. What an incredibly impactful game for him.

Brayan Bello (6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)

Certainly not a bad outing in the least bit for Bello, who helped save the bullpen from being taxed heading into a few extra days of rest. Think on this: the Sox only used three pitchers today. The Royals? Six.

Jarren Duran (4-for-5, 1 run)

Yeah, you grab four hits in a game as you make your way to Texas to be an All Star, you deserve some recognition too.

Duds

I’m so hesitant to put anyone in here. Ceddanne Rafaela went 0-for-4 with 3 Ks but that game-saving throw in the 9th makes up for it. Maybe Reese McGuire? Masa went 0-for-3 but got bailed out by the guys behind him. This team has so much balance!

Play of the Game

It’s going to go to Raffy’s two-run shot in the first inning, not just because the Sox literally never looked back from there, but because of this:

Don’t tell me this isn’t extremely funny! 114.7 MPH exit velocity: meet plastic chair.