Final: Twins 5, Red Sox 4 - Red Sox bullpen gives up another lead, top of the order goes hitless at the plate

The Red Sox lose their series against the Minnesota Twins after another blown lead from Boston's bullpen.

Yet again, the Red Sox started the game out to a strong start both offensively and defensively. Garrett Crochet got the start in today's game, and Boston's ace only allowed one run in 5 innings.

After Crochet allowed a leadoff home run to Byron Buxton to start the game, the Red Sox scored three consecutive runs against Twins starter Chris Paddack.

In the second inning, Boston scored their first runs from Carlos Narvaez who recorded a two-run RBI single. Then in the following inning, Romy Gonzalez added to Boston's lead with a sac fly putting the game at 3-1. 

However, this was the end of Boston's offense as the Red Sox would then go four straight innings without recording a base hit.

Crochet was taken out of the game in the 5th inning, and the Red Sox brought Garrett Whitlock into the game as the first bullpen arm. After pitching a scoreless 6th inning, Whitlock gave up a two-run RBI single to Ryan Jeffers which tied the game 3-3.

Alex Cora then turned to Justin Slaten in the 8th inning, and Boston's second reliever of the game allowed two RBI hits to Harrison Bader and Trevor Larnach to give the Twins their first lead of the game.

The Red Sox once again had to pull together a late game comeback to tie the game. They were able to cut the lead with a Wilyer Abreu solo home run in the 8th, but that was the only run Boston produced. The Twins ended the game with a final score of 5-4.

Another game where consecutive dry innings at the plate and poor bullpen appearances result in the Red Sox losing their second series in a row. Crochet didn't have his best stuff but he was able to limit Minnesota to one run. Boston's top four batters in the lineup also combined for zero hits in the game which became a huge factor in the loss.

The Red Sox have the day off tomorrow, and they will start a three game series against the Texas Rangers at 6:46 p.m. Tuesday.

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WHO: Red Sox (18-17) vs Twins (14-20)
WHEN: 1:35 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston
SERIES TO DATE: (1-1), (1-1)
STARTING PITCHERS: LHP Garrett Crochet (3-2, 2.05 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.60 ERA)
TV/RADIO: NESN, MLB Network, WEEI-FM 93.7

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Rafael Devers (L) DH
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Kristian Campbell (R) 2B
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Romy Gonzalez (R) 1B
David Hamilton (L) SS
Carlos Narváez (R) C
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF

SP Garrett Crochet

TWINS

Byron Buxton (R) CF
Ryan Jeffers (R) DH
Ty France (R) 1B
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Jonah Bride (R) 3B
Brooks Lee (S) 2B
Harrison Bader (R) RF
Trevor Larnach (L) LF
Christian Vázquez (R) C

SP Chris Paddack

WHAT'S UP

The Red Sox will play their final game of their series against Minnesota Twins with the series tied one game apiece. 

The Chicago White Sox have designated first baseman Bobby Dalbec for assignment.

Red Sox will use utility men Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro (who was called up Saturday) in a platoon at first base. “We’ll give Romy some at-bats. We will. I want to see how it works out,” Cora said. “Defensively, he has been solid. Offensively, he has been good. It’s an opportunity for him to go out there and perform."

Cora doesn’t want other players to try to learn first base on the fly. Connor Wong, Rob Refsnyder and Carlos Narváez have played it at various levels but the Red Sox want to keep them in their current spots.