Reeling Red Sox lose to Pirates, 8
The Boston Globe • • sports
Key Points:
- White Sox interim manager Chad Tracy emphasized the importance of execution against strong Major League opponents, highlighting the team's struggles in a recent game against the Pirates.
- Starter Patrick Sandoval had a poor outing, allowing seven runs on nine hits over four innings, hindered by a blister on his left foot, marking his shortest start this season.
- The Sox offense struggled significantly, going 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position on Sunday and hitting just .171/.233/.276 in the last nine games with RISP, failing to capitalize on the Pirates' bullpen game.
- Key hitters Ceddanne Rafaela and Adley Rutschman continued to struggle at the plate, with Rafaela showing poor pitch selection and Rutschman trying to regain form after an injury, now 1 for 17 with nine strikeouts since joining the Sox.
- A lengthy rain delay and a sparse crowd marked the game’s latter stages, with reliever Raymond Burgos pitching four innings total, providing valuable bullpen support as the Sox prepare for upcoming home games against the Diamondbacks and Giants.
