Red Sox Storm Back Late to Take Series Opener from Tigers
DETROIT — For seven innings on a crisp night at Comerica Park, it looked as though the Detroit Tigers might seize control of their series opener. Then the Boston Red Sox flipped the script with a furious late-inning rally that silenced the home crowd and underscored their own postseason urgency.
The Tigers carried a 3–1 lead into the eighth inning behind a sharp start from left-hander Tarik Skubal, who scattered six hits and struck out eight. Skubal’s fastball was lively and his changeup deceptive, keeping the Red Sox lineup mostly in check. But once the bullpen gate swung open, Boston pounced.
In the top of the eighth, Rafael Devers worked a leadoff walk and advanced on a single by Triston Casas. Rookie Ceddanne Rafaela then lined a double into the right-field corner, scoring both runners to tie the game. Moments later, Connor Wong lofted a sacrifice fly that put the Red Sox ahead 4–3, sending a wave of energy through the visiting dugout.
“That’s the kind of at-bats we talk about,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Stay patient, pass the baton, and when you get a pitch you can drive, don’t miss it.”
Boston wasn’t finished. In the ninth, Devers added an exclamation point with a towering solo home run into the right-field seats, his 33rd of the season. The blast drew a roar from the traveling Red Sox fans and effectively sealed a 5–3 victory.
Detroit’s bullpen, which had been a strength in recent weeks, simply couldn’t find the strike zone when it mattered most. Reliever Jason Foley absorbed the loss after issuing two walks and surrendering Rafaela’s game-changing double.
“We didn’t execute in the late innings,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “It’s frustrating because we played a good game up to that point. You have to finish, and tonight we didn’t.”
For the Tigers, the defeat overshadowed another impressive performance from young center fielder Riley Greene, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and a dazzling running catch in the fifth inning. Still, Greene was left thinking about opportunities missed.
“We had our chances early,” Greene said. “You have to capitalize when you get runners on. Against a team like that, every run matters.”
The Red Sox, battling for a Wild Card spot, improved to 84–71 and continued their recent surge with their sixth win in eight games. Their bullpen held strong, with Chris Martin earning the win and Kenley Jansen collecting his 34th save.
“It’s the kind of win that keeps us believing,” Devers said. “We trust each other, and nights like this show why.”
For Detroit, now 74–82, the loss was a reminder of the fine margins in late-season baseball. One mislocated pitch, one mistimed walk, and a promising evening unraveled.
The series continues Saturday, with Boston sending right-hander Tanner Houck to the mound against Detroit’s Reese Olson. Both clubs know the stakes: for Boston, every game inches them closer to October; for Detroit, each contest is a chance to play spoiler and measure themselves against a contender.
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