The Boston Red Sox dropped a 4-0 decision to the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park on Wednesday in spring training play. Despite Isiah Kiner-Falefa's 2-for-2 with a double effort at the plate, the Sox could not overcome a sizable deficit. Garrett Crochet worked 2.2 innings on the mound, allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits. The Yankees out-hit the Sox 7-6 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
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double. His aggressive approach at the plate paid dividends. Performances like this give the Sox confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Marcelo Mayer also contributed, going 1-for-2, Caden Rose chipped in, going 1-for-1, and Andruw Monasterio added to the attack, going 1-for-3 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Ben Rice led the Yankees offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and two RBI day. George Lombard Jr. also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Braden Shewmake added a 1-for-1 effort as well. The Yankees offense proved to be too much for the Sox pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Garrett Crochet took the loss after struggling with his command, working 2.2 innings while allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 53 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Sox evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 6.1 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out ten. 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. Kervin Castro recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Justin Slaten stood out with 1.0 innings of 1-run work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Yankees got on the board first with a run in the first inning. Yankees plated a run in the third. Yankees added a run in the fourth. Yankees tacked on a run in the fifth. The Yankees were able to score in four separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Yankees out-hit the Sox 7-6, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 9,545 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.