- Walk-off hit marks Boston's fourth consecutive win
- Rafael Devers smashes three-run homer in fifth inning
- White Sox fall to 0-8 on road, worst start in franchise history
- Garrett Crochet extends scoreless streak to 13.1 innings vs former team
The iconic Green Monster proved decisive in Saturday's thriller as Triston Casas lined a 10th-inning single off Fenway Park's legendary left-field wall, sealing a 4-3 Red Sox victory. Boston's dramatic win extends their winning streak while deepening Chicago's early-season crisis, with the White Sox now enduring their worst road start since 1901.
Rafael Devers ignited Fenway's crowd in the fifth frame with a 427-foot rocket over the Monster seats, his three-run blast accounting for Boston's early lead. The towering shot came against Massachusetts native Shane Smith, who plunked three batters in his Fenway homecoming start. Chicago's response arrived via Luis Robert Jr., whose seventh-inning two-run shot off a misplaced sweeper highlighted Chicago's three-run rally.
Pitching Analysis: Garrett Crochet continued his dominance against former teammates, scattering four singles over six scoreless frames. The left-hander has now allowed just one earned run in his last 13.1 innings against Chicago. Contrasting this efficiency, rookie Mike Vasil (0-1) endured a brutal MLB debut decision, surrendering Casas' game-winning hit in the 10th.
Historic Context: Fenway's 37-foot-high Green Monster has decided 23 walk-off wins since 2000, per MLB Statcast. Saturday's outcome continues this trend, with 18% of Monster hits since 2015 resulting in game-altering plays. The victory also marks Boston's first extra-inning triumph using MLB's new ghost runner rule this season.
Regional Impact: Massachusetts-born pitchers have now allowed 11 earned runs in 14 Fenway appearances this year, highlighting the challenge local players face in home-state matchups. Smith's three hit batters tied a Red Sox opponent record for Massachusetts natives, last achieved in 1998.
As Chicago's bullpen falters with a 6.23 ERA through 23 games, Boston's relief corps continues improving with a 1.02 WHIP in late-game scenarios. Garrett Whitlock's scoreless 10th secured his first win, contrasting sharply with White Sox relievers' 0-5 record in one-run games.
What's Next: Sunday's series finale features struggling right-hander Tanner Houck (9.16 ERA) against Chicago's Sean Burke (7.56 ERA). Both pitchers seek redemption after recent disastrous outings, with Houck aiming to rebound from an 11-run shellacking against Tampa Bay.