Rafael Devers' walk-off single gives the Red Sox a 5-4 win over the Yankees on June 18, 2025. Bello shines as Boston extends its Fenway win streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights at Fenway Park. The kind that reminds you why this rivalry is the best in sports. With the game knotted at 4-4 in the bottom of the 10th, Jarren Duran stood on second base, representing the winning run. Up stepped Rafael Devers, who promptly laced a single into the outfield, sending the Fenway Faithful into a frenzy and sealing a massive 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees.
This is the kind of fight we need every night.
While Devers' walk-off single will grab the headlines, this was a total team victory. Starter Brayan Bello was brilliant, dueling with the Yankee lineup for 6.2 innings, striking out eight and allowing three runs. Masataka Yoshida provided a crucial spark with his 12th home run of the season in the 6th inning. The bullpen, a topic of much discussion lately, was nearly flawless, combining for 3.1 innings of one-run ball, capped off by a scoreless 10th from Kenley Jansen, who earned the win. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement, extending the team's home winning streak to a sizzling 10 games.
The thrill of victory was tempered by some tough news on the injury front. First baseman Triston Casas, a key cog in the middle of the order, was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left wrist sprain. Losing his .271 average and 14 homers is a significant blow. However, it opens the door for a new face, as the Red Sox recalled top infield prospect Nick Yorke from Worcester. Yorke, 23, has been tearing it up in Triple-A, hitting .298 with 9 homers. Manager Alex Cora expressed his faith, stating, 'We’re confident Nick can step in and contribute right away.'
The front office seems to agree with the fans that the bullpen needs another power arm for the stretch run. Reports surfaced Wednesday linking the Red Sox to Tigers closer Alex Lange, a move that would significantly bolster the back end of the bullpen. Lange boasts a stellar 2.31 ERA and 16 saves this season. While no deal is imminent, Alex Cora's pre-game comments about carefully managing his relievers' workload underscore the team's focus on this area. A trade for a high-leverage arm like Lange could be the final piece of the puzzle.
As if Nick Yorke's promotion wasn't enough exciting prospect news, top shortstop Marcelo Mayer put on a show for Triple-A Worcester. Mayer crushed two home runs and drove in four in the WooSox's 8-3 win. He's now hitting a blistering .312 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in Triple-A. With every multi-homer game, the calls for his promotion to the big leagues grow louder. The Red Sox farm system is clearly bearing fruit, providing both immediate help and tantalizing future possibilities.
What a night. A walk-off win against the Yankees, a 10-game home winning streak, and the buzz of top prospects making their mark. While the loss of Triston Casas stings, the resilience shown on the field and the potential moves on the horizon should have Red Sox Nation feeling electric. With trade talks heating up and the team firing on all cylinders at Fenway, the next few weeks are shaping up to be absolutely crucial. Buckle up.
