The Boston Red Sox dropped a 7-2 decision to the Detroit Tigers at JetBlue Park on Tuesday in spring training play. Despite Kristian Campbell's 1-for-3 effort at the plate, the Sox could not overcome a sizable deficit. On the mound, Sonny Gray turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of 2-run ball with four strikeouts. The Tigers out-hit the Sox 10-4 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Kristian Campbell was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-3. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Sox confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Marcelo Mayer provided support, going 1-for-3, Isiah Kiner-Falefa also contributed, going 1-for-3, and Tyler McDonough chipped in, going 1-for-2. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Corey Julks led the Tigers offense with a 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI day. Riley Greene also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Jack Penney added a 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI effort as well. The Tigers offense proved to be too much for the Sox pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Sonny Gray took the loss after delivering a strong performance, working 4.0 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 59 pitches in the outing. It was exactly the kind of outing the Sox need from their pitching staff heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 4.3 innings of work, allowing 5 earned runs while striking out four. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Wyatt Olds stood out with 1.2 innings of 2-run work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Tigers got on the board first with two runs in the second inning. The Sox countered with a run in the third. Tigers struck back with a run in the fifth. Tigers added a run in the seventh. The Sox responded with a run in the seventh. Tigers countered with a run in the eighth. Tigers plated two runs in the ninth. The Tigers were able to score in five separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Tigers out-hit the Sox 10-4, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 9,395 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Sox were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.