Red Sox lose to Athletics 7-3 as pitching struggles emerge
Boston fell to Oakland 7-3, ending a recent 27-4 run, with rookie Jake Bennett unable to pitch deep and the bullpen yielding a three-run lead.
Boston's winning streak of 27-4 in its last 31 games was halted on Tuesday when the Red Sox were defeated by the Oakland Athletics 7-3. Rookie right-hander Jake Bennett started for Boston and set a career high in innings pitched, but was unable to complete six innings as the team fell behind by one run.
Reliever Justin Slaten entered the game after Bennett and, having not pitched the previous day, walked a batter and allowed a double that gave Oakland a three-run advantage, which proved decisive. Boston's offense, which had produced two runs in the first inning, was held scoreless thereafter, stranding runners in the fourth and fifth innings.
The loss raised questions about the durability of the Red Sox pitching staff as the regular season continues. Raymond Burgos pitched three innings in relief, helping preserve the rest of the bullpen for future games. Oakland's Jahmai Jones contributed two hits, two doubles, two runs and two stolen bases, while Nick Sogard also recorded two extra-base hits.
Boston's Jarren Duran went 0-4 with three strikeouts, and Eli White recorded an 0-4 line with two strikeouts in his start. The team will look to address the pitching shortfall as it moves forward.