Royals snap Red Sox's 7-game streak with a 7-3 win on Aug 7. Despite Roman Anthony's $130M deal, Jonathan India's 3-run homer was the difference.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day that started with a massive celebration and ended with a frustrating thud. Just hours after the Red Sox locked up their future by signing star outfielder Roman Anthony to a staggering $130 million extension, the present-day magic ran out as the Kansas City Royals snapped Boston's seven-game winning streak with a decisive 7-3 victory at Fenway Park.
$130 million for Roman Anthony, a clear signal of the franchise's direction and a massive investment in the future.
The good times couldn't last forever. After a thrilling seven-game run, the Red Sox offense cooled off against former Sox pitcher Michael Wacha. Boston jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first, but the bats couldn't deliver the big hit to break it open. The game turned for good in the seventh inning when Jonathan India launched a three-run homer that put Kansas City ahead for good. The loss was punctuated by uncharacteristic sloppiness, including a key defensive miscue where Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela nearly picked off a runner, only to find no one was covering first base.
The biggest news of the day wasn't the final score, but the nine-figure deal signed before the first pitch. The Red Sox made a huge statement by signing Roman Anthony to an extension worth at least $130 million through 2033, cementing him as a core piece for the next decade. Unfortunately, the ink on the contract was barely dry before Anthony had a night to forget at the plate, going 0-for-4. He came agonizingly close to a storybook moment, launching a 394-foot fly ball that was caught at the warning track, but it wasn't to be. It's a small blip on a monumental day for the young star and the organization.
All eyes were on recent trade deadline acquisition Dustin May as he made his Red Sox debut. The hard-throwing righty showed flashes of his potential, but it was a rocky first outing. May lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four. It wasn't the dominant start fans were hoping for, but it was a first step in integrating a key arm into a rotation that needs reinforcements for the stretch run.
While the loss stings and ends a fantastic run, Thursday was ultimately a day that invested heavily in the future. With Roman Anthony secured for the long haul, the team can shake off this loss and look ahead. After a much-needed off day, the Sox will welcome the San Diego Padres to town for a weekend series, sending a formidable trio of Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito, and Brayan Bello to the mound. It's the perfect opportunity to start a new streak.
