Final Red Sox 7, Texas Rangers 9 (10) - Red Sox unable to complete sweep against Rangers in frustrating extra inning loss

Trevor's Game Notes

This Sucks: The Red Sox were unable to complete a series sweep against the Texas Ranger in a heartbreaking extra innings loss. Up 7-4 going into the 9th inning, Alex Cora selected Josh Winckowski to finish the game for Boston. Kenley Jansen pitched the previous two nights, forcing Cora to choose another closer in his place. With only one out remaining, the Rangers needed 3 runs to stay in the game, and rookie Wyatt Langford answered with a 3-run blast to left field that tied the game 7-7. Boston was unable to generate any offense in the bottom of the 9th, and the game went into extra innings. Zack Kelly took the mound in the 10th, immediately allowing a 2-run homer to Jonah Heim that gave Texas their first lead of the night. In the  bottom of the 10th with their backs against the wall, Boston couldn't make a comeback of their own, finishing the game 9-7.

Bullpen Difficulties: Most of the blame in tonight's loss should go to Boston's bullpen. The Red Sox were either tied or in front of the Rangers for the entire game, and they couldn't get any protection from their bullpen. Despite dealing with control issues, Tanner Houck pitched 6 and 2/3rd innings only allowing 2 runs. Brennan Bernardino finished the 7th inning for Boston, and Cora selected trade deadline acquisition Luis Garcia to pitch the 8th inning. Garcia's outing was rough, as he allowed Adolis Garcia's second home run of the game which tied things up 4-4. Every time the Rangers tied the game up, Boston was able to respond until it actually mattered. In the bottom of the 8th, the Red Sox responded, as Danny Jansen and Romy Gonzalez both produced clutch RBI hits that gave Boston a 7-4 lead. And then the disaster happened. While Danny Jansen has been a great addition for Boston's roster, Luis Garcia has been the opposite, now holding 4.78 ERA.

The Red Sox will now head to Camden Yards starting a weekend series against the current AL East leading Baltimore Orioles.

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WHO: Red Sox  (63-55) vs. Texas Rangers (55-65)
WHEN: 6:10 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston
SERIES TO DATE: 4-1 (2-0/2-1)
STARTING PITCHERS: RHP Tanner Houck (8-8, 3.02) vs. RHP Dane Dunning (4-7, 4.77)
TV/RADIO: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7

LIVE BOX

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Masataka Yoshida (L) DH
Rafael Devers (L) 3B
Danny Jansen (R) C
Dominic Smith (L) 1B
Nick Sogard (S) 2B
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF
David Hamilton (L) SS

SP Tanner Houck

RANGERS

Marcus Semien (R) 2B
Corey Seager (L) SS
Josh Smith (L) 3B
Adolis García (R) DH
Nathaniel Lowe (L) 1B
Wyatt Langford (R) LF
Carson Kelly (R) C
Travis Jankowski (L) RF
Leody Taveras (S) CF

SP Dane Dunning

WHAT'S UP

The Red Sox have won back-to-back games following a season-high-tying 4-game losing streak. They're 8-6 in their last 14 games and 10-13 in 23 games following the All-Star break.

Boston will try to go 3-3 on their homestand after being swept by the Astros over the weekend and then winning the first two games of this series vs. Texas.

The Red Sox made four roster moves Wednesday, including reinstating Jarren Duran from his unpaid two-game suspension. Lefty reliever Cam Booser was placed on the 15-day injured list because of elbow inflammation. Left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

Boston also optioned infielder Enmanuel Valdez to Worcester.

Liam Hendriks’ fastball was up to 93-94 mph during the live batting practice he threw Wednesday here at Fenway Park, manager Alex Cora said. Cora said the Red Sox need to see how Hendriks feels Thursday before deciding whether he’ll pitch in a rehab game this weekend.