The Red Sox appeared to be under Michael Soroka’s control. The Washington Nationals right-hander put the Sox down in order in the third and worked around David Hamilton’s two-out single and 14th stolen base in the fourth, striking out four of seven batters between those frames. They had taken a 2-0 lead in the second on an RBI double from Ceddanne Rafaela and an RBI single from Jarren Duran.
Then it fell apart.
Soroka failed to survive the fifth. In the seven-run inning that led to Boston’s 11-2 series opener triumph, he didn’t even record an out.
It’s enormous. Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito told NESN’s Jahmai Webster that the plenty of run support he has been receiving lately—26 runs in his past two starts—makes pitching much easier.
Soroka walked Abraham Toro and allowed Carlos Narvez to single to load the bases after Roman Anthony opened the fifth with his sixth double.
“We just kept going,” manager Alex Cora told reporters, adding, “Roman, bullet in right-center, Toro keeps putting good at-bats.” Going first to third, we were also pretty aggressive on the bases, which was encouraging. Naturally, we discuss the start time of eleven o’clock, but they were prepared to play.
He then forced Wilyer Abreu to run by walking him. 3-0.
After then, Trevor Story singled for two runs. Soroka, 5-0 and so long.
However, the fireworks in the fifth inning continued unabated by the departure of the Nationals starter. Marcelo Mayer hit an RBI single to left to welcome Zach Brzykcy. 6-0.
The first two outs of the inning—a Hamilton strikeout and a Rafaela flyout—were then finally recorded by Brzykcy.
Not so quick. Story and Mayer returned home after Duran’s 22nd double of the season. 8 to 0.
Toro hit a single to center to score Duran after Anthony, who had doubled to start the inning, returned to the plate and drew a walk. 9 to 0.
According to Cora, Roman’s at-bats have been fantastic. You know, that final one tells you who he is. Simply remaining modest, accepting his pitches, and reaching base.
Only then did Brzykcy eventually stop the bleeding by getting Narv ez to swing.
Giolito had left his June 4 start with seven earned runs on eight hits in just 1.2 innings, raising his ERA to 6.42, exactly one month earlier.
Since then, the transformation has been nothing short of amazing. Giolito gave up just two earned runs in his next four outings in June (0.72 ERA). He pitched a seven-inning gem in his final June appearance, bringing his ERA down to 3.99.
Giolito wasn’t finished at 80 pitches past six. Not even close. Friday marked his second consecutive start of seven whole frames, with his fourth 1-2-3 inning of the day.
And he simply continued. Cora didn’t come out to the mound until his starter recorded the second out against Alex Call, the fourth Nats batter, after Keibert Ruiz singled to start the eighth and CJ Abrams drew a one-out walk.
“I appreciate that he didn’t want to come out,” Cora added. He is a rival. He believes that it is better for him the more pitches he tosses.
Giolito received a standing ovation from the sizable Red Sox fan base at Nationals Stadium as he made his way back to the dugout. He only gave up three walks, seven strikeouts, four hits, and one earned run. At 7.2 innings, it was one of his nine longest outings in his career and his longest in nearly four years (Aug. 9, 2021). In each frame, he threw no more than 17 pitches.
I enjoy immersing myself in the game. Giolito stated that it’s critical that we take that action and somewhat relieve the bullpen. But after that, he told reporters, “I’m like, tired as hell.”
Against the team that selected him out of high school in 2012 (16th overall) and with whom he made his debut in 2016, the nine-year MLB veteran made his first career start on Friday.
When questioned if there was anything nostalgic about the event, Giolito replied, “It’s so long ago.” Since it had been so long, I was very thrilled to return and cross another team off my list. Before I play every major league team, I have two more games left, but none of the same players will be in them. The team is now different.
Since that collapse on June 4, Giolito has made five starts and had a 0.83 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. His season ERA, which is currently 3.66, has been almost cut in half.
According to the righty, maintaining consistency has been my aim for the majority of my career. It’s nice to be there, and I just want to keep it continuing because there has been too much inconsistency.
Additionally, Giolito told Webster, “It’s been good, but you can’t be satisfied ever in this game because you get punched in the face as soon as you’re satisfied.” I’ve visited the place countless times.
Story’s comeback has been as impressive. Between Opening Day and the end of May, the veteran shortstop played 56 games and hit.216 with an OPS of.585. Having hit.301 going into Friday with a.858 OPS since June 1, he went 4-for-5 with three runs and four RBI to extend his hitting streak to six games. He hadn’t had four hits since 2023.
Cora remarked of Story, “He hasn’t struggled in a long time.” He has been genuinely excellent. Strong defensive play and forceful ball striking Like Ceddanne, he has been excellent since Milwaukee, and we are in need of him.
A month ago, we put him to the test. He has been providing for our needs.
“Here, we have an opportunity to take charge of our future,” Story remarked. I believe we succeeded in setting the tone today.
The Red Sox have won 10 of their past 11 games on July 4.
Their season record is 44-45.
It was also their 9,999th victory overall.
