Kutter Crawford led the Boston Red Sox to a 9-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, with a strong performance on the mound. Crawford carried a perfect game into the sixth inning before the Rangers managed to break through. Connor Wong’s three-run homer highlighted a 12-hit offensive display from the Red Sox, who handed Texas their third consecutive loss and sixth defeat in seven games. Despite some shaky relief pitching after Crawford was lifted in the sixth, Boston secured the win.
Crawford expressed his satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging that he felt good throughout the game. The Texas Rangers, who are the defending World Series champions, suffered their season-worst 10th game below .500 with a record of 55-65 after this defeat. Manager Bruce Bochy of the Rangers was ejected in the middle of the sixth inning after disputing a called third strike that ended a potential rally for his team.
The Red Sox’s offense was on fire, scoring five runs in the fifth inning to establish a commanding lead. Wong’s homer in that inning proved to be a game-changer, putting Boston up 6-0. Wong’s hit was his 11th home run of the season and helped the Red Sox reach their 50th game with at least 10 hits. Texas pitcher José Ureña struggled, allowing six runs in less than five innings before being replaced.
Boston’s manager, Alex Cora, praised the Rangers’ ability to mount a quick comeback despite being down early in the game. The Red Sox added three insurance runs in the eighth inning, securing their second win in six games. In the post-game reports, it was revealed that Rangers’ pitcher Nathan Eovaldi would miss his next scheduled start due to right side soreness, while Red Sox pitcher James Paxton was unlikely to return this season due to a partially torn muscle.
In the upcoming series finale, RHP Tanner Houck will start for the Red Sox in the absence of Eovaldi for the Rangers. Just a week ago, the Rangers had a similar experience of potential no-hit bids when facing the Houston Astros. The article also mentioned an encounter involving Rangers player Wyatt Langford disputing a called strike, which led to a managerial ejection.
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