Red Sox Offense Supports Suarez in Saturday Win; Contreras Returns for Series Finale
The Boston Red Sox offense delivered with runners in scoring position Saturday, going 4-for-8 to back another strong seven-inning start from Ranger Suarez, who struck out eight batters.
“It feels amazing [playing at Fenway Park],” Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu said. “Every time we’re winning, the crowd’s going crazy.”
Rookie left-hander Payton Tolle will take the mound for Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. Tolle has yet to face Kansas City in his career, but he enters the start riding momentum after striking out double-digit batters twice in his last six outings — a feat he has accomplished three times this season.
“He’s having fun out there,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “Some guys are very intense, lock in when they start, and he has to have fun. That’s what makes him go. He’s enjoying himself out there.”
Contreras Activated Ahead of Sunday Start
The Red Sox activated first baseman Willson Contreras from the injured list Saturday. After playing a pair of rehab games, Contreras is slated to start at first base for Sunday’s contest.
Sunday Lineups and Pitching Matchup
ROYALS (66-83)
Loftin 3B, Witt Jr. SS, Caglianone DH, Perez 1B, Massey 2B, Lugo RF, Collins LF, Maile C, Tolbert CF
Pitching: LHP Noah Cameron (9-8, 3.93 ERA)
RED SOX (81-68)
Anthony LF, Jones DH, Abreu RF, Contreras 1B, Rutschman C, Story SS, Durbin 3B, Sogard 2B, Eaton CF
Pitching: LHP Payton Tolle (9-6, 3.15 ERA)
First pitch: 3:05 p.m.
TV/Radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7
Key Matchup Notes
- Royals vs. Tolle: Has not faced any Kansas City batters.
- Red Sox vs. Cameron: Mickey Gasper 0-1, Jahmai Jones 0-2, Isiah Kiner-Falefa 0-4, Adley Rutschman 0-3.
Stat of the Day
Entering the series in Boston, Kansas City’s three most recent losses had come by a combined four runs.
Additional Notes
- The Royals have dropped five of their last eight games.
- Kansas City native catcher Carter Jensen tied the franchise’s single-season rookie record with his 24th home run Saturday. He has now posted 12 consecutive hits for extra bases, the longest streak by any rookie since 1961.
- Cameron has pitched shutout ball in three of his last five outings.
- The Royals have been held to one or fewer runs in 26 different games this season. Conversely, no team has held their opponent to one run or fewer in more contests than the Red Sox (38).
- Anthony Seigler was placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation after leaving Saturday’s game in the seventh inning with wrist soreness.
Cam Kerry can be reached at [email protected].
