During Monday's MLB game in Toronto on September 23, 2024, Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran successfully stole second base in the fourth inning, while Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Ernie Clement lost his footing and tumbled. The moment was captured during the game's action by photographer Chris Young.
The Boston Red Sox kept their fading playoff hopes alive by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 in the first of a three-game series on Monday night. With this victory, the Red Sox improved their season record to 79-78, while the Blue Jays slipped to 73-84, now 11 games below .500.
Boston's Tanner Houck pitched an impressive five shutout innings, allowing just one hit, which helped him secure his ninth win of the season (9-10). On the other side, Toronto’s Chris Bassitt struggled, giving up three runs and issuing seven walks, the most he's allowed in any game this season. His record fell to 11-14.
Bassitt's rough night was noted by Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who described the pitcher’s performance as unusual, citing issues with his off-speed pitches, which led to the high number of walks. Despite his control problems, Bassitt limited the damage, but it was too late for a turnaround.
The Red Sox took an early lead in the second inning when Vaughn Grissom brought Connor Wong home on a sacrifice fly. Grissom, just called back from Triple-A Worcester, earned his fourth RBI of the season. In the following inning, Wilyer Abreu extended the lead with an RBI single, his 58th RBI of the year, cementing his strong debut season in the American League.
Boston's lead grew to 3-0 in the fourth inning. Nick Sogard, who doubled to start the frame, advanced to third after Bassitt was called for a balk. Ceddanne Rafaela then brought Sogard home with a swinging bunt, pushing the score to 3-0. This RBI was Rafaela’s 71st of the season, contributing to Boston's aggressive start.
Toronto made a pitching change in the fifth inning, replacing Bassitt with Zach Pop, but Boston remained steady. Though Pop prevented further damage by inducing a double play, Tanner Houck continued to dominate from the mound. He took a perfect game into the fifth inning before walking Addison Barger, followed by a single from Ernie Clement, Toronto’s first hit of the game.
The Blue Jays had opportunities but couldn't capitalize. Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Houck’s efficient and strike-heavy performance, while Schneider acknowledged the difficulty in hitting against Houck’s tough fastball, which led to many ground balls.
In the eighth, Dillon Tate struggled for the Blue Jays, allowing two walks, which set the stage for a crucial RBI single from Rafaela that extended Boston's lead to 4-0. Despite a ninth-inning leadoff single from Nathan Lukes, Toronto couldn't mount a comeback as Chris Martin closed out the game with no further damage.
The Red Sox are still holding on to their playoff hopes, with Cora urging his team to focus on winning the next game. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will have a shot at redemption in the second game of the series on Tuesday night.
