The Boston Red Sox foiled yet another chance to break out of their team-wide slump and get back into the playoff race, dropping the second game of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3.
The finale of the doubleheader saw five different relievers combine for nine innings of work with another massive mid-game collapse by Brad Keller.
What are the main takeaways from Boston's game two loss to Toronto?
Zack Kelly and Justin Slaten impressed
Zack Kelly was masterful in an extended opener role in the second game of the doubleheader and with the rotation lining up awkwardly with the start. Kelly hurled three no-hit innings while picking up four punchouts and walking two. For all of his recent struggles with hard contact, he looked like his early-season dominant self against Toronto.
Justin Slaten, 2024 Rule 5 draftee and electric young arm, made his much-awaited return from the Injured List and was as advertised. He faced four hitters, striking out one and allowing just one baserunner on a fielding error. Boston's playoff chances continue to slim down, but Slaten gave them a strong first appearance back.
Brad Keller continues to prove he isn't a viable MLB option
Just two days before the first anniversary of the infamous Kyle Barraclough game, Brad Keller delivered a very similar performance. The veteran reliever came into the organization with little expectations but has been even worse than expected.
Manager Alex Cora let Keller ride out a four-inning outing even after giving up a three-run home run in his first inning of work and allowing five runs total. While just three of the runs were earned, he still blew a lead and showed no encouraging signs.
The Boston bullpen has failed to improve at many stops during the season and once again reared the ugly head that is their lower-end options.
Offensive silence persisted
The suddenly-cold lineup was held to a single run for the second game in a row and failed to capitalize on what few chances they had. A leadoff double and single two batters later in the first inning resulted in a pop-out and groundout and other than a late Jarren Duran home run, that was the extent of the offensive production.
The offense's historic start to the second half has quickly faded in recent days and has become unable to back up their poor pitching earlier in the season. If they have any hope of making a miraculous playoff run at this point, the offense has to come alive.
The Red Sox are now 67-64 on the season.
Game 3
The third game of the Boston Red Sox series against the Toronto Blue Jays is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:10 PM EST at Fenway Park, televised on NESN.
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