The outcome of this game boiled down to a couple of critical factors. Richard Fitts pitched just a bit too long, and the Red Sox offense mostly went quiet. If Alex Cora had turned to the bullpen an inning earlier, holding a 2-1 advantage in the sixth, perhaps the game could have been salvaged.

However, it was in Fitts’ last inning when Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia both hit home runs, sealing the game. The bats certainly didn’t provide much support either. Onward to a challenging division series in Baltimore that really needs to be won.

Three Stars

Wilyer Abreu (1-for-1, 3 BBs, 1 run scored, 1 RBI): He was undoubtedly the standout player of this initial series. With three walks and another RBI hit, he’s seeing the ball like it’s a beach ball at the moment.

The Bullpen (2.0 IP, 1 K, 0 hits): The bullpen has been surprisingly effective throughout the series, which is surprising for someone who thought it was the team’s weakest link. This afternoon, it was the Justins—Wilson and Slaten—who stifled the Rangers’ offense, trying to give the Red Sox a fighting chance.

The Energy? I hesitated to say this, but let me elaborate. Being 1-3 is tough, but Cora has been managing as best he can. If this group of players isn’t performing on the field, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are eager for their opportunities. Rob Refsnyder remains effective enough and could see more playing time. There’s flexibility and potential. Let’s keep the morale high. One series can influence a season, but it’s not decisive at this point.

Three Underperformers

Triston Casas (0-for-3, 1 BB, 1 K) and Rafael Devers (0-for-4, 1 BB, 2 Ks): I’m grouping these two since it feels like the challenge of “Someone Other Than Wilyer Abreu Getting a Hit” is nearly impossible right now. Casas, Devers, Bergman, Duran, Story, and others have all had tough starts to the season.

Overall RISP Performance: The Red Sox have started the season 6-for-41 with runners in scoring position. Even with 162 games, that’s a rough patch at any point.

Highlight of the Game: Despite the sting, I’ll take a majestic home run with a dramatic bat flip any day.