In a frigid Wednesday night matchup, the Boston Red Sox hit three home runs off Carlos Carrasco, putting an end to the Guardians’ five-game winning streak with a resounding 8-0 victory. Despite being in his 200th start for Cleveland, Carrasco allowed five runs on nine hits in five innings. On April 18, Carrasco pitched 5 2/3 innings in a 5-4 victory over Boston at Fenway Park, where he managed to recover after a shaky first inning. However, the Red Sox kept the pressure on Carrasco throughout Wednesday’s game, never allowing him to regain control. Wilyer Abreu gave Boston an early 1-0 lead with a double in the first inning, followed by Connor Wong’s leadoff homer in the second, his first of two on the night and his fourth against the Guardians this season. After two scoreless innings from Carrasco, Rafael Devers homered in the fifth, and Wong hit his second leadoff homer to start the sixth. Carrasco’s outing ended after he surrendered a single to Pablo Reyes, finishing with four strikeouts, one walk, and 89 pitches thrown. Despite the Red Sox initially planning a bullpen game, Cooper Criswell pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits, striking out three, and not walking a single batter in just 72 pitches. Criswell’s performance gave the Red Sox bullpen a much-needed break. The only extra-base hit the Guardians managed against Criswell was a double by Jose Ramirez, while Estevan Florial, Steven Kwan, and Bo Naylor each recorded singles. Boston’s 16 hits were the most the Guardians pitchers have allowed this season, and their eight runs tied the most the Guardians have allowed all year. Pedro Avila made his Cleveland debut in mop-up duty, working the final three innings and allowing two runs on five hits. The Guardians have now been shut out twice this season, both times by the Red Sox. Despite the loss, the Guardians still hold a 4-2 lead in the season series. RHP Triston McKenzie (2-2, 5.00) will start for the Guardians in Thursday’s season finale, while the Red Sox have yet to announce their starter. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on WTAM, WMMS, WARF, and the Guardians radio network.
Carrasco Falters as Guardians’ Winning Streak Halted by Red Sox
