Boston Red Sox: 3 moments that mattered in Game 86 win over Nats
Kimbrel saves the night
Craig Kimbrel’s 25th save couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only did he come in to put out the fire in the eighth inning, he held on in the ninth to help his team reclaim first place in the American League East.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Kimbrel struck out one and walked one pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings, but it wasn’t easy at all.
In fact, it was a heart thumper for Red Sox fans. Coming in with the team holding a one-run lead, Kimbrel labored tossing 33 pitches in his four-out save.
After getting Joe Kelly out of a jam in the eighth inning, Kimbrel got himself in a minor jam in the ninth inning. After delivering a two-out walk to Juan Soto, the Red Sox closer faced the potential winning run at the plate in Anthony Rendon.
Rendon worked the count to 3-0, but his aggressiveness in swinging at the next pitch ended an inning that could’ve turned disastrous for the Sox. He lined out to complete the save on a pitch Craig Kimbrel admitted was a good one to hit.
He just missed it and the Boston Red Sox escaped Nationals Park with the victory.