The 2021 Boston Red Sox season was the 121st season in the team's history, and their 110th season at Fenway Park. The team entered the offseason conducting a managerial search, after declining to bring back Ron Roenicke from the shortened 2020 season. On November 6, 2020, the team re-hired Alex Cora as manager; Cora had skippered the Red Sox in 2018 and 2019, then sat out 2020 serving a one-year suspension for his role in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal in 2017.
This was the Red Sox' first season since 2019 with fans at Fenway Park, with a limited capacity of approximately 4,500 to start the season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The capacity was increased to approximately 9,400 for games after May 10. Fenway returned to full capacity starting May 29, with an announced attendance of 25,089 at that day's game. The first home sellout of the season was the June 25 game against the New York Yankees, with an announced attendance of 36,869.
On June 4âÂÂ6, the Red Sox swept a three-game series against the rival Yankees at Yankee Stadium for the first time since June 2011. On June 13, the Toronto Blue Jays set a single-game record for home runs by a visiting team at Fenway Park, with eight. In early July, the Red Sox led MLB with five players selected to the All-Star Game. Beginning in late August, the team had a spate of positive COVID-19 testing, resulting in more than 10 players being placed on the COVID-related injured list.
The Red Sox finished the regular season with a 92âÂÂ70 record and qualified for the postseason as the fourth seed in the American League (AL), defeating the fifth-seed Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game at Fenway Park on October 5. They then defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Division Series, 3âÂÂ1 games. The Red Sox lost to the Houston Astros in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series in six games.
The Red Sox entered the offseason with the manager position vacant, as prior to the team's final game of the 2020 season, the team announced that Ron Roenicke would not be retained.
The Red Sox also entered the offseason with six guaranteed player contracts for 2021, totaling slightly more than $115 million: Chris Sale ($25.60 million), Xander Bogaerts ($20 million), J. D. Martinez ($19.375 million), Nathan Eovaldi ($16.88 million); Dustin Pedroia ($13.3 million), and Christian Vázquez ($4.52 million).
"Truck Day", when the team's equipment departs Fenway Park for spring training in Florida, was February 8. Pitchers and catchers began workouts at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers on February 18; full squad workouts began on February 22.
The team had been scheduled to begin preseason games on February 26, with an exhibition against the Northeastern Huskies, but that contest was canceled. The team began Grapefruit League games on February 28, losing to the Minnesota Twins. Announcers for spring training games broadcast on NESN were Dave O'Brien and Tom Caron for play-by-play with Jerry Remy, Dennis Eckersley and Lenny DiNardo for color commentary. Boston's spring training games continued through March 30; the team compiled a 16âÂÂ11 record, scoring 159 runs while allowing 131.
Major League Baseball announced the 2021 regular season schedule on July 9, 2020. The Red Sox' schedule, as originally released, spanned April 1 to October 3. The All-Star Game was scheduled for July 13. For interleague play, the Red Sox were scheduled to face National League East teams.
Originally scheduled for April 1, the team's first game of the seasonâÂÂat Fenway Park against the Baltimore OriolesâÂÂwas postponed to April 2, due to rain.
Source:
April 1âÂÂApril 4, vs. Baltimore Orioles
Rain caused Boston's first game to be postponed from April 1 to April 2. Nathan Eovaldi started the opener, as he had done the prior season, lasting innings while allowing one run on four hits and striking out four batters. The Red Sox were limited to two hits and two walks, taking a 3âÂÂ0 loss. Baltimore also took the second game of the series, 4âÂÂ2. Red Sox starter Tanner Houck held the Orioles to two runs on six hits in five innings, while striking out eight. The Orioles completed the sweep with an 11âÂÂ3 win in the third game of the series. Garrett Richards took the loss in his first start for Boston, allowing six runs on seven hits in two innings. J. D. Martinez hit the Red Sox' first home run of the season. The most recent time the Red Sox had started a season 0âÂÂ3 at Fenway Park was 1948, opening that season with losses to the Philadelphia Athletics.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 0âÂÂ3 (5âÂÂ18 runs)</small>
April 5âÂÂApril 7, vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The Red Sox' first win of the season came in the series opener against Tampa Bay, 11âÂÂ2. Starter Nick Pivetta pitched five scoreless innings and got the win. J. D. Martinez hit his second home run of the season, while Xander Bogaerts had four hits and an RBI. The Red Sox tied the second game of the series at 3âÂÂ3 in the bottom of the ninth inning via a Christian Vázquez home run, sending the game into extra innings. After a scoreless 10th inning, the teams traded runs in the 11th inning, making the score 4âÂÂ4. After Tampa Bay took a 5âÂÂ4 lead in the top of the 12th inning, Martinez hit a two-out double in the bottom of the 12th with runners at second and third, driving in both runs and giving Boston a 6âÂÂ5 victory. Red Sox reliever Phillips Valdéz got the win. Boston completed the sweep with a 9âÂÂ2 win in the third game of the series, as starter Nathan Eovaldi went seven innings while striking out seven and holding the Rays to three hits and one run. Vázquez hit his second home run of the season and Bogaerts went 3-for-3.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (26âÂÂ9 runs)</small>
April 8âÂÂApril 11, at Baltimore Orioles
The Red Sox' first road game of the year was a 7âÂÂ3 win at Baltimore in the Orioles' home opener. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez, who had missed the 2020 season due to myocarditis, got the win. Rafael Devers and Kiké Hernández both homered. The second game of the series went into extra innings after the Red Sox tied the game, 4âÂÂ4, in the top of the ninth. After Boston scored two runs in the top of the 10th, Matt Andriese held the Orioles scoreless in the bottom of the inning, securing his first save of the season and the Red Sox' fifth consecutive win. Devers again homered. Boston completed the sweep with a 14âÂÂ9 win in the final game of the series, after building a 9âÂÂ1 lead through five innings. Starter Nick Pivetta earned his second win of the season, while the offense had six home runsâÂÂthree by J. D. Martinez, two by Devers, and one by Alex Verdugo.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (27âÂÂ16 runs)</small>
April 12âÂÂApril 15, at Minnesota Twins
The opener of a four-game series in Minneapolis was postponed shortly before its scheduled start time, for "the safety of all of those involved" following the killing of Daunte Wright the day before in nearby Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The postponed game was rescheduled as part of a single-admission doubleheader on April 14, with both games seven-inning contests per 2021 MLB rules for doubleheaders. The Red Sox won the first game played in the series, 4âÂÂ2, with reliever Adam Ottavino collecting the win and Matt Barnes earning his first save of the season. Hunter Renfroe and Rafael Devers both homered, as Boston extended their winning streak to seven games. For the doubleheader, Boston activated pitcher Eduard Bazardo as their extra player. The first game of the doubleheader was a 3âÂÂ2 Red Sox victory, with starter Nathan Eovaldi getting the win; Barnes recorded the save. The Red Sox extended their winning streak to nine games via a 7âÂÂ1 win in the second game of the doubleheader. Eduardo RodrÃÂguez started and got the win; Bazardo pitched a scoreless inning of relief in his MLB debut. Alex Verdugo was 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBIs. The winning streak ended with a 4âÂÂ3 loss to the Twins in the final game of the series, with the deciding run coming in the bottom of the ninth inning off of reliever Ottavino, who took the loss. The Red Sox were limited to four hits; Verdugo drove in all three Boston runs.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ1 (17âÂÂ9 runs)</small>
April 16âÂÂApril 19, vs. Chicago White Sox
The opening game hosting the White Sox was postponed due to inclement weather, and was rescheduled to be played as part of a separate-admission doubleheader two days later. The Red Sox won the first game played, 7âÂÂ4, breaking a 3âÂÂ3 tie with a four-run eighth inning. Reliever Adam Ottavino got the win, Marwin González homered, and both Kiké Hernández and Xander Bogaerts went 4-for-5 at the plate. Chicago won the first game of the doubleheader, 3âÂÂ2 in seven innings, as starter Tanner Houck took the loss. Hernández homered. The second game of the doubleheader was also won by the White Sox, 5âÂÂ1 in seven innings, with the loss going to starter MartÃÂn Pérez. Boston won the final game of the series, 11âÂÂ4, behind an early offensive outburst. Hernández, J. D. Martinez, and Alex Verdugo all hit home runs while White Sox starter Lucas Giolito was chased from the game in the second inning without recording an out. All Red Sox starters reached base, with Bobby Dalbec the only one that did not record a hit.
<small>Red Sox split the series 2âÂÂ2 (21âÂÂ16 runs)</small>
April 20âÂÂApril 21, vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Red Sox won the first game, 4âÂÂ2, over the Blue Jays behind a home run from Xander Bogaerts and strong starting pitching from Eduardo RodrÃÂguez, who earned the win. Matt Barnes earned a three-out save. Toronto won the second and final game of the series, 6âÂÂ3, as Boston starter Garrett Richards took the loss. Bogaerts again homered.
<small>Red Sox split the series 1âÂÂ1 (7âÂÂ8 runs)</small>
April 22âÂÂApril 25, vs. Seattle Mariners
In the first game of a four-game series, Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta allowed only a single hit in six innings of work, although the one hitâÂÂby Seattle DH Ty FranceâÂÂdrove in two baserunners who had walked. The game was tied 2âÂÂ2 after six innings, and 3âÂÂ3 after nine innings. In the 10th inning, the Mariners scored four runs (three earned) off of two hits and two walks allowed by reliever Darwinzon Hernández, who took the loss after Boston was unable to score in the bottom of the inning. Rafael Devers homered. In game two, the Red Sox bounced back for a 6âÂÂ5 win behind a three-hit effort from Alex Verdugo. J. D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts both contributed home runs. Seattle mounted a rally in the ninth inning capped by a Kyle Seager three-run homer, but Matt Barnes was able to hold the lead. Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura got his first MLB win. Seattle took the third game of the series, 8âÂÂ2, handing Boston starter Nathan Eovaldi the loss after scoring five runs (four earned) on seven hits in the first five innings. The Red Sox won the final game of the series, 5âÂÂ3, with four of the runs coming in the first inning off of Mariners starter Nick Margevicius, who lasted only of an inning. Eduardo RodrÃÂguez and Matt Barnes earned their fourth win and fourth save of the season, respectively.
<small>Red Sox split the series 2âÂÂ2 (16âÂÂ23 runs)</small>
April 27âÂÂApril 28, at New York Mets
Boston took the first game of a two-game series, 2âÂÂ1, behind the starting pitching of Garrett Richards. Richards posted 10 strikeouts while walking none in a strong seven-inning effort. The Red Sox scored on Bobby Dalbec's first home run of the season and a Rafael Devers RBI single. Boston won the second game, 1âÂÂ0, with Christian Vázquez driving in the only run, in the second inning. Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta allowed only one hit in five innings of work, earning the win. Matt Barnes notched his sixth save of the season.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ0 (3âÂÂ1 runs)</small>
April 29âÂÂApril 30, at Texas Rangers
Texas won the opener of a four-game series, 4âÂÂ1. Boston was held to three total hits, with their only run driven in by Rafael Devers; starter MartÃÂn Pérez took the loss. Boston won the second game of the series, 6âÂÂ1, led by two home runs by J. D. Martinez and one each by Xander Bogaerts and Devers. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held the Rangers to one run on four hits in six innings to earn the win. The Red Sox ended April with a record of 17âÂÂ10, good for first place in the American League East, games ahead of the second-place Toronto Blue Jays.
The Red Sox entered May atop the American League East with a record of 17âÂÂ10, having just split the first two games of a four-game series against the Rangers.
May 1âÂÂMay 2, at Texas Rangers (cont'd)
Texas won the third game of the series, 8âÂÂ6, outscoring Boston by a 4âÂÂ1 margin after the fifth inning. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez had a no decision with reliever Matt Andriese taking the loss after allowing three runs on three hits in the sixth inning. Hunter Renfroe homered. The Rangers also won the final game of the series, 5âÂÂ3, scoring three runs (two earned) in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Red Sox reliever Adam Ottavino, who took the loss. Xander Bogaerts was 3-for-4 at the plate including a home run.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ3 (16âÂÂ18 runs)</small>
May 4âÂÂMay 6, vs. Detroit Tigers
In the opening game of a three-game series, Boston built an 8âÂÂ2 lead after three innings, and went on to win, 11âÂÂ7, in a game with 24 total hits and four errors. Starter Nick Pivetta got the win, and closer Matt Barnes earned the save. Alex Verdugo, Xander Bogaerts, Hunter Renfroe, and Kiké Hernández each homered. Boston lost the second game of the series in extra innings, 6âÂÂ5. Trailing by a 3âÂÂ1 score, the Red Sox tied the game, 3âÂÂ3, in the seventh inning. With that same score in the top of the 10th inning, the Tigers scored three runs (two earned) off of reliever Garrett Whitlock, who took the loss. Boston's rally in the bottom of the 10th inning came up a run short. J. D. Martinez hit his 10th home run of the season. The final game of the series, which featured 30 total hits and six errors, was won by Boston, 12âÂÂ9. After taking an early 4âÂÂ1 lead, the Red Sox were at a 9âÂÂ8 deficit entering the bottom of the eighth inning, before pushing across their final four runs. Reliever Matt Andriese got the win, and Adam Ottavino notched his first save for Boston.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (28âÂÂ22 runs)</small>
May 7âÂÂMay 10, at Baltimore Orioles
After rain delayed the start of the first game of the series by 98 minutes, Boston won, 6âÂÂ2, with starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez improving to 5âÂÂ0 for the season. Bobby Dalbec homered. The Red Sox won the second game of the series, 11âÂÂ6, with starter Garrett Richards getting the win. Michael Chavis (called up after Kiké Hernández went on the injured list) and Xander Bogaerts each homered. Starter Nick Pivetta went to 5âÂÂ0 on the season via Boston's 4âÂÂ3 win in the third game of the series. Matt Barnes earned the save; Rafael Devers and Hunter Renfroe homered. Baltimore avoided the sweep by winning the final game, 4âÂÂ1. Devers drove in the only Boston run, via a sacrifice fly. Reliever Matt Andriese took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in two innings.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ1 (22âÂÂ15 runs)</small>
May 11âÂÂMay 13, vs. Oakland Athletics
Oakland won the opening game of a three-game series, 3âÂÂ2. Boston starter Nathan Eovaldi held the A's to one run on two hits in six innings, with the loss going to reliever Darwinzon Hernández who allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in only of an inning. Rafael Devers hit his ninth home run of the season. The second game of the series was also an Oakland win, 4âÂÂ1. Boston's only run came on a bases-loaded walk in the first inning; the team was held to five hits and left a total of eight men on base. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez took the loss. The Red Sox avoided being swept with an 8âÂÂ1 win in the final game of the series. Starter Garrett Richards earned the win, with reliever Garrett Whitlock earning a three-inning save. Xander Bogaerts and Bobby Dalbec homered.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (11âÂÂ8 runs)</small>
May 14âÂÂMay 16, vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Red Sox won the series opener against the Angels, 4âÂÂ3. Starter Nick Pivetta held Los Angeles to two runs on four hits in six innings, but received a no decision as the win went to reliever Matt Andriese. Closer Matt Barnes earned his ninth save of the season. Hunter Renfroe and Bobby Dalbec homered. In the second game of the series, Boston built a 4âÂÂ0 lead through four innings, en route to a 9âÂÂ0 win. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez earned his first win of the season. Alex Verdugo, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers each homered. The Angels won the final game of the series, 6âÂÂ5, taking a late lead with two runs in the top of the ninth inning off of Barnes, who took the loss. Boston backup catcher Kevin Plawecki hit his first home run of the season.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (18âÂÂ9 runs)</small>
May 18âÂÂMay 20, at Toronto Blue Jays (in Florida)
Due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Jays began the 2021 season playing home games at their spring training facilityâÂÂTD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. The Blue Jays won the opening game of the series, 8âÂÂ0, scoring five runs in five innings off of Boston starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez, who took the loss. The second game was won by the Red Sox, 7âÂÂ3. Starter Garrett Richards held the Blue Jays to two runs on seven hits in innings and earned the win. Alex Verdugo, J. D. Martinez, Kiké Hernández, and Christian Vázquez each homered. The Red Sox won the final game of the series, 8âÂÂ7, with three runs in the top of the ninth inning to turn a two-run deficit into a one-run lead. Martinez and Bobby Dalbec homered, while Matt Barnes recorded his 10th save of the season.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (15âÂÂ18 runs)</small>
May 21âÂÂMay 23, at Philadelphia Phillies
The Red Sox won the first game of a three-game road series in Philadelphia, 11âÂÂ3, with starter MartÃÂn Pérez getting the win. In his debut game with Boston, utility player Danny Santana homered, while Rafael Devers hit his 12th of the season. The second game was also won by Boston, 4âÂÂ3, with starter Nathan Eovaldi earning his fifth win of the season and closer Matt Barnes notching his 11th save. Santana again homered, as did Xander Bogaerts. The Phillies won the final game of the series, 6âÂÂ2, giving Red Sox starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez his third loss of the season. Devers and Franchy Cordero each homered.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (17âÂÂ12 runs)</small>
May 25âÂÂMay 26, vs. Atlanta Braves
Entering a two-game home series with Atlanta, the Red Sox (29âÂÂ19) were no longer atop the AL East for the first time since early in the season, one-half game behind Tampa Bay (30âÂÂ19). The Braves won the first game, 3âÂÂ1, with Boston starter Garrett Richards taking the loss. The Red Sox' only run came in the bottom of the first inning, when Rafael Devers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The second game, including a two-hour and 53-minute rain delay, was won by Boston, 9âÂÂ5. Starter Nick Pivetta improved his season record to 6âÂÂ0. Devers and Hunter Renfroe both homered.
<small>Red Sox split the series 1âÂÂ1 (10âÂÂ8 runs)</small>
May 28âÂÂMay 30, vs. Miami Marlins
The Red Sox opened a three-game home series against the Marlins with a 5âÂÂ2 win, in a game ended by rain in the sixth inning. The winning runs were driven in by Alex Verdugo via a three-run homer in the fifth inning. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez earned the win. Boston also won the second game of the series, 3âÂÂ1, which was delayed by rain for 16 minutes but lasted its scheduled nine innings. Attendance at Fenway Park was 25,089 in the first game played following the State of Massachusetts lifting COVID-19 restrictions on sports events. Starter Nathan Eovaldi improved to 6âÂÂ2 on the season with closer Matt Barnes allowing one run before securing his 12th save. Rafael Devers and Hunter Renfroe each went 3-for-4 at the plate. The final game of the series was postponed due to rain, with an announced makeup date of June 7.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ0 (8âÂÂ3 runs)</small>
May 31, at Houston Astros
This series marked the first time that Alex Cora visited Houston since the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal became public, which led to Cora being suspended for the 2020 season, due to his role in the scandal while he was Houston's bench coach in 2017. In the first game of a four-game series, the Astros jumped out to an early 4âÂÂ0 lead after three innings, en route to an 11âÂÂ2 win. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez took the loss. Hunter Renfroe was the only Boston player with more than one hit, one of them a home run. The Red Sox ended May with a record of 32âÂÂ21, two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.
The Red Sox entered June in second place in the American League East with a record of 32âÂÂ21, having just lost the first game of a four-game series against the Astros.
June 1âÂÂJune 3, at Houston Astros (cont'd)
Houston won the second game of the series, 5âÂÂ1, handing Boston starter Garrett Richards his fourth loss of the season. Alex Verdugo had two of the Red Sox' five hits. Houston also won the third game of the series, 2âÂÂ1, as Boston starter Nick Pivetta suffered his first loss of the season. Hunter Renfroe drove in the only Red Sox run. Boston avoided being swept with a 5âÂÂ1 win in the final game of the series; starter MartÃÂn Pérez earned the win. Christian Arroyo hit a three-run home run.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ3 (9âÂÂ19 runs)</small>
June 4âÂÂJune 6, at New York Yankees
In the first series of the season against the Yankees, the Red Sox jumped out to an early lead via a Rafael Devers three-run home run in the top of the first inning. Nathan Eovaldi held New York to two runs (one earned) on eight hits in six innings to earn the win; Matt Barnes closed out the 5âÂÂ2 win with his 13th save of the season. Boston came back from a 2âÂÂ0 deficit to win the second game of the series, 7âÂÂ3. Bobby Dalbec had a two-run home, and Devers also drove in two runs. Garrett Whitlock earned the win in relief, while Barnes was brought in to record the final out after the Yankees put two baserunners on in the ninth. The Red Sox completed the sweep with a 6âÂÂ5 win in the third game of the series. Down 3âÂÂ1 after six innings, Boston scored twice in the seventh and once in the eighth and held a 4âÂÂ3 lead in the bottom of the ninth. However, Barnes was unable to convert the save as the Yankees tied the game and forced extra innings. Xander Bogaerts drove in two runs in the top of the tenth, and Phillips Valdéz held the Yankees to one run in the bottom of the inning to secure his first major league save. Alex Verdugo and Marwin González each homered. This was the first time that the Red Sox swept the Yankees in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium since June 7âÂÂ9, 2011.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (18âÂÂ10 runs)</small>
June 7, vs. Miami Marlins
In the makeup of a May 30 rainout, Boston won their fifth game in a row, defeating the Marlins, 5âÂÂ3. Starter Nick Pivetta held the Marlins to two runs on seven hits, but left after inningsâÂÂthe win was awarded to reliever Hirokazu Sawamura, the fourth of six Boston pitchers in the game. Adam Ottavino recorded the final four outs for the save.
<small>Red Sox won the series 1âÂÂ0 (5âÂÂ3 runs)</small>
June 8âÂÂJune 10, vs. Houston Astros
In the opener of a three-game series, Houston jumped out to an early 6âÂÂ0 lead and went on to win, 7âÂÂ1. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez only lasted two innings and took the loss. Hunter Renfroe drove in Boston's only run. The Astros also won the second game of the series, 8âÂÂ3. Starter Nathan Eovaldi took the loss after allowing five runs on 11 hits in innings. Xander Bogaerts drove in two of Boston's runs via a fourth-inning homer. The third game of the series featured 24 hits, 20 runs, and the ejection of Houston manager Dusty Baker, as the Red Sox avoided being swept via a 12âÂÂ8 win. J. D. Martinez and Christian Arroyo both homered, and Christian Vázquez went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Darwinzon Hernández, the third of six Boston pitchers, got the win.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (16âÂÂ23 runs)</small>
June 11âÂÂJune 14, vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Boston was outhit by Toronto, 16âÂÂ8, in the opener of a four-game series, but came away with a 6âÂÂ5 win. The Blue Jays held a lead from the top of the first inning until the bottom of the eighth, when the Red Sox tied the score at 5âÂÂ5. A Toronto error in the bottom of the ninth put a runner on second base, and Alex Verdugo, who went 3-for-4, then drove in the winning run with a single off of the Green Monster. Bobby Dalbec and Christian Arroyo each homered; reliever Garrett Whitlock got the win. Toronto jumped out to an early 2âÂÂ0 lead in the second game of the series and went on to win, 7âÂÂ2. Starter Nick Pivetta took the loss. The third game of the series was an 18âÂÂ4 win by the Blue Jays, who had eight home runs and 20 hits. The eight home runs set a new single-game record for a visiting team at Fenway Park. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez fell to 4âÂÂ4 on the season after allowing five runs in innings. He was followed by Ryan Weber, who allowed 11 runs in innings. Position players Arroyo and Marwin González each pitched an inning. Offensively, Dalbec and Xander Bogaerts each homered. Boston won the final game of the series, 2âÂÂ1. After the Red Sox held a 1âÂÂ0 lead from the third inning, Boston closer Matt Barnes allowed a game-tying home run to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the top of the ninth inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Rafael Devers drove in the winning run via a one-out double with two men on base. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held the Blue Jays to three hits and no runs in innings but received a no decision.
<small>Red Sox split the series 2âÂÂ2 (14âÂÂ31 runs)</small>
June 15âÂÂJune 16, at Atlanta Braves
Boston won the opening game of a two-game series, 10âÂÂ8, after building an early 5âÂÂ0 lead. Rafael Devers, Hunter Renfroe, Xander Bogaerts, and Alex Verdugo each homered. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez left after four innings, having allowed four runs on six hits; reliever Hirokazu Sawamura, the fourth of six Boston pitchers, got the win. Matt Barnes recorded his 15th save of the season. The second game of the series was also a Red Sox win by the same score, 10âÂÂ8. Christian Arroyo hit Boston's first grand slam of the season, coming the seventh inning and turning a 6âÂÂ7 deficit into a 10âÂÂ7 lead. Reliever Yacksel RÃÂos made his Red Sox debut and earned the win; he was the third of seven Boston pitchers in the game. Starter Garrett Richards allowed six runs on seven hits in four innings; Adam Ottavino earned the save.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ0 (20âÂÂ16 runs)</small>
June 18âÂÂJune 20, at Kansas City Royals
Kansas City won the first game of a three-game series, 5âÂÂ3, dropping Boston starter Nick Pivetta to 6âÂÂ3 on the season. Rafael Devers hit his 17th home run of the season. Christian Arroyo became the first Red Sox player to be ejected during the 2021 season, via a ninth-inning strike-zone disagreement with home plate umpire Jim Wolf. The Red Sox were 7âÂÂ1 winners in the second game of the series, with starter MartÃÂn Pérez getting the win. Bobby Dalbec was 3-for-3 including a home run; J. D. Martinez also homered. The win put Boston into a tie with Tampa Bay atop the AL East at 43âÂÂ28; the Rays later lost to the Mariners, giving the Red Sox sole possession of the divisional lead for the first time since May 22. The third game of the series was won by the Royals, 7âÂÂ3. Starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed seven hits and four runs in four innings and took the loss. Catcher Kevin Plawecki and second baseman Arroyo both left the game with injuries. Devers and Kiké Hernández each homered.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (13âÂÂ13 runs)</small>
June 22âÂÂJune 24, at Tampa Bay Rays
Boston won the opener of a three-game series, 9âÂÂ5 in 11 innings. Boston starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez received a no decision after allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits in six innings. After the game remained tied, 5âÂÂ5, for the 6th through 10th innings, Boston scored four unanswered runs in the top of the 11th inning. Xander Bogaerts was 3-for-5, while Hunter Renfroe had a home run and three RBIs. Reliever Darwinzon Hernández recorded the final four outs and got the win. Tampa Bay won the second game of the series, 8âÂÂ2, as Boston starter Garrett Richards only lasted innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on three hits and four walks. Both teams had six hits, with the Red Sox drawing six walks and the Rays drawing nine. The Rays won the final game of the series, 1âÂÂ0. Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta left the game after innings having thrown 100 pitches and not allowing a hit. The Rays collected their first hit with one out in the eighth inning, off of reliever Darwinzon Hernández. With two outs in the ninth inning, Rays designated hitter Manuel Margot singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Christian Vázquez. Margot then scored the only run of the game via a wild pitch from closer Matt Barnes, who took the loss. The win put Tampa Bay back into first place atop the AL East at 45âÂÂ31, one-half game ahead of Boston at 44âÂÂ31.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (11âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
June 25âÂÂJune 27, vs. New York Yankees
The Red Sox honored Dustin Pedroia, who retired in February, in a ceremony prior to the first game of the series. Boston won the series opener, 5âÂÂ3. After reaching a 3âÂÂ3 tie in the middle of the second inning, Boston scored the game's only other runs; one each in the third and eighth innings. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez received a no decision after allowing three runs on six hits in innings. The win went to Garrett Whitlock, the third of five Boston pitchers; closer Matt Barnes got the save. Xander Bogaerts and Hunter Renfroe each had two RBIs. Boston also won the second game of the series, 4âÂÂ2. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held the Yankees to a single run on seven hits in innings and earned the win; Adam Ottavino earned his fifth save of the season in recording the final four outs. Bogaerts and Renfroe each had three hits and an RBI. Catcher Connor Wong collected his first MLB hit. The Red Sox completed the series sweep with a 9âÂÂ2 win in the third game. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez earned the win, holding the Yankees to two runs on five hits in six innings. Boston had four home runs, one each by Kiké Hernández, Rafael Devers, J. D. Martinez, and Christian Vázquez. The win put Boston back atop the AL East at 47âÂÂ31, a one-half game ahead of Tampa Bay at 47âÂÂ32.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (18âÂÂ7 runs)</small>
June 28âÂÂJune 30, vs. Kansas City Royals
The Red Sox opened a four-game series against the Royals with a 6âÂÂ5 win, recovering from a 5âÂÂ2 deficit after the first two innings. Hunter Renfroe hit two home runs, while Kiké Hernández and Bobby Dalbec each hit one. Starter Garrett Richards received a no decision after allowing five runs on 11 hits in innings. The win went to reliever Hirokazu Sawamura, the second of four Boston pitchers in the game. Closer Matt Barnes recorded his 17th save of the season. Boston won the second game of the series, 7âÂÂ6, extending their winning streak to five games. J. D. Martinez was 2-for-2 with two walks and four RBIs. Starter Nick Pivetta left after innings; reliever Yacksel RÃÂos recorded the next five outs and earned the win, while Barnes earned another save. The Red Sox extended their winning streak to six games, via a 6âÂÂ2 win in the third game of the series. Rain delayed the start of the game, and halted play, for a total of two hours and 21 minutes. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez earned the win. Martinez and Renfroe each homered. The Red Sox ended June with a record of 50âÂÂ31, leading the American League East by three games over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Red Sox entered July atop the American League East with a record of 50âÂÂ31, having just won the first three games of a four-game series against the Royals.
July 1, vs. Kansas City Royals (cont'd)
The Red Sox' winning streak reached seven games as the team completed a four-game sweep of the Royals with a 15âÂÂ1 win. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held Kansas City scoreless through seven innings, followed by reliever Matt Andriese who pitched the final two innings and allowed only an unearned run. Each Boston starter had at least one hit. Kiké Hernández, J. D. Martinez, Danny Santana, and Rafael Devers each homered.
<small>Red Sox won the series 4âÂÂ0 (34âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
July 2âÂÂJuly 4, at Oakland Athletics
The opener of a three-game road series in Oakland was a 3âÂÂ2 extra innings win for Boston, extending the winning streak to eight games. Kiké Hernández drove in the winning run in the top of the 10th, with Adam Ottavino holding the Athletics scoreless in the bottom of the inning for the save. Closer Matt Barnes, who blew a save in the bottom of the ninth, was credited with the win. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez allowed no runs and only a single hit in six innings, but had to settle for a no decision. The second game of the series also went to extra innings, tied 4âÂÂ4. After Boston starter Garrett Richards held Oakland to two runs on five hits in five innings, the Athletics tied the game in the eighth inning via two runs off of reliever Yacksel RÃÂos. J. D. Martinez, playing left field, threw out Athletics catcher Sean Murphy at the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning, preserving the tie. After a scoreless 11th inning, the Red Sox scored twice in the top of the 12th to take a 6âÂÂ4 lead. However, Oakland scored three runs off of Matt Andriese in the bottom of the inning for a 7âÂÂ6 win. Hernández hit his 10th home run of the season. The final game of the series was a 1âÂÂ0 Boston win, with the only run of the game coming on a doubleâÂÂsingleâÂÂground-out sequence in the sixth inning. Alex Verdugo scored the run, and was the only player in the game with more than one hit. Starter Nick Pivetta allowed just two hits in seven innings for the win, while Barnes earned his 19th save of the season.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (10âÂÂ9 runs)</small>
July 5âÂÂJuly 7, at Los Angeles Angels
The first game of a three-game series with the Angels was won by the Red Sox, 5âÂÂ4. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez got the win, having held Los Angeles to one run on eight hits in innings. Adam Ottavino notched his seventh save of the season. Rafael Devers had three hits, include a home run; Christian Arroyo also homered. The Angels won the second game of the series, 5âÂÂ3, with all their runs scored off of starter Nathan Eovaldi, who lasted innings and took the loss. Hunter Renfroe homered. The final game of the series was a 5âÂÂ4 Angels win, dropping starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez to a 6âÂÂ5 record for the season. Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 at the plate.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (12âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
July 9âÂÂJuly 11, vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Boston won the opener of a three-game home series against the Phillies, 11âÂÂ5. Starter Garrett Richards got the win, improving to 5âÂÂ5 on the season. Six different Red Sox batters had two hits apiece, while J. D. Martinez, Kiké Hernández, and Rafael Devers each homered. The Phillies won the second game of the series, 11âÂÂ2. Holding a 3âÂÂ2 lead after seven innings, Philadelphia scored eight runs in the top of the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Starter MartÃÂn Pérez allowed three runs on six hits, exiting after innings and taking the loss. Xander Bogaerts hit his 14th home run of the season. The final game of the series was another Phillies win, 5âÂÂ4. Starter Nick Pivetta took the loss against his former team, allowing five runs on four hits in four innings. Bogaerts homered again. The Red Sox reached the All-Star break atop the American League East with a record of 55âÂÂ36, games ahead of Tampa Bay.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (17âÂÂ21 runs)</small>
The Red Sox had five players selected to the All-Star Game; all five played as the American League defeated the National League, 5âÂÂ2. Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers started the game at shortstop and third base, respectively. Bogaerts went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI, while Devers went 1-for-2. They were replaced by reserve players in the bottom of the fifth inning. Nathan Eovaldi pitched the fourth inning, allowing no runs on one hit. J. D. Martinez entered the game as designated hitter in the top of the fifth inning and went 0-for-2. Matt Barnes pitched the eighth inning, allowing no runs on two hits and a walk.
July 15âÂÂJuly 18, at New York Yankees
The opener of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium was postponed due to three positive COVID-19 test results within the Yankees' pitching staff. The next day, Boston won the first game played in the series, 4âÂÂ0. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez allowed only two hits in innings and earned the win. Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, earning a save. Christian Arroyo and J. D. Martinez each homered. The Yankees won the second game of the series, 3âÂÂ1, in a six-inning rain-shortened contest. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held the Yankees to one run on two hits in five innings, leaving with a no decision. Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura allowed two home runs in the bottom of the sixth, and took the loss. The game included the MLB debut of Jarren Duran, the ejections of bench coach Will Venable and backup catcher Kevin Plawecki following a check-swing third-strike call that the Red Sox dugout took exception to, and a brief stoppage in play after left fielder Alex Verdugo was struck in the back by a baseball thrown by a fan. The final game of the series was a 9âÂÂ1 New York win, as starter MartÃÂn Pérez allowed three runs on five hits in four innings, taking the loss. Xander Bogaerts was the only Red Sox batter with two hits, while Hunter Renfroe had the only RBI.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (6âÂÂ12 runs)</small>
July 19âÂÂJuly 21, at Toronto Blue Jays (in Buffalo)
Boston won the first game of a three-game series played in Buffalo, New York, 13âÂÂ4. J. D. Martinez was 4-for-4 with a walk, while Kiké Hernández hit two home runs. Boston also had home runs from Jarren Duran, Hunter Renfroe (a grand slam), Rafael Devers, and Danny Santana. Starter Nick Pivetta allowed four runs on 11 hits in innings and earned the win. The second game of the series was rained out, with a makeup game scheduled for August 7. Boston won the final game of the series, 7âÂÂ4. Starter Garrett Richards earned the win, allowing four runs on four hits in innings, and Matt Barnes earned his 20th save of the season. Hernández, Devers, Martinez, Renfroe, and Michael Chavis each homered.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ0 (20âÂÂ8 runs)</small>
July 22âÂÂJuly 25, vs. New York Yankees
The first game of a four-game home series against the Yankees was a 5âÂÂ4 extra-innings win. Starter Tanner Houck left after innings due to a 55-minute rain delay, having held New York to one unearned run on two hits. Trailing 3âÂÂ1 entering the bottom of the ninth, Kiké Hernández drove in two runs via a two-out double to tie the game. The Yankees scored one run off of Matt Barnes in the top of the 10th. In the bottom of the inning, Boston scored twice, taking advantage of four wild pitches by Yankees reliever Brooks Kriske; Hunter Renfroe drove in the winning run via a sacrifice fly. The second game of the series was a 6âÂÂ2 Boston win. Trailing 1âÂÂ0 entering the bottom of the fifth, the Red Sox scored three runs, then added three more in the bottom of the seventh. Rafael Devers had five RBIs via two home runs. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez left in the second inning due to migraine symptoms. Yacksel RÃÂos, the third of five Boston relievers who followed RodrÃÂguez, allowed no runs or hits in two innings of work and got the win. In the second game of the series, Boston took an early 3âÂÂ0 lead, but the Yankees scored four unanswered runs in the eighth inning to give the Red Sox a 4âÂÂ3 defeat. Starter Nathan Eovaldi lasted innings and allowed two runs on seven hits; reliever Adam Ottavino allowed two runs on three hits in of an inning and took the loss. Kevin Plawecki was the only Boston batter with two hits. The final game of the series was a 5âÂÂ4 Red Sox win. Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, Boston had not recorded a hit and trailed, 4âÂÂ0. Five consecutive hits and a sacrifice fly put the Red Sox ahead by a run. Barnes then closed out the game for his 21st save of the season. The win went to Brandon Workman, the third of four relievers who followed starter MartÃÂn Pérez.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ1 (19âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
July 26âÂÂJuly 29, vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Red Sox won the first game of a four-game home series against Toronto, 5âÂÂ4. Boston's 3âÂÂ2 fifth-inning lead became a 4âÂÂ3 deficit via a two-run Bo Bichette homer. Alex Verdugo's own two-run homer in the eighth inning put Boston back in the lead, allowing Matt Barnes to close out the game with his 22nd save of the year. Starter Nick Pivetta had a no decision after allowing four runs on six hits in innings; reliever Adam Ottavino got the win. Rafael Devers also homered. The second game of the series was postponed due to rain, resulting in a doubleheader being scheduled for the following day. The first game of the doubleheader was won by the Blue Jays, 4âÂÂ1, in seven innings. Starter Garrett Richards allowed four runs on eight hits in four innings and took the loss. J. D. Martinez drove in Boston's only run. The second game of the doubleheader was a Boston win, also by a 4âÂÂ1 score in seven innings. Starter Tanner Houck allowed one run in four innings; the win went to reliever Garrett Whitlock, who pitched two scoreless innings, while Barnes registered another save. Kevin Plawecki had three hits, and Jarren Duran had two RBIs. The final game of the series was a 13âÂÂ1 Blue Jays win, with starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez taking the loss after allowing six runs in innings. Bobby Dalbec drove in Boston's only run. Red Sox backup catcher Plawecki pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
<small>Red Sox split the series 2âÂÂ2 (11âÂÂ22 runs)</small>
July 30âÂÂJuly 31, at Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay won the opener of a three-game series, 7âÂÂ3, dropping starter MartÃÂn Pérez to a 7âÂÂ7 record for the season. The second game of the series was also won by the Rays, 9âÂÂ5. Starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed six runs (five earned) on six hits in innings and took the loss. Xander Bogaerts and Bobby Dalbec each homered. The Rays ended July back in the lead of the American League East with a 63âÂÂ42 record, one-half game ahead of the Red Sox at 63âÂÂ43.
The Red Sox entered August in second place in the American League East with a record of 63âÂÂ43, having just lost the first two games of a three-game series against the division-leading Rays (63âÂÂ42).
August 1, vs. Tampa Bay Rays (cont'd)
The Rays completed a three-game sweep with a 3âÂÂ2 win. Red Sox started Nick Pivetta took the loss; he allowed three runs on three hits in innings. Kiké Hernández had three hits and Hunter Renfroe homered. Boston had runners at first and third with two outs in the ninth, but were unable to push across the tying run.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 0âÂÂ3 (10âÂÂ19 runs)</small>
August 3âÂÂAugust 5, at Detroit Tigers
Detroit defeated Boston, 4âÂÂ2, in the opener of a three-game series, extending the Red Sox' losing streak to five games. Starter Garrett Richards allowed three runs on five hits in four innings and took the loss. Hunter Renfroe homered. Boston won the middle game of the series, 4âÂÂ1, as Eduardo RodrÃÂguez improved to 8âÂÂ6 on the season, allowing no runs on two hits in five innings. J. D. Martinez, Kiké Hernández, and Jarren Duran each homered, while Matt Barnes notched his 24th save of the season. The Tigers won the final game, 8âÂÂ1. Red Sox starter MartÃÂn Pérez left after innings, having allowed three runs on five hits, and took the loss. Alex Verdugo drove in Boston's only run.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (7âÂÂ13 runs)</small>
August 6âÂÂAugust 8, at Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto won the first game of a four-game series, 12âÂÂ4, powered by a nine-run fifth inning. Starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed seven of those runs, and took the loss. Infielder Jonathan Araúz pitched the bottom of the eighth inning for Boston. Hunter Renfroe homered. Toronto won the second game of the series (also the first game of a doubleheader), 1âÂÂ0. Each team only had two hits. The game's only score was a walk-off home run hit by Marcus Semien off of Matt Barnes to start the bottom of the seventh inning. The Red Sox won the second game of the doubleheader, scheduled for seven innings, 2âÂÂ1 in eight innings. With Toronto holding a 1âÂÂ0 lead entering the sixth, Alex Verdugo homered to tie the contest. With no further scoring through the seventh, Boston scored one run in the eighth, driven in by Araúz. Adam Ottavino then held the Blue Jays scoreless to earn his eighth save of the season. The win went to Barnes, who had pitched the seventh inning; starter Tanner Houck went innings and had a no decision. Toronto won the final game of the series, 9âÂÂ8, overcoming a 7âÂÂ2 Boston lead after four innings. Red Sox starter Garrett Richards allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits in five innings, while Barnes took the loss after allowing a three-run homer to George Springer in the eighth inning. J. D. Martinez was 4-for-5 with three RBIs and Kevin Plawecki was 3-for-4 also with three RBIs.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ3 (14âÂÂ23 runs)</small>
August 10âÂÂAugust 12, vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Boston had a 4âÂÂ1 lead in the first game of a three-game home series, but Tampa Bay rallied for an 8âÂÂ4 win. It was the 10th Red Sox loss in 12 games. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez went innings while allowing two runs on four hits; Matt Barnes took the loss in relief after allowing four runs on two hits in of an inning. Rafael Devers and Hunter Renfroe homered. Boston recovered in the second game of the series with a 20âÂÂ8 win, the most Red Sox runs scored in a single game since the 2015 season. Bobby Dalbec had 5 RBIs on the night, and Renfroe and Xander Bogaerts each added 4 RBIs of their own. Boston's 19 hits included only one home run, by Bogaerts. Starter Nathan Eovaldi tossed seven innings of three-hit ball, surrendering one run, and earned his 10th win of the season. The Raysâ Josh Fleming was charged with 10 earned runs in innings pitched. Tampa Bay won the final game of the series, 8âÂÂ1. Red Sox starter Tanner Houck allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits in five innings, and took the loss. Devers drove in Boston's only run.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (25âÂÂ24 runs)</small>
August 13âÂÂAugust 15, vs. Baltimore Orioles
Boston won the opener of a three-game home series against the Orioles, 8âÂÂ1. Starter Nick Pivetta went six innings and got the win, improving to 9âÂÂ5 on the season, while Garrett Richards pitched the final three innings to earn a save. Bobby Dalbec was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Xander Bogaerts and Hunter Renfroe also homered. Kyle Schwarber made his Red Sox debut, going 0-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored as the DH. The second game of the series marked the return of Chris Sale to the Red Sox, following his Tommy John surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. Sale went five innings while allowing two runs on six hits and earned the win as Boston defeated Baltimore, 16âÂÂ2. Alex Verdugo went 4-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. The Red Sox had two home runs from Dalbec, and one each from Renfroe, Rafael Devers, and J. D. Martinez. Boston completed the sweep with a 6âÂÂ2 win in the third game of the series. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez earned his ninth win of the season, holding the Orioles to one unearned run on three hits in six innings. Martinez again homered, and had three RBIs.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (30âÂÂ5 runs)</small>
August 17âÂÂAugust 18, at New York Yankees
Boston opened a three-game road series in New York with a loss in the first game of a doubleheader, 5âÂÂ3. Starter Tanner Houck had a no decision after holding the Yankees to two runs on five hits in four innings. Reliever Garrett Whitlock allowed two runs in of an inning and took the loss. Christian Vázquez had a solo home run, while Xander Bogaerts had the other two RBIs for Boston. The second game of the doubleheader was also won by the Yankees, 2âÂÂ0. Both runs were scored off of Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi in his five innings of work, dropping him to 10âÂÂ8 on the season. Boston was limited to five hits, all singles, and four walks. The loss left Boston (69âÂÂ53) in third place in the AL East standings, a percentage point behind the Yankees (68âÂÂ52). The Yankees completed their sweep with a 5âÂÂ2 win in the third game of the series. Boston's runs came on solo homers by Bogaerts (first inning) and Hunter Renfroe (ninth inning). Starter Nick Pivetta took the loss after allowing four runs on four hits in innings.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 0âÂÂ3 (5âÂÂ12 runs)</small>
August 20âÂÂAugust 23, vs. Texas Rangers
The Red Sox opened a three-game home series with a 6âÂÂ0 win over the Rangers. Starter Chris Sale went five innings, allowing five hits, and got the win. Xander Bogaerts hit his 20th home run of the season. Texas won the second game of the series, 10âÂÂ1, with Kiké Hernández driving in Boston's only run. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez took the loss after allowing five runs on eight hits in innings. The Red Sox were limited to five hits, while also committing five errors. The final game of the series was postponed a day, due to the effects of Hurricane Henri. The Red Sox won that game, 8âÂÂ4 in 11 innings. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held Texas to one run on four hits in seven innings and left with a 3âÂÂ1 lead, but ultimately received a no decision. With Boston still holding a 3âÂÂ1 lead entering the top of the ninth, the Rangers scored twice off of closer Matt Barnes to tie the game. The game went to extra innings, and both teams scored a single run in the 10th inning. In the 11th inning, the Rangers did not score, and the Red Sox won the game on a walk-off grand slam by Travis Shaw. Reliever Garrett Whitlock got the win after pitching the final innings for Boston. In addition to Shaw, Alex Verdugo and Hunter Renfroe also homered.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (15âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
August 24âÂÂAugust 26, vs. Minnesota Twins
The opener of a three-game home series against Minnesota was an 11âÂÂ9 Boston win. Starter Tanner Houck had a no decision after allowing three runs on eight hits in innings. Reliever Josh Taylor, who recorded one out on one pitch to close out the fifth inning, got the win. Closer Matt Barnes allowed a home run and two walks while recording no outs in the ninth inning. He was relieved by Hansel Robles, who earned the save, his 11th of the season and first with the Red Sox. Boston hitters had four home runs: two by Hunter Renfroe and one each by Travis Shaw and Kiké Hernández. The Twins won the second game of the series, 9âÂÂ6 in 10 innings. Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta allowed four runs on six hits in four innings. Boston did not score until the seventh inning, and entered the bottom of the ninth trailing, 4âÂÂ2. A two-run home run by Kyle Schwarber tied the game, which then went to extra innings. Robles came in to pitch the 10th for Boston, and allowed five runs via two homers. Robles took the loss after the Red Sox only scored twice in their half of the inning, one run coming on a Hernández homer. The final game of the series was a 12âÂÂ2 victory by the Red Sox, with Chris Sale getting the win after holding the Twins to two runs on two hits in innings. Rafael Devers hit his 30th home run of the season, while Bobby Dalbec homered twice and drove in seven runs.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (29âÂÂ20 runs)</small>
August 27âÂÂAugust 29, at Cleveland Indians
The Red Sox defeated the Indians, 4âÂÂ3, in the first game of a three-game series. Prior to the game, Kiké Hernández and Christian Arroyo were placed on the COVID-related injured list. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez notched his 10th win of the season after holding Cleveland to three runs on eight hits in seven innings. Adam Ottavino got the save. Jonathan Araúz, just called up from Triple-A, had a three-run homer, one of only three Boston hits. Boston also won the second game of the series, 5âÂÂ3 in 10 innings. Starter Nathan Eovaldi went innings while allowing two runs on six hits. Kyle Schwarber had a first-inning home run, helping to stake the Red Sox to an early 2âÂÂ0 lead. After Cleveland tied the game, 2âÂÂ2, in the second inning, there was no more scoring until extra innings. J. D. Martinez put the Red Sox ahead on a three-run homer. The Indians got one run back off of MartÃÂn Pérez, who was relieved by Ottavino who earned his 10th save of the season. The win went to Garrett Whitlock, who pitched a scoreless inning as the sixth of eight total Boston pitchers. The Twins won the final game of the series, 7âÂÂ5, despite Boston building a 4âÂÂ0 lead after five innings. Starter Tanner Houck went innings and allowed three runs on one hit and four walks. Austin Davis, the fourth of five Boston pitchers, allowed three runs on three hits and took the loss. Rafael Devers had two home runs and Bobby Dalbec had one.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (14âÂÂ13 runs)</small>
August 30âÂÂAugust 31, at Tampa Bay Rays
The Red Sox lost the opener of a four-game series in Tampa Bay, 6âÂÂ1. Relievers MartÃÂn Pérez and Matt Barnes were not available due to being placed on the COVID-related injured list. Starter Nick Pivetta allowed four runs on six hits in five innings and took the loss. A homer by Bobby Dalbec accounted for Boston's only run. Prior to the second game of the series, relievers Josh Taylor and Hirokazu Sawamura were also placed on the COVID-related list, and during the game, shortstop Xander Bogaerts was removed due to a positive test. Tampa Bay won the game, 8âÂÂ5, with Boston starter Brad Peacock taking the loss in his Red Sox debut after allowing five runs on two hits in innings. Kyle Schwarber homered. Boston ended the month in third place in the American League East, still in position for the postseason as a wild card, with a record of 75âÂÂ59.
The Red Sox entered September with eight players unavailable due to positive COVID-19 testing or contact tracing: pitchers Matt Barnes, MartÃÂn Pérez, Hirokazu Sawamura, and Josh Taylor; and position players Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Kiké Hernández, and Yairo Muñoz. Three staff members were also unavailable due to testing or tracing: quality control coach Ramón Vázquez, first base coach Tom Goodwin, and conditioning coach Kiyoshi Momose. With a record of 75âÂÂ59, and having just lost the first two games of a four-game series against Tampa Bay, the Red Sox were positioned as a wild card team, in third place in the AL East.
September 1âÂÂSeptember 2, at Tampa Bay Rays (cont'd)
Boston won the third game of the series, 3âÂÂ2. Starter Chris Sale went six innings, holding the Rays to two runs on six hits. Reliever Garrett Whitlock pitched two scoreless innings and got the win; Adam Ottavino earned the save, his 11th of the season. Christian Vázquez went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs; Jarren Duran drove in Boston's other run, a go-ahead RBI in the ninth inning to break a 2âÂÂ2 tie. The final game of the series was another Red Sox win, 4âÂÂ0. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez went six innings and won his 11th game of the year. Garrett Richards pitched the final three innings, earning a save. Bobby Dalbec went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
<small>Red Sox split the series 2âÂÂ2 (13âÂÂ16 runs)</small>
September 3âÂÂSeptember 5, vs. Cleveland Indians
Prior to the first game against Cleveland, outfielder Jarren Duran became Boston's ninth player on the COVID-related list. The Red Sox opened the three-game series with an 8âÂÂ5 win. Starter Nathan Eovaldi held Cleveland to three runs on six hits in innings; he was relieved by Adam Ottavino, who was credited with the win; Garrett Whitlock earned a save. Kyle Schwarber had three RBIs, one coming on a leadoff home run in the first inning. Hunter Renfroe also drove in three runs, via a seventh-inning home run with two men on base. Kevin Plawecki and Jonathan Araúz each hit solo home runs. Boston also won the second game of the series, 4âÂÂ3, the team's fourth consecutive win. Starter Tanner Houck kept the Indians scoreless through five innings, but ended up with a no decision. A three-run home run by Rafael Devers in the seventh inning gave the Red Sox a 3âÂÂ0 lead; with his 33rd home run of the season, Devers reached 100 RBIs for the second time in his career. In the top of the ninth, Cleveland scored three runs off of Ottavino to tie the game. After Boston loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Alex Verdugo singled to drive in the winning run. Prior to the final game of the series, pitcher Nick Pivetta and utility player Danny Santana were also added to the COVID-related list, bringing the Red Sox' total to 11 players. The final game was won by Cleveland, 11âÂÂ5. After the Indians built a 6âÂÂ0 lead after three innings, the Red Sox battled back within a run, 6âÂÂ5, at the end of the sixth, only to have the Indians score five runs in the top of the ninth to put the game out of reach. Kutter Crawford, just called up from Triple-A and making his MLB debut, took the loss. J. D. Martinez went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a home run.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (17âÂÂ19 runs)</small>
September 6âÂÂSeptember 8, vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Despite taking a 7âÂÂ1 lead after the first two innings of the series' opening game, the Red Sox lost to the Rays, 11âÂÂ10 in 10 innings. Boston committed four errors during the game, making six of Tampa Bay's runs unearned. Starter Chris Sale went innings and allowed one earned run (five total runs) on 10 hits. Garrett Whitlock, the sixth of seven Red Sox pitchers, had a blown save and took the loss. Hunter Renfroe was 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and Jonathan Araúz homered. Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez was struck by a foul tip in the first inning and had to leave the game. A rare instance of an intentional balk occurred in the bottom of the 10th inning, when the Rays, holding a two-run lead, had pitcher Collin McHugh intentionally commit a balk, thus advancing the Red Sox runner at second base to third base, in order to avoid the possibility of sign stealing. The game took four hours and 54 minutes to complete. The Rays also won the second game of the series, 12âÂÂ7. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez look the loss after allowing six runs in innings. Bobby Dalbec had two home runs and four RBIs. Danny Santana also homered. Boston won the final game of the series, 2âÂÂ1. Scoreless through the first seven innings, the Rays scored once in the top of the eighth, and the Red Sox scored two runs in the bottom of the inning via a Renfroe home run with a runner on base. Renfroe also recorded an outfield assist on the final out of the game, as Tampa Bay's Joey Wendle attempted to stretch a double into a triple. Boston starter Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven scoreless innings but had a no decision, with the win going to Garrett Richards while Hansel Robles earned the save. The Red Sox' win put them back in second place of the AL East at , one-half game ahead of the New York Yankees at , with both teams in position as postseason wild cards.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (19âÂÂ24 runs)</small>
September 10âÂÂSeptember 12, at Chicago White Sox
Prior to the opener of a three-game series in Chicago, Xander Bogaerts was activated from the COVID-related list, while Chris Sale and Jonathan Araúz were added to that list. In the opener, Chicago took a 4âÂÂ0 lead through four innings, and while the Red Sox then scored three unanswered runs, the game ended 4âÂÂ3 in the White Sox' favor. Starter Tanner Houck allowed all of Chicago's runs and left after innings, his record falling to 0âÂÂ4. Bobby Dalbec hit his 21st home run of the season. Boston won the second game of the series, 9âÂÂ8 in 10 innings. Prior to the game, utility player Danny Santana was again added to the COVID-related list. Boston starter Connor Seabold, making his MLB debut, allowed two runs on three hits in three innings. Garrett Whitlock, the sixth of seven Boston pitchers, earned the win, with Josh Taylor notching his first major-league save. Travis Shaw was 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. On the day of the final game of the series, reliever Phillips Valdéz became the latest Boston player added to the COVID-related list. Chicago won the game, 2âÂÂ1. After the White Sox took a 1âÂÂ0 lead in the bottom of the sixth, the Red Sox tied the game via an Alex Verdugo sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth. Leury GarcÃÂa then hit a walk-off home run off of Whitlock with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Boston starter Nick Pivetta held Chicago to one run on three hits in innings. The loss dropped the Red Sox (81âÂÂ64; 0.5586) back to third place in the AL East, with Toronto (80âÂÂ63; 0.5594) moving into second place.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (13âÂÂ14 runs)</small>
September 13âÂÂSeptember 15, at Seattle Mariners
Boston lost the opener of a three-game series in Seattle, 5âÂÂ4. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez went six innings, allowing one run on six hits. A three-run homer by Seattle's Mitch Haniger off of Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier put the Mariners ahead, 5âÂÂ2, in the seventh inning. The runs were unearned, due to a two-out error by first baseman Kyle Schwarber. Back-to-back solo homers by Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers in the eighth inning left the Red Sox a run short. José Iglesias also homered. The loss dropped the Red Sox (81âÂÂ65; 0.555) to fourth place in the AL East, percentage points behind the Yankees (80âÂÂ64; 0.556). The Red Sox won the second game of the series, 8âÂÂ4. Starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed two runs on five hits in five innings. Entering the eighth inning with the score tied, 2âÂÂ2, Boston scored five runs, which proved to be enough to win. Schwarber had a three-RBI pinch hit double as part of the eighth inning rally. Adam Ottavino, the third of six Red Sox pitchers, threw only two pitches and recorded a single out, but got the win. J. D. Martinez, Bobby Dalbec, and Alex Verdugo each homered. Game 3 of the series, an afternoon getaway game, was tied 3âÂÂ3 after nine innings. All of Seattle's three runs had been allowed by Sox starter Tanner Houck, who pitched innings. Boston's three runs were made up of a Hunter Renfroe solo homer, a Kevin Plawecki RBI ground out, and a José Iglesias RBI double. Entering the top of the 10th, the Boston offense immediately went to work, as Jack López advanced to third base and then scored on a passed ball to give the Red Sox the lead. J. D. Martinez made it 5âÂÂ3 on an RBI single before Kyle Schwarber came through in the clutch for the second straight game, delivering a two-run hit to shallow right field. Martinez and Schwarber were then driven in by Christian Vázquez, giving the Red Sox a 9âÂÂ3 lead. MartÃÂn Pérez pitched the bottom of the tenth. Seattle scored one run but was otherwise effectively shut down, and the Red Sox won, 9âÂÂ4, to win the series against the Mariners.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ1 (21âÂÂ13 runs)</small>
September 17âÂÂSeptember 19, vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Red Sox began their final home stand of the season with a 7âÂÂ1 win over the Orioles; it was Baltimore's 100th loss. Boston starter Chris Sale, just activated from the COVID-related list, got the win after holding the Orioles to one run on two hits in five innings. Hunter Renfroe had three RBIs, Alex Verdugo had three hits, and Bobby Dalbec homered. The win moved Boston back to second place in the AL East, slightly ahead of the Yankees and Blue Jays, with the three teams contesting for two wild card spots in the postseason. Boston won the second game of the series, 9âÂÂ3, with reliever Tanner Houck earning the win. Starter Nick Pivetta went innings and left with the game tied, 3âÂÂ3. Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and hit his 22nd home run of the season; Rafael Devers also went 3-for-5. Boston won the final game of the series, 8âÂÂ6, to complete the sweep. Starter Nathan Eovaldi allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings, and had a no decision. Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura got the win and Garrett Richards earned a save. J. D. Martinez homered.
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (24âÂÂ10 runs)</small>
September 21âÂÂSeptember 22, vs. New York Mets
The Red Sox opened a two-game series against the Mets with a 6âÂÂ3 win. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez had a no decision after allowing two runs on five hits in innings. Reliever Ryan Brasier got the win. Kiké Hernández and Xander Bogaerts homered. Boston won the second game of the series, 12âÂÂ5. Starter Chris Sale earned the win to reach 5âÂÂ0 on the season. Kyle Schwarber had two home runs to reach 31 on the season (including ones he hit before joining the Red Sox). The two wins over the Mets extended the Red Sox' winning streak to seven games, five of which came with the team wearing their yellow "City Connect" alternate uniforms.
<small>Red Sox won the series 2âÂÂ0 (18âÂÂ8 runs)</small>
September 24âÂÂSeptember 26, vs. New York Yankees
The Red Sox opened their final home series of the season with an 8âÂÂ3 loss to the Yankees. The loss reduced the Red Sox' lead in the AL wild card race to a single game over the Yankees, the teams holding records of 88âÂÂ66 (.571) and 87âÂÂ67 (.565), respectively. Starter Nathan Eovaldi took the loss after allowing seven runs on seven hits in innings. Rafael Devers hit his 35th home run of the season. The Yankees won the second game of the series, 5âÂÂ3. Boston starter Nick Pivetta held New York to one run on three hits in innings. With the Red Sox holding a 3âÂÂ1 lead entering the eighth inning, Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton hit a grand slam off of Red Sox reliever Darwinzon Hernández; two of the runs were charged to prior reliever Tanner Houck, who took the loss. Bobby Dalbec and Kevin Plawecki homered for Boston. Both teams ended the day with records of 88âÂÂ67 (.568), tied in the AL wild card race. The Yankees completed the sweep with a 6âÂÂ3 win on Sunday Night Baseball, powered by a four-run eighth inning. Boston starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez went five innings, holding the Yankees to two runs on six hits. Reliever Garrett Richards allowed two of the eighth-inning runs and took the loss. The loss put the Yankees atop the AL wild card race at 89âÂÂ67 (.571) with the Red Sox one game back at 88âÂÂ68 (.564) and the Blue Jays one more game back at 87âÂÂ69 (.558). The top two wild card teams qualify for a single-game playoff, hosted by the top wild card team, with the winner advancing to the American League Division Series.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 0âÂÂ3 (9âÂÂ19 runs)</small>
September 28âÂÂSeptember 30, at Baltimore Orioles
The Red Sox lost the opener of a three-game series in Baltimore, 4âÂÂ2. Starter Chris Sale allowed three runs on four hits in innings and took the loss. Boston was limited to three hits, one a Kyle Schwarber home run. The day ended with Boston (88âÂÂ69) still holding the second AL wild card spot, two games behind the Yankees (90âÂÂ67), a half-game game ahead of Seattle (88âÂÂ70) and a full game ahead of Toronto (87âÂÂ70). Boston won the second game of the series, 6âÂÂ0, to snap a four-game losing streak. Starter Nathan Eovaldi got the win after holding the Orioles to four hits in six innings. J. D. Martinez went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs; Hunter Renfroe also homered. As the Yankees lost to the Blue Jays, Boston (89âÂÂ69) ended the day one game behind the Yankees (90âÂÂ68) in the wild card race, with Seattle (89âÂÂ70) and Toronto (88âÂÂ70) still in contention. The Orioles won the final game of the series, 6âÂÂ2. Starter Nick Pivetta took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits in innings. Kiké Hernández homered for the Red Sox. The loss dropped the Red Sox into a tie with the Mariners for the second AL wild card spot, both teams with 89âÂÂ70 records.
<small>Red Sox lost the series 1âÂÂ2 (10âÂÂ10 runs)</small>
Boston entered October having lost five of their last six games, with three games left to play in the regular season. With the Yankees (91âÂÂ68) holding the top wild card spot in the American League, the Red Sox (89âÂÂ70) and Mariners (89âÂÂ70) were tied for the second wild card spot, followed by the Blue Jays (88âÂÂ71).
October 1âÂÂOctober 3, at Washington Nationals
To open the final series of the regular season, the Red Sox defeated the Nationals, 4âÂÂ2. Starter Eduardo RodrÃÂguez got the win after holding Washington scoreless through five innings, and Hansel Robles earned a save. Hunter Renfroe and Bobby Dalbec homered. The Red Sox pulled within a game of the Yankees, who lost to the Rays, for the top wild card spot. The Mariners lost to the Angels, while the Blue Jays stayed in contention by beating the Orioles. Records at the end of October 1: Yankees (91âÂÂ69), Red Sox (90âÂÂ70), Mariners (89âÂÂ71), Blue Jays (89âÂÂ71)
Boston won the second game against Washington, 5âÂÂ3. Starter Tanner Houck did not allow a baserunner in five innings of work, striking out eight of the 15 batters he faced, but received a no decision. Austin Davis, the fifth of six Red Sox pitchers, got the win, with Robles again earning a save. Rafael Devers and Kike Hernández both homered. With the Yankees losing to the Rays, the Red Sox moved into a tie for the top AL wild card spot. The Blue Jays stayed in contention with a win over the Orioles, as did the Mariners via a late rally to defeat the Angels. Records at the end of October 2: Red Sox (91âÂÂ70), Yankees (91âÂÂ70), Mariners (90âÂÂ71), Blue Jays (90âÂÂ71)
Boston completed a sweep of the Nationals with a 7âÂÂ5 come-from-behind win. Starter Chris Sale was lifted after innings, having allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. Trailing 5âÂÂ1 after five innings, the Red Sox scored once in the sixth and three times in the seventh to tie the game. A two-run home run by Devers in the ninth inning, his second homer of the game, provided the winning margin. The win went to Eduardo RodrÃÂguez, who pitched an inning in relief, with the save going to Nick Pivetta, who also pitched out of the bullpen as Boston used a total of seven pitchers. With the Yankees beating the Rays, Boston and New York ended in a tie atop the AL wild card standings, with Boston earning home field advantage via their 10âÂÂ9 regular-season head-to-head record against New York. Records at the end of October 3: Red Sox (92âÂÂ70), Yankees (92âÂÂ70), Blue Jays (91âÂÂ71), Mariners (90âÂÂ72).
<small>Red Sox won the series 3âÂÂ0 (16âÂÂ10 runs)</small>
This was the eighth time for the Red Sox to qualify for the postseason as a wild card team since the expansion of the MLB postseason in 1994, and the first time since 2009.
The Red Sox entered the Wild Card Game as the fourth seed in the American League, hosting the fifth-seeded Yankees. Nathan Eovaldi and Gerrit Cole were the starting pitchers, respectively. J. D. Martinez, who injured his ankle in the final game of the regular season, was not included on Boston's roster for the game.
Boston took an early 2âÂÂ0 lead, via a two-run homer by Xander Bogaerts in the first inning. A solo home run by Kyle Schwarber in the third inning extended the lead to 3âÂÂ0. Cole left without recording an out in the third, having allowed three runs on four hits; he was replaced by Clay Holmes. A solo home run by Anthony Rizzo in the top of the sixth made it a 3âÂÂ1 game. Eovaldi left with one out in the sixth; he was replaced by Ryan Brasier. A New York rally was snuffed out when Aaron Judge was thrown out at the plate attempting to score from first on a Giancarlo Stanton single off of the Green Monster. Alex Verdugo's RBI double in the bottom of the sixth put Boston ahead by three again, 4âÂÂ1. Verdugo drove in another two runs in the seventh, extending Boston's lead to 6âÂÂ1. Stanton homered with one out in the ninth, but the Yankees could not rally further as the Red Sox won, 6âÂÂ2.
<small>Red Sox won the series 1âÂÂ0 (6âÂÂ2 runs)</small>
This was the third postseason matchup between the Red Sox and Rays. Their previous postseason meetings were in the 2008 ALCS, won by the Rays in seven games, and in the 2013 ALDS, won by the Red Sox in four games.
For the ALDS roster, Boston added J. D. Martinez, MartÃÂn Pérez, Chris Sale, and Danny Santana, while omitting Jonathan Araúz, Matt Barnes, Jarren Duran, and Connor Wong.
Tampa Bay won the opening game of the series, 5âÂÂ0. Boston started Eduardo RodrÃÂguez took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in innings. Tampa Bay's other three runs were charged to Nick Pivetta, who pitched innings of relief. Randy Arozarena of the Rays walked against Pivetta in the seventh inning, advanced to third base on a double by Wander Franco, and then stole home against Josh Taylor, who had relieved Pivetta. The Red Sox outhit the Rays, 9âÂÂ6, but went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
Prior to the second game of the series, Boston added Matt Barnes to their active roster, replacing Garrett Richards, who was placed on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.
Boston evened the series at 1âÂÂ1 with a 14âÂÂ6 win in Game 2. After the Red Sox scored twice in the top of the first inning, the Rays scored five runs off of Chris Sale in the bottom of the inning, including a grand slam by Jordan Luplow. The Boston bullpen, led by five innings from Tanner Houck, allowed just one more run by Tampa BayâÂÂa home run by Ji-man ChoiâÂÂfor the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the Red Sox scored 12 more runs and had five batters with three or more hits. Kiké Hernández had five hits including a home run and three doubles. Xander Bogaerts, Alex Verdugo, J. D. Martinez, and Rafael Devers also homered. Houck got the win in relief for Boston, while Tampa Bay reliever Collin McHugh, who allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in innings, took the loss.
Boston took a 2âÂÂ1 lead in the series with a 6âÂÂ4 win in a 13-inning Game 3. The Rays scored twice in the top of the first inning, via a two-run homer by Austin Meadows. The Red Sox got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a Kyle Schwarber solo homer. Boston went ahead, 3âÂÂ2, on four consecutive singles that scored two runs in the bottom of the third, and extended the lead to 4âÂÂ2 via a fifth-inning solo home run by Kiké Hernández. In the top of the eighth, Wander Franco homered and Randy Arozarena hit an RBI double, both off of Hansel Robles, as the Rays tied the game, 4âÂÂ4. After a scoreless ninth inning, the game went to extra innings. Nick Pivetta, expected to be Boston's starting pitcher in Game 4, came on in relief and held the Rays scoreless in the top of the 10th, while the Rays' David Robertson held Boston scoreless in the bottom of the inning. Both Pivetta and Robertson stayed in the game and pitched a scoreless 11th inning. Pivetta again held the Rays scoreless in the top of the 12th, while Luis Patiño held the Red Sox scoreless in the bottom of the inning. Pivetta pitched a fourth scoreless inning, the 13th, which included a ground-rule double by Kevin KiermaierâÂÂthe batted ball bounced off of the right field wall, the ground, and then off of Hunter Renfroe into the bullpenâÂÂwhich otherwise would have resulted in a Rays run, as Yandy DÃÂaz was running from first base when the ball was hit. Christian Vázquez ended the game via a two-run walk-off home run off of Patiño in the bottom of the 13th.
The Red Sox won Game 4, 6âÂÂ5, to advance to the ALCS. Eduardo RodrÃÂguez, who had lost Game 1 but only threw 41 pitches, started for Boston, while Collin McHugh, who had lost Game 2 in relief, started for Tampa Bay. After two scoreless innings, Boston scored five runs in the bottom of the third, including a three-run homer by Rafael Devers. The Rays got one run back in the top of the fifth. In the top of the sixth, a two-run homer by Wander Franco cut Boston's lead to 5âÂÂ3. The Rays opened the eighth with three consecutive hits off of Ryan Brasier to tie the game, 5âÂÂ5; Garrett Whitlock relieved Brasier and ended the rally. An outfield assist by Kevin Kiermaier cut down Alex Verdugo at third base to end a Red Sox threat in the bottom of the eighth. Whitlock then retired the Rays in order on seven pitches in the top of the ninth. After the Red Sox put runners at second and third with one out in the bottom of the ninth, a sacrifice fly by Kiké Hernández pushed across the winning run.
The Red Sox and Houston Astros, who had home field advantage, met in a rematch of the 2018 ALCS, which was won by Boston in five games.
For the ALCS roster, manager Alex Cora made two changes to Red Sox' bullpen; Darwinzon Hernández and Hirokazu Sawamura were added, while Matt Barnes and Austin Davis were removed.
Houston took a 1âÂÂ0 lead in the series via a 5âÂÂ4 win in Game 1. The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the first, but were unable to score. The Astros scored a run in the bottom of the first; Jose Altuve, who had drawn a leadoff walk, scored on a sacrifice fly by Yordan Alvarez. In the bottom of the second, Houston loaded the bases with one out but did not score. A leadoff home run by Kiké Hernández in the top of the third tied the game. A one-out walk by Xander Bogaerts, followed by a single and an error, gave Boston a 2âÂÂ1 lead, and Hunter Renfroe then doubled to make it a 3âÂÂ1 game. With two out in the top of the third, Yimi GarcÃÂa relieved Houston starter Framber Valdez. Boston starter Chris Sale left with two on and two out in the bottom of the third, relieved by Adam Ottavino. A two-run homer by Altuve off of Tanner Houck with two out in the bottom of the sixth tied the game, 3âÂÂ3. Carlos Correa put Houston ahead, 4âÂÂ3, with a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh off of Hansel Robles. After the Astros loaded the bases with none out in the bottom of the eighth off of Sawamura, an Altuve sacrifice fly gave Houston a 5âÂÂ3 lead. Boston got a run back to start the ninth, as Hernández homered off of Houston closer Ryan Pressly. Pressly then retired the next three batters, giving Houston the win. The teams combined to use 16 total pitchers in the game, eight each.
Boston tied the series at one game each with a 9âÂÂ5 win in Game 2. Starting pitchers were Nathan Eovaldi for Boston, and Luis GarcÃÂa for Houston. J. D. Martinez hit a grand slam in the top of the first to give Boston a 4âÂÂ0 lead over the Astros. It was the first postseason grand slam in the first inning by a Red Sox player since J. D. Drew in 2007 ALCS Game 6. GarcÃÂa left with none out in the top of the second due to knee discomfort. Rafael Devers hit a second grand slam in the top of the second, making the Red Sox the first team in postseason history to hit two grand slams in one game. A fourth-inning homer by Kiké Hernández, his third of the series, made it 9âÂÂ0. The Astros rallied with two outs in the bottom of the fourth for three runs, trimming Boston's lead to 9âÂÂ3. Eovaldi left after innings, relieved by Adam Ottavino. Yuli Gurriel and Jason Castro each hit solo home runs off of Darwinzon Hernández in the bottom of the ninth, making it 9âÂÂ5, the final score.
Boston won Game 3, 12âÂÂ3, to take a 2âÂÂ1 lead in the series. Eduardo RodrÃÂguez started for Boston and José Urquidy started for Houston. The Red Sox sent 11 men to the plate in the bottom of the second, scoring six runs. Four of the runs came on a grand slam by Kyle Schwarber, the third by a Red Sox batter in two games. Urquidy left with two outs in the second, having allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter. Boston added three runs in the bottom of the third, including a two-run homer by Christian Arroyo, extending the Red Sox' lead to 9âÂÂ0. Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer with two out in the top of the fourth, making it a 9âÂÂ3 game. Boston made it 11âÂÂ3 in the bottom of the sixth via a two-run homer by J. D. Martinez. Hansel Robles relieved RodrÃÂguez in the top of the seventh, RodrÃÂguez allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out seven in what would turn out to be his final start in a Red Sox uniform. Rafael Devers hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth, extending the lead to 12âÂÂ3, the final score.
Houston won Game 4, 9âÂÂ2, powered by a seven-run ninth inning to even the series, 2âÂÂ2. Nick Pivetta started for Boston and Zack Greinke started for Houston. The Astros took an early 1âÂÂ0 lead via a solo home run by Alex Bregman with two outs in the top of the first. In the bottom of the first, Rafael Devers walked with two outs, then Xander Bogaerts homered to give the Red Sox a 2âÂÂ1 lead. Greinke left with one out in the bottom of the second, having allowed two runs on one hit and three walks; he did not strike out a batter. Christian Arroyo hit a one-out triple in the bottom of the fourth, but the Red Sox were unable to score him. Bogaerts hit a one-out double in the bottom of the fifth and was also left stranded. Pivetta left after the fifth inning, having allowed one run on two hits and two walks; he struck out three. Jose Altuve tied the game, 2âÂÂ2, with a home run off of Garrett Whitlock to lead off the eighth inning. Nate Eovaldi came in to pitch the top of the ninth, and Carlos Correa led off with a double over Hunter Renfroe in right field. With two outs, Jason Castro singled to drive in Correa and give the Astros a 3âÂÂ2 lead. Houston was able to load the bases, and Boston brought in MartÃÂn Pérez. Michael Brantley hit his first pitch for a double that scored three runs, giving Houston a 6âÂÂ2 lead. A single by Yordan Alvarez plated another run, making it 7âÂÂ2. Correa, batting for the second time in the inning, hit a ball fielded by Pérez that was thrown away for an error, allowing another run to score, and a single by Kyle Tucker drove in the Astros' seventh and final run of the inning. Houston closer Ryan Pressly came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth; he allowed two singles, but prevented Boston from scoring as Houston evened the series.
Houston won Game 5 by a 9âÂÂ1 score, putting them a win away from the AL pennant, with the remaining game(s) of the series to be played in Houston. Chris Sale started for the Red Sox and Framber Valdez started for the Astros. Houston took a 1âÂÂ0 lead on a solo home run by Yordan Alvarez in the top of the second inning. Valdez did not allow a Boston baserunner until the fifth inning. The Astros scored five runs in the top of the sixth, chasing Sale with one out. Houston's runs came on four hits, a walk, and an error, giving the Astros a 6âÂÂ0 lead. The teams traded runs in the seventh, making it 7âÂÂ1. Boston's only run of the game was a solo homer by Rafael Devers. Houston added two more runs in the top of the ninth, for the 9âÂÂ1 final. Valdez went eight innings and got the win, limiting Boston to one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five batters. Sale took the loss, having pitched inning while allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out seven.
Luis GarcÃÂa started for Houston and Nathan Eovaldi for Boston, a rematch of Game 2. The Astros took a 1âÂÂ0 lead in the bottom of the first; with two outs, Alex Bregman singled then was driven in on a double by Yordan Alvarez that hit off the glove of Red Sox center fielder Kiké Hernández. In the bottom of the fourth, Houston had runners on second and third with no outs, but Eovaldi struck out the next two batters, intentionally walked Yuli Gurriel, and then struck out Chas McCormick to end the threat. Eovaldi left with one out in the bottom of the fifth, having allowed one run on five hits while striking out four; he was relieved by Josh Taylor. GarcÃÂa held the Red Sox hitless through five innings; he left in the top of the sixth after allowing a two-out triple to Hernández. GarcÃÂa was relieved by Phil Maton, who ended the threat by getting Rafael Devers to pop out. Alvarez opened the bottom of the sixth with a triple off of Taylor near the right-field line. After Carlos Correa was hit by a pitch from Tanner Houck, Kyle Tucker grounded into a double play, scoring Alvarez and giving Houston a 2âÂÂ0 lead. In the top of the seventh, Boston had runners at first and third with one out; Kendall Graveman struck out Travis Shaw and catcher MartÃÂn Maldonado threw out Alex Verdugo, who had been running on the pitch, at second base to end the inning. Alvarez collected his fourth hit of the game in the bottom of the eighth, singling to give the Astros runners at first and second with one out. After Correa grounded out, Tucker homered off of Adam Ottavino, extending Houston's lead to 5âÂÂ0. Astros closer Ryan Pressly entered to pitch the top of the ninth. He retired the side in order, as Houston advanced to the World Series.
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Updated through end of the regular season. <br> <small>Minimum 3.1 plate appearances per team games played</small> <br><small>AVG qualified batters: Bogaerts, Devers, Hernández, Martinez, Renfroe, Verdugo</small> <br> <small>Minimum 1 inning pitched per team games played</small> <br><small>ERA & WHIP qualified pitchers: Eovaldi</small>
Reflects all interleague games of the regular season.
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || April 1 || Orioles || colspan=8| Postponed (rain). Makeup date April 2. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 1 || April 2 || Orioles || 0âÂÂ3 || Means (1âÂÂ0) || Eovaldi (0âÂÂ1) || Valdez (1) || Fenway Park || 4,452 || 0âÂÂ1 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 2 || April 3 || Orioles || 2âÂÂ4 || Plutko (1âÂÂ0) || Houck (0âÂÂ1) || Valdez (2) || Fenway Park || 4,571 || 0âÂÂ2 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 3 || April 4 || Orioles || 3âÂÂ11 || Zimmermann (1âÂÂ0) || Richards (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,458 || 0âÂÂ3 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 4 || April 5 || Rays || 11âÂÂ2 || Pivetta (1âÂÂ0) || Wacha (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,577 || 1âÂÂ3 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 5 || April 6 || Rays || 6âÂÂ5 || Valdéz (1âÂÂ0) || Thompson (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,682 || 2âÂÂ3 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 6 || April 7 || Rays || 9âÂÂ2 || Eovaldi (1âÂÂ1) || Yarbrough (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,751 || 3âÂÂ3 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 7 || April 8 || @ Orioles || 7âÂÂ3 || RodrÃÂguez (1âÂÂ0) || Harvey (0âÂÂ1) || â || Camden Yards || 10,150 || 4âÂÂ3 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 8 || April 10 || @ Orioles || 6âÂÂ4 || Barnes (1âÂÂ0) || Tate (0âÂÂ1) || Andriese (1) || Camden Yards || 9,307 || 5âÂÂ3 || W5 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 9 || April 11 || @ Orioles || 14âÂÂ9 || Pivetta (2âÂÂ0) || López (0âÂÂ2) || â || Camden Yards || 8,171 || 6âÂÂ3 || W6 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || April 12 || @ Twins || colspan=8| Postponed (protests due to killing of Daunte Wright). Makeup date April 14. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 10 || April 13 || @ Twins || 4âÂÂ2 || Ottavino (1âÂÂ0) || Dobnak (0âÂÂ2) || Barnes (1) || Target Field || 6,724 || 7âÂÂ3 || W7 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 11 || April 14 || @ Twins || 3âÂÂ2 || Eovaldi (2âÂÂ1) || Maeda (1âÂÂ1) || Barnes (2) || Target Field || rowspan=2|7,074 || 8âÂÂ3 || W8 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 12 || April 14 || @ Twins || 7âÂÂ1 || RodrÃÂguez (2âÂÂ0) || BerrÃÂos (2âÂÂ1) || â || Target Field || 9âÂÂ3 || W9 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 13 || April 15 || @ Twins || 3âÂÂ4 || Colomé (1âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (1âÂÂ1) || â || Target Field || 7,925 || 9âÂÂ4 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || April 16 || White Sox || colspan=8| Postponed (snow). Makeup date April 18. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 14 || April 17 || White Sox || 7âÂÂ4 || Ottavino (2âÂÂ1) || Heuer (1âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,668 || 10âÂÂ4 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 15 || April 18 || White Sox || 2âÂÂ3 || Keuchel (1âÂÂ0) || Houck (0âÂÂ2) || Hendriks (2) || Fenway Park || 4,679 || 10âÂÂ5 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 16 || April 18 || White Sox || 1âÂÂ5 || Foster (1âÂÂ1) || Pérez (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,601 || 10âÂÂ6 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 17 || April 19 || White Sox || 11âÂÂ4 || Eovaldi (3âÂÂ1) || Giolito (1âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,738 || 11âÂÂ6 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 18 || April 20 || Blue Jays || 4âÂÂ2 || RodrÃÂguez (3âÂÂ0) || Ryu (1âÂÂ2) || Barnes (3) || Fenway Park || 4,728 || 12âÂÂ6 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 19 || April 21 || Blue Jays || 3âÂÂ6 || Borucki (2âÂÂ1) || Richards (0âÂÂ2) || Castro (1) || Fenway Park || 4,661 || 12âÂÂ7 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 20 || April 22 || Mariners || 3âÂÂ7 || Montero (2âÂÂ0) || Hernández (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,617 || 12âÂÂ8 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 21 || April 23 || Mariners || 6âÂÂ5 || Sawamura (1âÂÂ0) || Kikuchi (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 4,646 || 13âÂÂ8 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 22 || April 24 || Mariners || 2âÂÂ8 || Flexen (2âÂÂ1) || Eovaldi (3âÂÂ2) || â || Fenway Park || 4,621 || 13âÂÂ9 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 23 || April 25 || Mariners || 5âÂÂ3 || RodrÃÂguez (4âÂÂ0) || Margevicius (0âÂÂ2) || Barnes (4) || Fenway Park || 4,510 || 14âÂÂ9 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 24 || April 27 || @ Mets || 2âÂÂ1 || Richards (1âÂÂ2) || Peterson (1âÂÂ3) || Barnes (5) || Citi Field || 7,917 || 15âÂÂ9 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 25 || April 28 || @ Mets || 1âÂÂ0 || Pivetta (3âÂÂ0) || deGrom (2âÂÂ2) || Barnes (6) || Citi Field || 8,051 || 16âÂÂ9 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 26 || April 29 || @ Rangers || 1âÂÂ4 || Gibson (3âÂÂ0) || Pérez (0âÂÂ2) || Kennedy (5) || Globe Life Field || 23,640 || 16âÂÂ10 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 27 || April 30 || @ Rangers || 6âÂÂ1 || Eovaldi (4âÂÂ2) || Arihara (2âÂÂ3) || â || Globe Life Field || 28,267 || 17âÂÂ10 || W1 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 28 || May 1 || @ Rangers || 6âÂÂ8 || Sborz (2âÂÂ1) || Andriese (0âÂÂ1) || Kennedy (6) || Globe Life Field || 35,129 || 17âÂÂ11 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 29 || May 2 || @ Rangers || 3âÂÂ5 || Sborz (3âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (2âÂÂ2) || Kennedy (7) || Globe Life Field || 29,190 || 17âÂÂ12 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 30 || May 4 || Tigers || 11âÂÂ7 || Pivetta (4âÂÂ0) || Fulmer (1âÂÂ2) || Barnes (7) || Fenway Park || 4,677 || 18âÂÂ12 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 31 || May 5 || Tigers || 5âÂÂ6 || Soto (2âÂÂ1) || Whitlock (0âÂÂ1) || Fulmer (1) || Fenway Park || 4,661 || 18âÂÂ13 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 32 || May 6 || Tigers || 12âÂÂ9 || Andriese (1âÂÂ1) || Lange (0âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (1) || Fenway Park || 4,734 || 19âÂÂ13 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 33 || May 7 || @ Orioles || 6âÂÂ2 || RodrÃÂguez (5âÂÂ0) || Harvey (3âÂÂ2) || â || Camden Yards || 7,724 || 20âÂÂ13 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 34 || May 8 || @ Orioles || 11âÂÂ6 || Richards (2âÂÂ2) || Lowther (0âÂÂ1) || â || Camden Yards || 10,598 || 21âÂÂ13 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 35 || May 9 || @ Orioles || 4âÂÂ3 || Pivetta (5âÂÂ0) || Kremer (0âÂÂ3) || Barnes (8) || Camden Yards || 10,274 || 22âÂÂ13 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 36 || May 10 || @ Orioles || 1âÂÂ4 || Scott (2âÂÂ2) || Andriese (1âÂÂ2) || Valdez (8) || Camden Yards || 6,826 || 22âÂÂ14 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 37 || May 11 || Athletics || 2âÂÂ3 || Bassitt (3âÂÂ2) || Hernández (0âÂÂ2) || Diekman (4) || Fenway Park || 9,264 || 22âÂÂ15 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 38 || May 12 || Athletics || 1âÂÂ4 || Kaprielian (1âÂÂ0) || RodrÃÂguez (5âÂÂ1) || Diekman (5) || Fenway Park || 9,272 || 22âÂÂ16 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 39 || May 13 || Athletics || 8âÂÂ1 || Richards (3âÂÂ2) || Manaea (3âÂÂ2) || Whitlock (1) || Fenway Park || 9,301 || 23âÂÂ16 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 40 || May 14 || Angels || 4âÂÂ3 || Andriese (2âÂÂ2) || Watson (1âÂÂ1) || Barnes (9) || Fenway Park || 9,284 || 24âÂÂ16 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 41 || May 15 || Angels || 9âÂÂ0 || Pérez (1âÂÂ2) || Bundy (0âÂÂ5) || â || Fenway Park || 9,374 || 25âÂÂ16 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 42 || May 16 || Angels || 5âÂÂ6 || Iglesias (2âÂÂ2) || Barnes (1âÂÂ1) || Mayers (2) || Fenway Park || 9,316 || 25âÂÂ17 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 43 || May 18 || @ Blue Jays || 0âÂÂ8 || Ryu (4âÂÂ2) || RodrÃÂguez (5âÂÂ2) || â || TD Ballpark || 1,566 || 25âÂÂ18 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 44 || May 19 || @ Blue Jays || 7âÂÂ3 || Richards (4âÂÂ2) || Stripling (0âÂÂ3) || â || TD Ballpark || 1,581 || 26âÂÂ18 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 45 || May 20 || @ Blue Jays || 8âÂÂ7 || Valdéz (2âÂÂ0) || Dolis (1âÂÂ1) || Barnes (10) || TD Ballpark || 1,562 || 27âÂÂ18 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 46 || May 21 || @ Phillies || 11âÂÂ3 || Pérez (2âÂÂ2) || Nola (3âÂÂ4) || â || Citizens Bank Park || 15,279 || 28âÂÂ18 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 47 || May 22 || @ Phillies || 4âÂÂ3 || Eovaldi (5âÂÂ2) || Howard (0âÂÂ1) || Barnes (11) || Citizens Bank Park || 15,424 || 29âÂÂ18 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 48 || May 23 || @ Phillies || 2âÂÂ6 || Wheeler (4âÂÂ2) || RodrÃÂguez (5âÂÂ3) || â || Citizens Bank Park || 15,360 || 29âÂÂ19 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 49 || May 25 || Braves || 1âÂÂ3 || Morton (3âÂÂ2) || Richards (4âÂÂ3) || Smith (8) || Fenway Park || 9,357 || 29âÂÂ20 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 50 || May 26 || Braves || 9âÂÂ5 || Pivetta (6âÂÂ0) || Smyly (2âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 9,197 || 30âÂÂ20 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 51 || May 28 || Marlins || 5âÂÂ2 || Pérez (3âÂÂ2) || Poteet (2âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (2) || Fenway Park || 9,005 || 31âÂÂ20 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 52 || May 29 || Marlins || 3âÂÂ1 || Eovaldi (6âÂÂ2) || Rogers (6âÂÂ3) || Barnes (12) || Fenway Park || 25,089 || 32âÂÂ20 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || May 30 || Marlins || colspan=8| Postponed (rain). Makeup date June 7. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 53 || May 31 || @ Astros || 2âÂÂ11 || Urquidy (4âÂÂ2) || RodrÃÂguez (5âÂÂ4) || â || Minute Maid Park || 28,543 || 32âÂÂ21 || L1 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 54 || June 1 || @ Astros || 1âÂÂ5 || GarcÃÂa (4âÂÂ3) || Richards (4âÂÂ4) || â || Minute Maid Park || 23,449 || 32âÂÂ22 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 55 || June 2 || @ Astros || 1âÂÂ2 || Valdez (1âÂÂ0) || Pivetta (6âÂÂ1) || Pressly (8) || Minute Maid Park || 22,664 || 32âÂÂ23 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 56 || June 3 || @ Astros || 5âÂÂ1 || Pérez (4âÂÂ2) || Odorizzi (0âÂÂ3) || â || Minute Maid Park || 24,853 || 33âÂÂ23 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 57 || June 4 || @ Yankees || 5âÂÂ2 || Eovaldi (7âÂÂ2) || King (0âÂÂ3) || Barnes (13) || Yankee Stadium || 18,040 || 34âÂÂ23 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 58 || June 5 || @ Yankees || 7âÂÂ3 || Whitlock (1âÂÂ1) || Green (0âÂÂ4) || Barnes (14) || Yankee Stadium || 20,019 || 35âÂÂ23 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 59 || June 6 || @ Yankees || 6âÂÂ5 || Barnes (2âÂÂ1) || Cessa (1âÂÂ1) || Valdéz (1) || Yankee Stadium || 19,103 || 36âÂÂ23 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 60 || June 7 ||Marlins || 5âÂÂ3 || Sawamura (2âÂÂ0) || Thompson (0âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (3) || Fenway Park || 25,374 || 37âÂÂ23 || W5 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 61 || June 8 || Astros || 1âÂÂ7 || Valdez (2âÂÂ0) || Pérez (4âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 23,604 || 37âÂÂ24 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 62 || June 9 || Astros || 3âÂÂ8 || Odorizzi (1âÂÂ3) || Eovaldi (7âÂÂ3) || Javier (1) || Fenway Park || 21,007 || 37âÂÂ25 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 63 || June 10 || Astros || 12âÂÂ8 || Hernández (1âÂÂ2) || Taylor (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 23,378 || 38âÂÂ25 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 64 || June 11 || Blue Jays || 6âÂÂ5 || Whitlock (2âÂÂ1) || Dolis (1âÂÂ2) || â || Fenway Park || 25,257 || 39âÂÂ25 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 65 || June 12 || Blue Jays || 2âÂÂ7 || Matz (7âÂÂ3) || Pivetta (6âÂÂ2) || â || Fenway Park || 24,024 || 39âÂÂ26 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 66 || June 13 || Blue Jays || 4âÂÂ18 || Ray (4âÂÂ2) || Pérez (4âÂÂ4) || â || Fenway Park || 22,595 || 39âÂÂ27 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 67 || June 14 || Blue Jays || 2âÂÂ1 || Barnes (3âÂÂ1) || Dolis (1âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 20,070 || 40âÂÂ27 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 68 || June 15 || @ Braves || 10âÂÂ8 || Sawamura (3âÂÂ0) || Martin (0âÂÂ3) || Barnes (15) || Truist Park || 36,638 || 41âÂÂ27 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 69 || June 16 || @ Braves || 10âÂÂ8 || RÃÂos (1âÂÂ0) || Greene (0âÂÂ1) || Ottavino (4) || Truist Park || 39,847 || 42âÂÂ27 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 70 || June 18 || @ Royals || 3âÂÂ5 || Bubic (2âÂÂ2) || Pivetta (6âÂÂ3) || Holland (4) || Kauffman Stadium || 29,870 || 42âÂÂ28 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 71 || June 19 || @ Royals || 7âÂÂ1 || Pérez (5âÂÂ4) || Keller (6âÂÂ7) || â || Kauffman Stadium || 24,568 || 43âÂÂ28 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 72 || June 20 || @ Royals || 3âÂÂ7 || Minor (6âÂÂ4) || Eovaldi (7âÂÂ4) || â || Kauffman Stadium || 20,726 || 43âÂÂ29 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 73 || June 22 || @ Rays || 9âÂÂ5 || Hernández (2âÂÂ2) || Fairbanks (1âÂÂ3) || â || Tropicana Field || 12,994 || 44âÂÂ29 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 74 || June 23 || @ Rays || 2âÂÂ8 || Hill (6âÂÂ2) || Richards (4âÂÂ5) || â || Tropicana Field || 9,088 || 44âÂÂ30 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 75 || June 24 || @ Rays || 0âÂÂ1 || Feyereisen (4âÂÂ3) || Barnes (3âÂÂ2) || â || Tropicana Field || 10,961 || 44âÂÂ31 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 76 || June 25 || Yankees || 5âÂÂ3 || Whitlock (3âÂÂ1) || Germán (4âÂÂ5) || Barnes (16) || Fenway Park || 36,869 || 45âÂÂ31 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 77 || June 26 || Yankees || 4âÂÂ2 || Eovaldi (8âÂÂ4) || Montgomery (3âÂÂ2) || Ottavino (5) || Fenway Park || 36,857 || 46âÂÂ31 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 78 || June 27 || Yankees || 9âÂÂ2 || RodrÃÂguez (6âÂÂ4) || Cole (8âÂÂ4) || â || Fenway Park || 34,504 || 47âÂÂ31 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 79 || June 28 || Royals || 6âÂÂ5 || Sawamura (4âÂÂ0) || Staumont (0âÂÂ2) || Barnes (17) || Fenway Park || 22,766 || 48âÂÂ31 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 80 || June 29 || Royals || 7âÂÂ6 || RÃÂos (2âÂÂ0) || Brentz (2âÂÂ1) || Barnes (18) || Fenway Park || 25,180 || 49âÂÂ31 || W5 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 81 || June 30 || Royals || 6âÂÂ2 || Pérez (6âÂÂ4) || Minor (6âÂÂ6) || â || Fenway Park || 24,616 || 50âÂÂ31 || W6 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 82 || July 1 || Royals || 15âÂÂ1 || Eovaldi (9âÂÂ4) || Bubic (2âÂÂ4) || â || Fenway Park || 27,913 || 51âÂÂ31 || W7 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 83 || July 2 || @ Athletics || 3âÂÂ2 || Barnes (4âÂÂ2) || Trivino (3âÂÂ3) || Ottavino (6) || Oakland Coliseum || 32,304 || 52âÂÂ31 || W8 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 84 || July 3 || @ Athletics || 6âÂÂ7 || Wendelken (1âÂÂ0) || Andriese (2âÂÂ3) || â || Oakland Coliseum || 16,297 || 52âÂÂ32 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 85 || July 4 || @ Athletics || 1âÂÂ0 || Pivetta (7âÂÂ3) || Kaprielian (4âÂÂ3) || Barnes (19) || Oakland Coliseum || 13,070 || 53âÂÂ32 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 86 || July 5 || @ Angels || 5âÂÂ4 || Pérez (7âÂÂ4) || Suárez (3âÂÂ2) || Ottavino (7) || Angel Stadium || 38,201 || 54âÂÂ32 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 87 || July 6 || @ Angels || 3âÂÂ5 || Ohtani (4âÂÂ1) || Eovaldi (9âÂÂ5) || Iglesias (17) || Angel Stadium || 28,689 || 54âÂÂ33 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 88 || July 7 || @ Angels || 4âÂÂ5 || Heaney (5âÂÂ6) || RodrÃÂguez (6âÂÂ5) || Iglesias (18) || Angel Stadium || 20,001 || 54âÂÂ34 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 89 || July 9 || Phillies || 11âÂÂ5 || Richards (5âÂÂ5) || Velasquez (3âÂÂ4) || â || Fenway Park || 32,641 || 55âÂÂ34 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 90 || July 10 || Phillies || 2âÂÂ11 || Falter (1âÂÂ0) || Pérez (7âÂÂ5) || â || Fenway Park || 33,202 || 55âÂÂ35 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 91 || July 11 || Phillies || 4âÂÂ5 || Sánchez (1âÂÂ0) || Pivetta (7âÂÂ4) || Suárez (2) || Fenway Park || 32,586 || 55âÂÂ36 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || July 15 || @ Yankees || colspan=8| Postponed (COVID-19). Makeup date August 17. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 92 || July 16 || @ Yankees || 4âÂÂ0 || RodrÃÂguez (7âÂÂ5) || Montgomery (3âÂÂ5) || Houck (1) || Yankee Stadium || 40,130 || 56âÂÂ36 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 93 || July 17 || @ Yankees || 1âÂÂ3 || Cole (10âÂÂ4) || Sawamura (4âÂÂ1) || â || Yankee Stadium || 37,095 || 56âÂÂ37 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 94 || July 18 || @ Yankees || 1âÂÂ9 || Taillon (5âÂÂ4) || Pérez (7âÂÂ6) || â || Yankee Stadium || 40,309 || 56âÂÂ38 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 95 || July 19 || @ Blue Jays || 13âÂÂ4 || Pivetta (8âÂÂ4) || Stripling (3âÂÂ6) || â || Sahlen Field || 12,811 || 57âÂÂ38 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || July 20 || @ Blue Jays || colspan=8| Postponed (Rain). Makeup date August 7. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 96 || July 21 || @ Blue Jays || 7âÂÂ4 || Richards (6âÂÂ5) || Ray (8âÂÂ5) || Barnes (20) || Sahlen Field || 14,607 || 58âÂÂ38 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 97 || July 22 || Yankees || 5âÂÂ4 || Barnes (5âÂÂ2) || Kriske (1âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 34,761 || 59âÂÂ38 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 98 || July 23 || Yankees || 6âÂÂ2 || RÃÂos (3âÂÂ0) || Cole (10âÂÂ5) || â || Fenway Park || 34,922 || 60âÂÂ38 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 99 || July 24 || Yankees || 3âÂÂ4 || Taillon (6âÂÂ4) || Ottavino (2âÂÂ3) || Chapman (18) || Fenway Park || 35,136 || 60âÂÂ39 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 100 || July 25 || Yankees || 5âÂÂ4 || Workman (1âÂÂ2) || Loáisiga (7âÂÂ4) || Barnes (21) || Fenway Park || 32,009 || 61âÂÂ39 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 101 || July 26 || Blue Jays || 5âÂÂ4 || Ottavino (3âÂÂ3) || Richards (4âÂÂ1) || Barnes (22) || Fenway Park || 27,142 || 62âÂÂ39 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || July 27 || Blue Jays || colspan=8| Postponed (Rain). Makeup date July 28. |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 102 || July 28 || Blue Jays || 1âÂÂ4 || Ray (9âÂÂ5) || Richards (6âÂÂ6) || Romano (8) || Fenway Park || 27,410 || 62âÂÂ40 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 103 || July 28 || Blue Jays || 4âÂÂ1 || Whitlock (4âÂÂ1) || Matz (8âÂÂ6) || Barnes (23) || Fenway Park || 27,783 || 63âÂÂ40 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 104 || July 29 || Blue Jays || 1âÂÂ13 || Ryu (10âÂÂ5) || RodrÃÂguez (7âÂÂ6) || â || Fenway Park || 33,191 || 63âÂÂ41 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 105 || July 30 || @ Rays || 3âÂÂ7 || Fleming (8âÂÂ5) || Pérez (7âÂÂ7) || â || Tropicana Field || 11,109 || 63âÂÂ42 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 106 || July 31 || @ Rays || 5âÂÂ9 || Kittredge (7âÂÂ1) || Eovaldi (9âÂÂ6) || â || Tropicana Field || 20,521 || 63âÂÂ43 || L3 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 107 || August 1 || @ Rays || 2âÂÂ3 || McClanahan (5âÂÂ4) || Pivetta (8âÂÂ5) || Wisler (1) || Tropicana Field || 17,816 || 63âÂÂ44 || L4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 108 || August 3 || @ Tigers || 2âÂÂ4 || Funkhouser (5âÂÂ1) || Richards (6âÂÂ7) || Soto (12) || Comerica Park || 15,724 || 63âÂÂ45 || L5 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 109 || August 4 || @ Tigers || 4âÂÂ1 || RodrÃÂguez (8âÂÂ6) || Mize (6âÂÂ6) || Barnes (24) || Comerica Park || 16,633 || 64âÂÂ45 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 110 || August 5 || @ Tigers || 1âÂÂ8 || Skubal (7âÂÂ10) || Pérez (7âÂÂ8) || â || Comerica Park || 19,144 || 64âÂÂ46 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 111 || August 6 || @ Blue Jays || 4âÂÂ12 || Manoah (4âÂÂ1) || Eovaldi (9âÂÂ7) || â || Rogers Centre || 14,719 || 64âÂÂ47 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 112 || August 7 || @ Blue Jays || 0âÂÂ1 || Romano (5âÂÂ1) || Barnes (5âÂÂ3) || â || Rogers Centre || 14,768 || 64âÂÂ48 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 113 || August 7 || @ Blue Jays || 2âÂÂ1 || Barnes (6âÂÂ3) || Cimber (2âÂÂ3) || Ottavino (8) || Rogers Centre || 12,659 || 65âÂÂ48 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 114 || August 8 || @ Blue Jays || 8âÂÂ9 || Dolis (2âÂÂ3) || Barnes (6âÂÂ4) || Romano (10) || Rogers Centre || 14,766 || 65âÂÂ49 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 115 || August 10 || Rays || 4âÂÂ8 || Kittredge (8âÂÂ1) || Barnes (6âÂÂ5) || â || Fenway Park || 25,356 || 65âÂÂ50 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 116 || August 11 || Rays || 20âÂÂ8 || Eovaldi (10âÂÂ7) || Fleming (9âÂÂ6) || â || Fenway Park || 30,286 || 66âÂÂ50 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 117 || August 12 || Rays || 1âÂÂ8 || McHugh (4âÂÂ1) || Houck (0âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 26,803 || 66âÂÂ51 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 118 || August 13 || Orioles || 8âÂÂ1 || Pivetta (9âÂÂ5) || Watkins (2âÂÂ4) || Richards (1) || Fenway Park || 28,022 || 67âÂÂ51 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 119 || August 14 || Orioles || 16âÂÂ2 || Sale (1âÂÂ0) || López (3âÂÂ13) || â || Fenway Park || 33,118 || 68âÂÂ51 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 120 || August 15 || Orioles || 6âÂÂ2 || RodrÃÂguez (9âÂÂ6) || Akin (0âÂÂ7) || â || Fenway Park || 28,935 || 69âÂÂ51 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 121 || August 17 || @ Yankees || 3âÂÂ5 || Abreu (2âÂÂ0) || Whitlock (4âÂÂ2) || Loaisiga (5) || Yankee Stadium || 39,078 || 69âÂÂ52 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 122 || August 17 || @ Yankees || 0âÂÂ2 || Peralta (4âÂÂ2) || Eovaldi (10âÂÂ8) || Green (5) || Yankee Stadium || 35,237 || 69âÂÂ53 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 123 || August 18 || @ Yankees || 2âÂÂ5 || Heaney (8âÂÂ8) || Pivetta (9âÂÂ6) || Luetge (1) || Yankee Stadium || 39,166 || 69âÂÂ54 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 124 || August 20 || Rangers || 6âÂÂ0 || Sale (2âÂÂ0) || Dunning (5âÂÂ8) || â || Fenway Park || 30,012 || 70âÂÂ54 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 125 || August 21 || Rangers || 1âÂÂ10 || Lyles (6âÂÂ10) || RodrÃÂguez (9âÂÂ7) || â || Fenway Park || 32,495 || 70âÂÂ55 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bbb;" | â || August 22 || Rangers || colspan=8 | Postponed (rain, makeup August 23) |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 126 || August 23 || Rangers || 8âÂÂ4 || Whitlock (5âÂÂ2) || Santana (2âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 27,652 || 71âÂÂ55 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 127 || August 24 || Twins || 11âÂÂ9 || Taylor (1âÂÂ0) || Jax (3âÂÂ2) || Robles (11) || Fenway Park || 27,986 || 72âÂÂ55 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 128 || August 25 || Twins || 6âÂÂ9 || Colomé (4âÂÂ4) || Robles (3âÂÂ5) || â || Fenway Park || 28,923 || 72âÂÂ56 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 129 || August 26 || Twins || 12âÂÂ2 || Sale (3âÂÂ0) || Gant (4âÂÂ8) || â || Fenway Park || 33,746 || 73âÂÂ56 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 130 || August 27 || @ Indians || 4âÂÂ3 || RodrÃÂguez (10âÂÂ7) || Karinchak (7âÂÂ4) || Ottavino (9) || Progressive Field || 20,881 || 74âÂÂ56 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 131 || August 28 || @ Indians || 5âÂÂ3 || Whitlock (6âÂÂ2) || Wittgren (2âÂÂ7) || Ottavino (10) || Progressive Field || 26,221 || 75âÂÂ56 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 132 || August 29 || @ Indians || 5âÂÂ7 || Shaw (6âÂÂ6) || Davis (0âÂÂ2) || Clase (19) || Progressive Field || 22,883 || 75âÂÂ57 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 133 || August 30 || @ Rays || 1âÂÂ6 || Patiño (4âÂÂ3) || Pivetta (9âÂÂ7) || â || Tropicana Field || 6,753 || 75âÂÂ58 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 134 || August 31 || @ Rays || 5âÂÂ8 || Yarbrough (8âÂÂ4) || Peacock (0âÂÂ1) || Kittredge (5) || Tropicana Field || 6,868 || 75âÂÂ59 || L3 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 135 || September 1 || @ Rays || 3âÂÂ2 || Whitlock (7âÂÂ2) || Fairbanks (3âÂÂ5) || Ottavino (11) || Tropicana Field || 7,808 || 76âÂÂ59 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 136 || September 2 || @ Rays || 4âÂÂ0 || RodrÃÂguez (11âÂÂ7) || McClanahan (9âÂÂ5) || Richards (2) || Tropicana Field || 7,923 || 77âÂÂ59 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 137 || September 3 || Indians || 8âÂÂ5 || Ottavino (4âÂÂ3) || Quantrill (4âÂÂ3) || Whitlock (2) || Fenway Park || 31,127 || 78âÂÂ59 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 138 || September 4 || Indians || 4âÂÂ3 || Ottavino (5âÂÂ3) || Shaw (6âÂÂ7) || â || Fenway Park || 33,081 || 79âÂÂ59 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 139 || September 5 || Indians || 5âÂÂ11 || Plesac (10âÂÂ4) || Crawford (0âÂÂ1) || Clase (21) || Fenway Park || 27,578 || 79âÂÂ60 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 140 || September 6 || Rays || 10âÂÂ11 || McHugh (6âÂÂ1) || Whitlock (7âÂÂ3) || â || Fenway Park || 26,512 || 79âÂÂ61 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 141 || September 7 || Rays || 7âÂÂ12 || Rasmussen (2âÂÂ1) || Rodriguez (11âÂÂ8) || â || Fenway Park || 25,065 || 79âÂÂ62 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 142 || September 8 || Rays || 2âÂÂ1 || Richards (7âÂÂ7) || Chargois (5âÂÂ1) || Robles (12) || Fenway Park || 26,649 || 80âÂÂ62 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 143 || September 10 || @ White Sox || 3âÂÂ4 || Rodón (12âÂÂ5) || Houck (0âÂÂ4) || Hendriks (34) || Guaranteed Rate Field || 34,365 || 80âÂÂ63 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 144 || September 11 || @ White Sox || 9âÂÂ8 || Whitlock (8âÂÂ3) || Wright (0âÂÂ1) || Taylor (1) || Guaranteed Rate Field || 37,854 || 81âÂÂ63 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 145 || September 12 || @ White Sox || 1âÂÂ2 || Kimbrel (4âÂÂ4) || Whitlock (8âÂÂ4) || â || Guaranteed Rate Field || 36,178 || 81âÂÂ64 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color: #fbb;" | 146 || September 13 || @ Mariners || 4âÂÂ5 || Castillo (4âÂÂ5) || Brasier (0âÂÂ1) || Steckenrider (9) || T-Mobile Park || 18,219 || 81âÂÂ65 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb" | 147 || September 14 || @ Mariners || 8âÂÂ4 || Ottavino (6âÂÂ3) || Smith (2âÂÂ4) || â || T-Mobile Park || 19,887 || 82âÂÂ65 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;â | 148 || September 15 || @ Mariners || 9âÂÂ4 || Ottavino (7âÂÂ3) || Swanson (0âÂÂ3) || â || T-Mobile Park || 17,860 || 83âÂÂ65 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 149 || September 17 || Orioles || 7âÂÂ1 || Sale (4âÂÂ0) || Akin (2âÂÂ10) || â || Fenway Park || 29,811 || 84âÂÂ65 || W3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 150 || September 18 || Orioles || 9âÂÂ3 || Houck (1âÂÂ4) || Baumann (1âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 30,027 || 85âÂÂ65 || W4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 151 || September 19 || Orioles || 8âÂÂ6 || Sawamura (5âÂÂ1) || Greene (1âÂÂ1) || Richards (3) || Fenway Park || 27,010 || 86âÂÂ65 || W5 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 152 || September 21 || Mets || 6âÂÂ3 || Brasier (1âÂÂ1) || Stroman (9âÂÂ13) || â || Fenway Park || 32,146 || 87âÂÂ65 || W6 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 153 || September 22 || Mets || 12âÂÂ5 || Sale (5âÂÂ0) || Walker (7âÂÂ11) || â || Fenway Park || 30,254 || 88âÂÂ65 || W7 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 154 || September 24 || Yankees || 3âÂÂ8 || Cole (16âÂÂ8) || Eovaldi (10âÂÂ9) || â || Fenway Park || 36,026 || 88âÂÂ66 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 155 || September 25 || Yankees || 3âÂÂ5 || Severino (1âÂÂ0) || Houck (1âÂÂ5) || Chapman (29) || Fenway Park || 36,103 || 88âÂÂ67 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 156 || September 26 || Yankees || 3âÂÂ6 || Green (10âÂÂ7) || Richards (7âÂÂ8) || Chapman (30) || Fenway Park || 36,312 || 88âÂÂ68 || L3 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 157 || September 28 || @ Orioles || 2âÂÂ4 || Diplán (2âÂÂ0) || Sale (5âÂÂ1) || Sulser (8) || Camden Yards || 8,098 || 88âÂÂ69 || L4 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 158 || September 29 || @ Orioles || 6âÂÂ0 || Eovaldi (11âÂÂ9) || Lowther (1âÂÂ3) || â || Camden Yards || 8,732 || 89âÂÂ69 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#fbb;" | 159 || September 30 || @ Orioles || 2âÂÂ6 || Wells (2âÂÂ3) || Pivetta (9âÂÂ8) || â || Camden Yards || 13,012 || 89âÂÂ70 || L1 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 160 || October 1 || @ Nationals || 4âÂÂ2 || RodrÃÂguez (12âÂÂ8) || Rogers (2âÂÂ2) || Robles (13) || Nationals Park || 32,521 || 90âÂÂ70 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#bfb;" | 161 || October 2 || @ Nationals || 5âÂÂ3 || Davis (1âÂÂ2) || Rainey (1âÂÂ3) || Robles (14) || Nationals Park || 41,465 || 91âÂÂ70 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background-color:#ADD8E6;" | 162 || October 3 || @ Nationals || 7âÂÂ5 || RodrÃÂguez (13âÂÂ8) || Finnegan (5âÂÂ9) || Pivetta (1) || Nationals Park || 33,986 || 92âÂÂ70 || W3 |-
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; AVG = Batting average; SLG = Slugging average
Source:https://baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2021-batting.shtml
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts
Source:https://baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2021-pitching.shtml
|- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 1 || October 5 || Yankees || 6âÂÂ2 || Eovaldi (1âÂÂ0) || Cole (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 38,324 || 1âÂÂ0 || W1 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 1 || October 7 || @ Rays || 0âÂÂ5 || McClanahan (1âÂÂ0) || RodrÃÂguez (0âÂÂ1) || â || Tropicana Field || 27,419 || 0âÂÂ1 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 2 || October 8 || @ Rays || 14âÂÂ6 || Houck (1âÂÂ0) || McHugh (0âÂÂ1) || â || Tropicana Field || 37,616 || 1âÂÂ1 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 3 || October 10 || Rays || 6âÂÂ4 || Pivetta (1âÂÂ0) || Patiño (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 37,224 || 2âÂÂ1 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 4 || October 11 || Rays || 6âÂÂ5 || Whitlock (1âÂÂ0) || Feyereisen (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 38,447 || 3âÂÂ1 || W3 |-
|- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 1 || October 15 || @ Astros || 4âÂÂ5 || Stanek (1âÂÂ0) || Robles (0âÂÂ1) || Pressly (1) || Minute Maid Park || 40,534 || 0âÂÂ1 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 2 || October 16 || @ Astros || 9âÂÂ5 || Eovaldi (1âÂÂ0) || GarcÃÂa (0âÂÂ1) || â || Minute Maid Park || 41,476 || 1âÂÂ1 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 3 || October 18 || Astros || 12âÂÂ3 || RodrÃÂguez (1âÂÂ0) || Urquidy (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 37,603 || 2âÂÂ1 || W2 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 4 || October 19 || Astros || 2âÂÂ9 || Graveman (1âÂÂ0) || Eovaldi (1âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 38,010 || 2âÂÂ2 || L1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 5 || October 20 || Astros || 1âÂÂ9 || Valdez (1âÂÂ0) || Sale (0âÂÂ1) || â || Fenway Park || 37,599 || 2âÂÂ3 || L2 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 6 || October 22 || @ Astros || 0âÂÂ5 || GarcÃÂa (1âÂÂ1) || Eovaldi (1âÂÂ2) || â || Minute Maid Park || 42,718 || 2âÂÂ4 || L3 |-
Postseason game
Source:
Red Sox players who made their MLB debuts during the 2021 regular season:
Notable transactions of/for players on the 40-man roster during the 2021 regular season:
Note: players not in the organization as of August 31 were ineligible for the postseason.
Boston had the fourth overall selection in the 2021 MLB draft, held July 11âÂÂ13. The draft consisted of a total of 612 selections over 20 rounds. The Red Sox' first 10 selections are listed here. The deadline for the team to sign drafted players was August 1.
Source:
Hunter Renfroe was a finalist for both a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award.
Devers, Bogaerts, and Eovaldi each received votes in American League MVP balloting, finishing in 11th, 13th, and 15th place, respectively.
Eovaldi finished in fourth place in American League Cy Young Award balloting.
Entering the 2021 season, the Red Sox' farm system underwent multiple changes:
Additionally, as part of the MLB reorganization of the minor leagues, the composition and names of various leagues were changed.
Managers were named in late January.
For the All-Star Futures Game, held on the Sunday before the All-Star Game, Boston had two players selected for the American League squad, infielder Jeter Downs (Triple-A) and pitcher Brayan Bello (Double-A).
In baseball at the Summer Olympics, contested during July and August in Tokyo, several minor-league Red Sox players won medals: Triston Casas and Jack López were on the US team that won silver, while Denyi Reyes, Roldani Baldwin, and Johan Mieses were on the Dominican team that won bronze. Darren Fenster, the Red Sox' minor-league outfield and baserunning coordinator, served as third base coach for the US team.
Source:
Listed chronologically