Final: Phillies 3, Red Sox 2 - Red Sox lose game in extras on catcher's interference call

The Red Sox lose their first game against the Philadelphia Phillies in an extra innings letdown.

Facing off against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, the Red Sox got off to a strong start with a leadoff home run from Jarren Duran.

Walker Buehler has struggled for the majority of the season, but he finally had a strong outing pitching seven innings and only allowing two runs. Buehler pitched three scoreless innings to start the game, but he faced trouble in the fourth inning allowing his two earned runs on RBI's from Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto.

In the sixth inning, the Red Sox tied the game with an RBI from Trevor Story. Wheeler was taken out of the game at the end of the inning

After a 1-2-3 seventh inning from Buehler, the rest of the game turned into a bullpen battle. Boston brought in Aroldis Chapman in the eight inning, and he pitched a scoreless outing keeping the game tied.

However, the Red Sox couldn't do anything against Philadelphia's bullpen. Matt Straham, Tanner Banks, and Orion Kerkering only allowed one hit through the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. 

Garrett Whitlock struck out the side in the ninth inning which sent the game into extras.

Yet again, Boston had another scoreless inning against Philadelphia's bullpen giving the Phillies a prime opportunity to win the game. And with the bases loaded, Carlos Narvaez's glove made contact with Edmundo Sosa's bat, which sent home the game-winning run due to catcher's interference. Jordan Hicks picked up the loss walking two batters before the run scored.

Despite Wheeler not having his best outing on the mound, Boston failed to capitalize. The Red Sox struck out 16 times and left eight runners on base. Those two stats make it nearly impossible to win baseball games. 

On a positive note, Buehler wasn't the reason for this loss. He pitched up to par with the frontrunner for NL Cy Young and gave Boston his best two innings in the sixth and seventh when the game was tied. Another reason why this loss is frustrating.

The Red Sox will continue their series with Philadelphia tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

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WHO: Red Sox (54-47) vs Phillies (56-43)
WHEN: 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
SERIES TO DATE: (0-0), (0-0)
STARTING PITCHERS: RHP Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36 ERA)
TV/RADIO: NESN, MLB Network, WEEI-FM 93.7

LIVE BOX

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Roman Anthony (L) DH
Trevor Story (R) SS
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF
Marcelo Mayer (L) 2B
Carlos Narváez (R) C
Abraham Toro (S) 1B

SP Walker Buehler

PHILLIES

Trea Turner (R) SS
Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
Bryce Harper (L) 1B
Nick Castellanos (R) RF
J.T. Realmuto (R) C
Brandon Marsh (L) CF
Otto Kemp (R) 3B
Max Kepler (L) LF
Bryson Stott (L) 2B

SP Zack Wheeler

WHAT'S UP

The Red Sox travel to Philadelphia following their series against the Chicago Cubs.

Former Red Sox starter Rich Hill has been called up for the Kansas City Royals. He could pitch as early as Tuesday.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan placed Jarren Duran at third on their top 50 trade deadline candidates.