Jarren Duran's homer & catch led the Red Sox to an 8-5 win over the Royals on Aug 5. See how Duran & Bello fueled Boston's 6th straight victory at Fenway.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you've seen it all from Jarren Duran, he finds another gear. The electric outfielder put on a masterclass at Fenway Park on Tuesday, launching a go-ahead home run and making a spectacular run-saving catch to propel the Boston Red Sox to their sixth consecutive victory, an 8-5 triumph over the Kansas City Royals. The vibes are immaculate on Jersey Street as the Sox continue their hottest stretch of the season.
The Red Sox have outscored their opponents 44-16 during their six-game winning streak.
Tuesday night was the full Jarren Duran experience. In the batter's box, he blasted a towering 419-foot, three-run homer—his 12th of the season—that sent the Fenway faithful into a frenzy. Not to be outdone by his own bat, he took to the outfield and made a leaping, highlight-reel catch in the fourth inning to rob the Royals of extra bases and a sure run. It's no wonder the team's social media was buzzing with posts like 'Duran does it all!' He's not just a player; he's an event.
While Duran provided the fireworks, Brayan Bello provided the steady hand. The Red Sox ace was brilliant once again, cruising through six innings while allowing just one unearned run. It marked his 13th quality start in his last 14 outings, a staggering display of consistency that has cemented him as the undisputed anchor of this rotation. With Bello (now 8-5) on the mound, the Red Sox know they have a chance to win every single time, and that confidence is clearly infectious.
The win also showcased the team's impressive depth. Prized rookie Roman Anthony was a last-minute scratch with mid-back tightness, but Wilyer Abreu stepped in seamlessly. Abreu not only played solid defense but also delivered the defensive play of the game in the eighth inning, firing a laser to home plate to cut down Nick Loftin. The play, upheld on review, was a massive momentum-killer for the Royals. Add in a clutch two-run single from Rob Refsnyder in the first inning, and you have a perfect example of the entire roster contributing.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. The bullpen hit a snag in the eighth when Jorge Alcala surrendered back-to-back home runs to Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia, briefly making things uncomfortable. The front office responded swiftly and decisively. Following the game, the team designated Alcala for assignment and recalled righty Isaiah Campbell from Worcester. It's a clear message: despite the winning streak, the standard is high, and underperformance in key spots won't be tolerated as the team pushes for the postseason.
With six straight wins under their belt and a +28 run differential during the streak, the Red Sox are firing on all cylinders. They'll look to complete the sweep of the Royals in the series finale, with hopes that Roman Anthony will be back in the lineup. As Aroldis Chapman locks down his 21st save and the roster continues to get contributions from top to bottom, this team is proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the American League.
