Garrett Crochet pitches a complete game shutout as the Red Sox blank the Rays 4-0 on July 12. See how Crochet and Rafael Devers led Boston to a dominant win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Fenway Park was electric on Saturday night, and the man conducting the orchestra was Garrett Crochet. In one of the most dominant pitching performances of the season, the Red Sox ace went the distance, completely shutting down the Tampa Bay Rays in a 4-0 victory that felt like a statement to the rest of the American League.
'He was in total command tonight. That's the kind of ace performance we need down the stretch.' - Alex Cora on Garrett Crochet
From the first pitch, it was clear Crochet was on another level. He carved through the Rays lineup for nine brilliant innings, allowing just three hits while striking out nine and, crucially, issuing zero walks. He threw 112 pitches, 78 for strikes, and at one point retired 14 consecutive batters. This wasn't just a win; it was a declaration. It marked his second complete game of the year and served as the latest proof of the incredible work the pitching development staff, led by director Justin Willard, has done. 'He was in total command tonight,' manager Alex Cora said after the game. 'That's the kind of ace performance we need down the stretch.' With a 10-4 record and a 2.87 ERA, Crochet is delivering exactly that.
While Crochet handled the pitching, the offense provided the necessary firepower. The game remained a tense pitcher's duel until the 6th inning when Rafael Devers broke it open. Raffy launched a two-run moonshot, his 21st of the season, sending the Fenway faithful into a frenzy. Not to be outdone, the hottest hitter on the planet, Jarren Duran, extended his hitting streak to eight games with a triple and a single, scoring a run and pushing his average to a blistering .312. Connor Wong chipped in with an RBI single in the 7th, providing some welcome insurance.
The Red Sox lineup received another boost with the return of Masataka Yoshida. Activated from the 10-day injured list before the game after dealing with a hamstring strain, Yoshida wasted no time getting back into the swing of things, lacing a double in his 1-for-4 night. His presence adds another professional bat to a lineup that is starting to look deep and dangerous. To make room, the versatile David Hamilton was optioned to Triple-A Worcester, a tough move but one that speaks to the team's improving health and depth.
The good news wasn't just confined to Boston. Down on the farm, the organization's 'Big Three' prospects continue to tear it up for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. On Friday night, Roman Anthony (15th HR), Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer all had multi-hit games. Mayer was particularly impressive with two doubles. The consistent production from these top prospects shows that the next wave of talent is developing right on schedule, embracing the organization's hitting philosophy.
The acquisition of an ace like Crochet doesn't come cheap. It cost the Sox their last two first-round picks, a move that is now shaping their strategy for the upcoming MLB Draft. Scouting director Devin Pearson acknowledged the shift, stating, 'We're confident whoever we select will carry value in multiple ways, through trades or how they play.' It's a clear signal that the front office is playing chess, balancing the immediate need to win now with the long-term health of the farm system. Getting a proven ace for the current playoff push was the priority, and now the challenge is to find value deeper in the draft.
Saturday's 4-0 win was more than just another mark in the win column; it was a perfect encapsulation of where the 2025 Red Sox are. They have a bona fide ace leading the staff, a lineup with clutch hitters, key players returning to health, and a farm system bubbling with elite talent. As they sit at 52-45 and firmly in the Wild Card race, this team is showing all the signs of a serious contender. If Crochet keeps pitching like this, the sky's the limit for this club heading into the second half.
