BOSTON – Fenway Park erupted in euphoria on Friday night when Ceddanne Rafaela hit a triple against the center field wall, a hit that drove in the winning run and sealed the Boston Red Sox‘s postseason berth for the first time since 2021, with a 4-3 victory over the Tigers.
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The comeback began in the ninth inning, when Romy González hit a single to center field against Tommy Kahnle. Seconds later, Rafaela took advantage of an 87 mph changeup and sent the ball to the back of the park, enough for González to score from first base and unleash the celebration.
THE RED SOX JUST WALKED IT OFF TO CLINCH A SPOT IN THE POSTSEASON 🤯
Boston, which was down 3-0 in the fourth inning, gradually reduced the deficit thanks to a solid performance from its bullpen and the offense’s reaction in the final innings. Carlos Narváez started the tying rally with a hit in the eighth, and pinch runner Nate Eaton added aggressiveness with a stolen base and extra advance due to a defensive error. Immediately afterwards, Jarren Duran tied the score with a single to left.
In the mound, the left-hander Kyle Harrision barely completed three innings with seven hits, three runs and three walks, although he struck out six. From there, the manager Alex Cora managed the bullpen with a playoff mentality, and the relievers responded perfectly.
The last big piece was Aroldis Chapman, who with a slider struck out Spencer Torkelson and left the potential lead runner stranded in the top of the ninth, setting the stage for Rafaela’s historic hit.
With this victory, the Red Sox officially secure their return to the postseason, exciting a fanbase that hasn’t celebrated in October for four years.
