Rafaela's Clutch Win
Rafaela's Two-Run Single Lifts Red Sox Past Rangers 6-3, Securing Key Series Win
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Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a two-run single with two outs and two strikes in the seventh inning, lifting the Boston Red Sox past the Texas Rangers 6-3 on Saturday at Fenway Park, according to Associated Press. The win gave Boston its first home series victory since April 6-8 — a drought of 68 days that had fueled growing frustration among the Fenway faithful.
Rafaela's clutch hit off reliever Robby Ahlstrom scored two runners and broke a 2-2 tie, per Yahoo Sports. Jarren Duran added insurance with a two-run homer in the eighth, and closer Aroldis Chapman worked a clean ninth to earn his 14th save.
Rafaela's Two-Strike Single Breaks the Game Open
The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh. The bases were loaded. Rafaela had two strikes against him. He lined a single to left field off Ahlstrom, scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Carlos Narváez to make it 4-2, according to KDHN News. It was a defining display of plate discipline for a player whose contact skills were questioned during the 2025 season.
Garrett Whitlock earned the win after a perfect seventh inning, improving to 4-1 on the season. Duran then put the game away in the eighth with a 410-foot blast to right-center — his 11th homer of the year. Chapman closed it out, pitching for the first time since June 5.
Rangers Fought Back But Ran Out of Time
Texas starter Jacob deGrom was sharp. He went six innings, allowed just two runs, walked no one, and struck out five. But deGrom left with a no-decision as Boston's bullpen held firm after a brief Rangers threat.
Jake Burger hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth — his 12th of the season — to cut Boston's lead to 4-3. But Duran's two-run shot immediately answered, per WRAL. Texas left 10 runners on base, a critical missed opportunity that ultimately decided the game.
Rangers Miss Seager for Second Straight Game
All-Star shortstop Corey Seager sat out for the second consecutive game. He has been listed as day-to-day after a violent collision at the plate during a Thursday game against the Kansas City Royals. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker acknowledged the team's "difficulty" without him, according to Post Register.
Without Seager, Texas leaned on rookie Wyatt Langford and veteran Burger for offense. Langford scored on a throwing error by Rafaela in the third inning to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. But that was not enough to overcome Boston's late surge. Texas sits at 34-35, at risk of falling below .500 before the All-Star break if Seager requires an injured list stint.
Boston Ends a Two-Month Home Series Losing Streak
The Red Sox entered Saturday having failed to win a single home series in 68 days. That streak began to weigh heavily on the fanbase and coaching staff alike, per NH Register. Saturday's clincher brings real relief — and rare momentum — to a Boston team that sits at 28-39 in the AL East.
The series finale is Sunday. Boston LHP Connelly Early (5-4, 3.30 ERA) will face Texas RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.26 ERA). A Red Sox sweep would be their first at home in over a year. For a club fighting to stay relevant in the AL East standings, Sunday's game carries significant weight.
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