BOSTON — The decision made by the Arizona Diamondbacks to move lefty Jordan Montgomery to the bullpen was validated by right-hander Ryne Nelson’s performance.
In his latest outing on Friday night, Nelson, who has secured his place in the rotation over Montgomery, delivered a stellar performance against a formidable Boston Red Sox lineup, allowing only two runs over six innings. His efforts helped the Diamondbacks secure a decisive 12-2 victory at Fenway Park.
This win marked the Diamondbacks’ fourth straight, improving their record to 22-6 since July 23 and 34-13 since June 29. With this momentum, they have the opportunity to gain ground on their NL West competitors, as both the Dodgers and Padres had night games scheduled on the West Coast.
This game was the Diamondbacks’ first appearance at Fenway Park since 2016.
The team quickly established an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning, adding three more in the sixth, and sealing the game with Eugenio Suarez’s grand slam in the seventh.
By scoring three additional runs in the ninth inning, they achieved double-digit runs for the 16th time this season, tying the Minnesota Twins for the most in Major League Baseball.
Although Nelson faced a Red Sox team known for its potency against right-handed pitchers, he encountered minimal challenges. He yielded consecutive doubles at the start of the first inning but only allowed one run to score. He also successfully navigated a bases-loaded, two-out situation in the…
the third.
After that, he effectively cruised, retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he encountered, with the sole exception being a solo home run by Rob Refsnyder in the sixth.
This marked Nelson’s fourth quality start in his last five appearances. Over his last 13 outings – encompassing 12 starts and one relief outing where the team utilized an opener – Nelson holds a 3.20 ERA, tallying 13 walks and 75 strikeouts across 78 2/3 innings.
Nelson relied heavily on his fastball, throwing it 60 times out of 96 pitches, while also integrating his secondary pitches.
Ryne Nelson maintaining early lead through 4 innings
BOSTON — The Diamondbacks generated two runs in the first inning for right-hander Ryne Nelson, who effectively kept the lead intact, giving the Diamondbacks a 2-1 edge as they entered the fifth inning on Friday night at Fenway Park.
The Diamondbacks’ first four batters reached base safely against Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello, who permitted singles to Corbin Carroll and Jake McCarthy, followed by consecutive walks to Joc Pederson and Josh Bell.
The walk to Bell brought in the first run, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s sacrifice fly to right field allowed McCarthy to score the second run of the game.
Nelson allowed a run in the bottom of the inning when Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu hit back-to-back doubles to kick off the inning.
Injury updates on Alek Thomas, Ketel Marte, and others
BOSTON — Center fielder Alek Thomas is presently on the Triple-A Reno injured list due to what Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen described as a “Grade 1 oblique strain.”
Thomas, who was optioned by the Diamondbacks to Reno on Aug. 14, experienced discomfort while hitting prior to Reno’s game on Aug. 17. He played that day but felt sore the following morning, according to Hazen.
“Imaging suggested it was on the milder side, but he will be sidelined from swinging and rotating for a certain period,” Hazen stated. “We’re hopeful he’ll return by the end of the season, but it depends on how he progresses.”
Second baseman Ketel Marte, who was placed on the IL on Monday due to a left ankle sprain, is eligible for return as early as Aug. 29. However, Hazen indicated that this timeline might be a bit optimistic.
“While things appear to be improving, given how it flared up with just one swing, we need to be cautious,” Hazen mentioned. “We won’t rush him back only to find out, ‘Is it still an issue?’ ‘Yes, it remains an issue.’ We need to allow sufficient time for it to settle completely before moving forward.”
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Manager Torey Lovullo reported that first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) has increased the intensity of his swings and may face live pitching as soon as early next week. Lovullo indicated that the following step would involve a rehab assignment.
Hazen mentioned that catcher Gabriel Moreno (adductor strain) is making progress in his recovery but is not yet ready to engage in the final stages of his rehab activities.
“There are likely some limitations and considerations,” Hazen stated. “Catching, blocking, and sliding are probably the last skills we’ll address to assess his condition. However, he is engaging in activities such as hitting and throwing that do not cause him discomfort. There are positive signs, yet I believe there will still be some challenges ahead.”
Hazen did not provide a specific timeline for Moreno’s return, expressing only that he is “hopeful he’ll be back” before the season concludes.
Saturday’s Diamondbacks-Red Sox Pitching Matchup
Diamondbacks at Red Sox, 1:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-6, 3.85) vs. Red Sox RHP Kutter Crawford (8-10, 4.25).
At Fenway Park: Gallen surrendered four runs over five innings in his last outing against the Rays. … Since July began, he has posted a 5.24 ERA over 46 innings, with 21 walks and only 35 strikeouts. … This season, he has faced considerable challenges with his fastball, as opponents are hitting .318 with a .503 slugging percentage against it. … Gallen has yet to compete against the Red Sox. … Crawford entered July strong, allowing just one run in a 20-inning stretch, yet has struggled in his last six starts, permitting 29 runs in that span. His most recent performance was adequate but not stellar, as he let in three runs over five innings. … Opposing batters have low averages but high slugging percentages on his primary pitches, with his fastball and cutter each yielding ten home runs, while his sweeper has allowed seven homers. … He faced the Diamondbacks once in relief last year, but has never started against them in his career.
Upcoming Schedule
Sunday: In Boston, 10:35 a.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (3-0, 3.63) vs. Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (8-8, 3.01).
Monday: Off.
Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (8-6, 4.08) vs. Mets LHP Sean Manaea (9-5, 3.48).
Wednesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 3.94) vs. Mets RHP Luis Severino (9-6, 3.84).
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Ryne Nelson Shines as Diamondbacks Dominate Red Sox 12-2 at Fenway Park
Game Overview
In a stunning display of baseball prowess, Ryne Nelson propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a resounding 12-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox at the iconic Fenway Park. This game, held on a crisp evening in September, showcased Nelson’s remarkable talent and the Diamondbacks’ offensive firepower, marking a significant moment in their season.
Ryne Nelson: Pitching Excellence
Ryne Nelson delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, showcasing precision and power. Here’s a closer look at his pitching statistics:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 7 |
| Strikeouts | 9 |
| Walks | 2 |
| Earned Runs | 1 |
| ERA | 1.27 |
Key Highlights of Nelson’s Performance
- Dominant Fastball: Nelson’s fastball consistently reached the upper 90s, keeping hitters off balance.
- Effective Changeup: His changeup proved to be a crucial weapon, inducing weak contact and ground balls.
- Control: With only two walks, Nelson displayed exceptional control, limiting scoring opportunities for the Red Sox.
Diamondbacks Offense on Fire
The Diamondbacks’ offense exploded in this game, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. The following highlights demonstrate the team’s collective strength:
Top Performers
- Ketel Marte: Went 4-for-5 with 3 RBIs, including a pivotal three-run homer in the fifth inning.
- CORBIN CARROLL: Hit a two-run double in the seventh, showcasing his ability to perform in clutch situations.
- Geraldo Perdomo: Contributed with three hits, reinforcing the depth of the Diamondbacks lineup.
Scoring Breakdown
The Diamondbacks’ scoring was methodical and relentless:
| Inning | Runs (Diamondbacks) | Runs (Red Sox) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | 4 | 0 |
| 7 | 2 | 2 |
Red Sox Struggles
The Boston Red Sox faced a tough night both offensively and defensively. Key struggles included:
Offensive Drought
The Red Sox were unable to find their rhythm against Nelson, managing only two runs throughout the game. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved detrimental:
- Stranded Runners: The team left several runners on base, illustrating missed chances to score.
- Strikeouts: The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff registered a total of 12 strikeouts against the Red Sox lineup.
Defensive Errors
Defensively, the Red Sox made critical mistakes that allowed the Diamondbacks to extend their lead:
- Fielding Errors: Two costly errors led to unearned runs, compounding the team’s difficulties.
- Pitching Inconsistencies: The bullpen struggled to contain the Diamondbacks’ powerful hitters, allowing several crucial hits in late innings.
Fan Experience at Fenway Park
Despite the Red Sox losing, the atmosphere at Fenway Park remained electric, with thousands of fans cheering for their team. Here’s what made the evening special:
Why Fenway Park is a Must-Visit
- Historic Venue: Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, offers a unique experience for baseball fans.
- Stunning Views: The park’s iconic Green Monster provides a breathtaking view of the game.
- Local Cuisine: Fans can enjoy classic ballpark food, including Fenway Franks and Lobster Rolls.
Benefits of Attending Live Baseball Games
Watching a live game offers numerous benefits, making it a rewarding experience for sports enthusiasts:
- Community Spirit: Attending games fosters a sense of community among fans.
- Emotional Connection: Being present at the game allows fans to create lasting memories.
- Support for Local Teams: Attending games supports local teams and the sport’s growth in the community.
Case Study: Impact on Diamondbacks’ Season
This dominant victory against the Red Sox is pivotal for the Diamondbacks’ postseason aspirations. Analyzing the impact of this game, we can see:
- Confidence Boost: Winning against a storied franchise like the Red Sox instills confidence in the Diamondbacks’ roster.
- Momentum Shift: This game could serve as a turning point in their season, sparking a successful run towards the playoffs.
- Player Development: Young players like Ryne Nelson and Corbin Carroll gain invaluable experience in high-pressure situations.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Fans
Fans who attended the game shared their excitement and insights about the experience:
“Watching Nelson pitch was mesmerizing! His composure on the mound reminded me of the greats. The energy in Fenway was electric, even in a loss!”
“The Diamondbacks played like champions! It was thrilling to see them dominate at Fenway. I loved every moment of the game!”
Conclusion
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ emphatic 12-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and determination. With standout performances from Ryne Nelson and key hitters, this game is sure to be remembered as a highlight of their season.
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