Mariners rally late to beat the Red Sox 5-3 on June 18, snapping Boston's win streak despite a dominant Garrett Crochet start. Read how the Sox lost the lead.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
All good things must come to an end. The Boston Red Sox's exhilarating six-game winning streak was halted Wednesday, as they fell 5-3 to the Seattle Mariners in a hard-fought series finale at Fenway. Despite a brilliant performance from starter Garrett Crochet and some early offensive pop, a late-inning rally by the visitors proved to be the difference, forcing Boston to settle for a series split.
Despite the loss, the Red Sox remain in the thick of the AL Wild Card race, currently holding the third and final spot.
For six innings, it looked like the good times would keep rolling. Garrett Crochet was absolutely dealing, baffling Mariners hitters with a sharp slider and a rising fastball. He was in complete control, and the offense gave him an early cushion. Ceddanne Rafaela, continuing his hot hitting, launched a two-run homer in the 2nd, and rookie Roman Anthony added an RBI single in the 4th to build a 3-0 lead. But the game turned in the 7th. Crochet, nearing 100 pitches, finally yielded a couple of hits before handing the ball to the bullpen, and Seattle capitalized with a three-run burst to tie and then take the lead. The Sox bats, so clutch during the streak, couldn't find an answer late.
Before anyone hits the panic button, let's take a deep breath. Yes, the loss stings, but this recent stretch has fundamentally changed the team's outlook. That six-game winning streak, highlighted by Lucas Giolito's 10-strikeout masterpiece and timely hitting up and down the lineup, vaulted the Sox directly into the third AL Wild Card position. They remain there today, a step ahead of the Mariners and Twins. Splitting a four-game series with a fellow contender is a respectable outcome, and it proves this team can hang with the best in the league.
More good news is on the horizon. The bullpen, which faltered today, is about to get a boost. RHP Nick Burdi has made two successful rehab outings in Worcester and is nearing activation. But he's not the only one. The team announced positive updates across the board: Jordan Hicks (toe) is set for live batting practice, Alex Bregman (quad) continues his running program, and Kutter Crawford (knee/wrist) is targeting bullpen sessions soon. Getting these key pieces back for the second-half push will be critical, and all signs point to a healthier, deeper roster in the coming weeks.
Losing a series finale always stings, especially when it snaps a winning streak. But let's zoom out: the Red Sox just went 6-1 over their last seven games and solidified their place in the playoff picture. With a crucial road trip ahead, the key will be to shake this one off, start a new streak, and hold the line until the cavalry, led by the likes of Burdi, Hicks, and Bregman, arrives. The foundation is there; now it's time to build on it.
