Relatively Speaking: Nick Lovullo is walking in his dad's footsteps
The Red Sox beating the Royals, 9-5, in the teams' series opener Monday night in Kansas City was notable. It slowed down a red-hot KC team while drawing Alex Cora's crew to within 1 1/2 games of the last wild card spot.
It might only be early August, but, all things considered, it was an important win.
But what should have truly been noted when it comes to what unfolded in the Kansas City heat was how the Red Sox won this game. It was the blueprint they will be banking on heading into the final 51 games of the regular season.
Start with the starting pitching.
There was no Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline. There was no Yusei Kikuchi. And there was no Zach Eflin. What there was for the Red Sox was James Paxton. And the hopes when it came to his presence was simple: Help get the Red Sox to the finish line.
Monday night, Paxton was the perfect fit.
For the first time since June 17, Paxton pitched into the sixth inning, this time giving up just two runs over six frames while the Red Sox' offense was taking over. It also marked just the second time since July 23 a Sox starter has turned in at least six innings while giving up two or fewer runs.
This is what the Red Sox were banking on. This is what the Red Sox desperately needed.
There was also that defense.
On a field that has seen so many Red Sox teams allow more athletic Royals teams to get the upper-hand, the visitors trotted out an outfield configuration that rivaled the best in baseball when it comes to going and getting the baseball. That reality was put on display thanks to two highlight-reel catches, by Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela.
When the Red Sox play above-average defense, they usually win. Case in point ...
And, finally, the bats ...
No team in baseball has managed the offensive output displayed by the Red Sox since the All-Star break. During that span they sit with a big league-best .921 OPS and .309 batting average. Individually, there are seven - SEVEN - players with OPS of .980 or better. (And, three more - Masa Yoshida, Dom Smith and Connor Wong - whose OPS since the break is .805 or better.)
The Red Sox have now scored 107 runs post All-Star Game, also best in the majors. They have totaled six or more runs in 12 of the 16 games over that span.
But what should stand out - and was put on display against the Royals - is how the pieces fit.
There is the lineup and matchups against right-handed pitchers. And then, seemingly have the lineup is turned inside-out when facing a southpaw. In fact, there are only two position players - Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran - who have cemented their spot in the field and batting order no matter what kind of hurler is on the mound. Two!
And in order to execute such a revolving door, those subbing in have to actually be productive in their specific tasks. As Monday night's win highlighted, its a formula that seems passable, with newly-promoted switch-hitter Nick Sogard (who had two more hits) only adding to the versatility.
The Red Sox are still on the outside looking in, having played below .500 baseball since returning from the All-Star break. That is their lot in life. What they do have, however, is hope that when the dust settles it's going to be a group that has enough be in the postseason conversation.
The big tests have begun. Monday night they passed.