We warned you.
After Tuesday night's loss, it was declared in this space that is sure felt like the Red Sox had definitively gone down the road that led to having October off. But, the first paragraph of that piece did offer a disclaimer.
There is a very real danger in defining teams' existences when it comes to digesting a Major League Baseball season. Even this late in the season. Even with these roller coaster Red Sox.
Sure enough ...
What was once a five-game deficit in the Wild Card race is now four. What was once an image of hopelessness in Houston suddenly exhibited a bit of hope. What was once a team being read its last rites, has risen from the dead ... again.
Welcome to the 2023 Red Sox.
With Adam Duvall's 371-foot, 10th-inning homer, the Red Sox were secured of their 7-5 win over the Astros Wednesday night. It was a win that far from easy, but what in this world of these Red Sox ever take the simple path. (For a complete recap of the Sox' win, click here.)
- Chris Sale gives up four runs in the first two innings. He rebounds to throw three shutout frames after that, ending up with nine strikeouts.
- Just when it appears there is no hope for the Red Sox' problematic defense, along comes perhaps the must-have play of the season from Trevor Story to keep the game tied in the eighth inning.
- Bullpen woes? Garrett Whitlock concern? Two shutout innings after Sale's departure took care of that. (Along with a memorable catch, to boot.)
- Then there was the ominous image of Kenley Jansen coming out after throwing just three pitches due to hamstring tightness. No problem. Starter-turned-reliever-turned-starter-turned impromptu reliever Nick Pivetta takes care of business with a scoreless ninth inning.
“I’m not going to lie," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters when asked about viewing the standings. "We’re watching. So we gained ground."
They did gain ground ... along with some much-needed oxygen in this pit of postseason consideration. Welcome to the 2023 Red Sox, again.
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