The Red Sox fell to the Giants 5-3 on June 20, 2025, as struggles with runners in scoring position wasted a Wilyer Abreu homer. Recap the key moments.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of what could have been. The Red Sox dropped the opener of their weekend series in San Francisco, falling 5-3 to the Giants in a game defined by missed opportunities. Despite flashes of power and speed, Boston's inability to deliver a clutch hit with runners on base ultimately doomed them, leaving a frustrating taste after a hard-fought contest at Oracle Park.
The Red Sox left eight runners on base and went a paltry 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
The box score tells a frustrating story. Jarren Duran was a sparkplug, going 2-for-4 with a double, and Wilyer Abreu launched his 13th homer of the year, but the big hit never came. Starter Hunter Dobbins battled through 5.2 innings, giving up four runs (three earned), but he kept the team in the game. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't reward him. Time and again, Boston would get runners on, only to see the inning end with a whimper. The Giants, on the other hand, capitalized on their chance, with Heliot Ramos's two-run double in the fifth proving to be the decisive blow.
While Friday's loss stings, it's important to zoom out. The Red Sox are still playing meaningful baseball in June, a fact reflected in the latest 'Summer Score' standings. This metric, which tracks a team's daily playoff positioning, shows Boston adding to its positive tally. Despite the defeat, the team remains firmly in the American League playoff picture thanks to a strong recent run. This single loss doesn't erase the progress they've made, but it serves as a reminder that every game counts in a tight race.
The beauty of baseball is that redemption is always just a day away. The Sox will look to even the series tomorrow and wash away the frustration of this loss. The key will be simple: find a way to bring those runners home. If they can solve their situational hitting woes, this road trip can still be a major success and keep their positive summer momentum rolling.
