No Extra-Base Hits in a 6-Run Inning: Why Fenway Finally Feels Like Fenway Again

Holy smokes, did you see what went down in Boston last night? The Red Sox pulled a HUGE turnaround after struggling hardcore at home. We’re talking a six-run inning where they didn’t hit a single extra-base ball! Pure grind-it-out baseball, it broke their slump in a HUGE way!

Singles Stacked, Dam Broken

This was an inning for the ages. In the bottom of the fourth, ten batters came up, scoring six runs without an extra-base hit. Small ball magic! Nick Sogard’s sacrifice bunt, a Braves error by Matt Olson, and an RBI single from red-hot Isiah Kiner-Falefa kicked it off. Jarren Duran then hit a broken-bat single, setting up two-run singles from Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. Rafaela: "That's the plan, to keep moving the line and pass it to the other guy behind you. And then that's when big things like that happen."

Interim manager Chad Tracy nailed it: "That's crazy. But because we stacked them, [it worked]." They scored eight runs all night with just one extra-base hit! This proves singles work when strung together. After losing five straight at home, seven of eight, and eight of ten, Fenway finally felt like Fenway again. Their home record? Now 9-18. Oof.

Early's Gem and a Dynamic Duo

While offense stacked, rookie lefty Connelly Early absolutely dealt. Already 5-2 with a 2.95 ERA, he threw seven scoreless innings against the Braves: four hits, three walks, seven strikeouts. The 34,093 fans gave him a standing ovation. Early said it was "great" and the "weather felt great."

Jarren Duran and Ceddanne Rafaela were incredible. Duran grabbed four hits, including a solo shot, three runs, three RBIs. His average jumped to .213, over the Mendoza Line for the first time since April 5! Rafaela, crushing it, had a .285 average, three hits, three runs, and three RBIs. Manager Tracy raved about Rafaela's "swing decisions at the plate." These two combined for 7-for-10! Insane.

Despite their 23-31 start, the Red Sox are only three games out of a Wild Card spot. Rafaela: "I think it's awesome to see things turning our way. And hopefully it keeps going like that. And like I said, we're going to be in a really good spot in September."

What This Means for the Emerald City

Always interesting to see what other teams are doing. Boston's next challenge: Thursday’s series finale, rookie Payton Tolle vs. veteran Chris Sale. If they win, it’s their first home series win since April 9.

But enough about them, let’s talk OUR team! The Mariners just took down the Athletics 9-1! That's the strong performance we love to see early in the season, showing off that power and pitching. With Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez leading the charge, we're building something special at T-Mobile Park. The season is young, every win counts as this team takes shape. Let's keep that momentum rolling, M's fans!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.