BOSTON — The Red Sox have been patiently waiting for a true comeback victory all season, and they came tantalizingly close to pulling one out on Thursday night at Fenway Park. Instead, their momentum fizzled in a frustrating ninth inning that led to a 7-5 loss to the Rays.
While the controversy regarding Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder walking onto the field after his team was already out of mound visits became a focal point, there were plenty of other developments to unpack for the Red Sox, who ended their homestand with a 3-4 record.
Kenley got wild
After the Red Sox surged back to tie the game after trailing 5-1, they felt good about their chances to win a game in which they trailed by more than one run for the first time this season.
When Kenley Jansen took the ball for the top of the ninth, Boston had visions of a second walk-off win in three days. When Jansen struck out Josh Lowe on three pitches to open the frame, things were trending in the right direction. But it all went downhill after the big righty walked Randy Arozarena on four pitches.