Just when it appeared things were turning around for Trevor Story, along came Thursday afternoon.
For the 14th time in the infielder's career he struck out four times in a single game, this time fanning in each of the plate appearances against Los Angeles starter Shohei Ohtani.
The hitless game dropped Story's batting average to .210. It was the first time since July 18, 2021 he had struck out four times, having managed the feat on three occasions last season.
Story's first punchout came via an 89 mph split-fingered fastball, while his second was a swing and a miss on a 97 mph heater. He struck out again in the fifth inning, swinging at a slider. In the seventh, the righty hitter capped his day by fouling another 97 mph fastball into the catcher's mitt.
The final strikeout elicited a chorus of boos from the Fenway Park crowd.
The downturn comes after it appeared as though Story might be turning a corner, collecting two hits Wednesday night. Two games prior in Baltimore he managed three walks.
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