Gray’s 11K, Abreu & Eaton’s clutch bats power Red Sox past Rockies
Sonny Gray dominated with 11 strikeouts while Wilyer Abreu and Nate Eaton drove in two runs each in Boston’s 5-2 road win over Colorado.
The Boston Red Sox rode Sonny Gray’s dominant arm and timely hitting from the bottom of the order to a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at Coors Field. Gray set the tone early, punching out 11 Rockies over six innings while allowing just two runs on five hits. His slider stayed sharp, and his fastball command repeatedly beat Colorado’s hitters.
50 K/9 rate. The performance marked his third straight start with at least 10 strikeouts, tying a career high and proving he’s back to form after early-season struggles. Offensive support came from an unlikely duo.
Wilyer Abreu and Nate Eaton each drove in two runs, with Abreu’s two-run single in the fifth capping a three-run inning and Eaton’s RBI double in the sixth extending the lead to 4-2. Alex Verdugo added an RBI single in the eighth to ice the win. D.
Martinez. Colorado’s offense managed only five hits, with Nolan Arenado collecting two of them but stranding five runners. The Rockies’ inability to capitalize on baserunners—now 14 stranded in the last two games—highlights their 18th-ranked run production this season.
Pitching coach Steve Foster admitted the staff’s struggles against Gray’s secondary offerings. “Our approach against breaking balls has been too passive,” Foster said. ” Gray’s outing also carried strategic weight.
The Red Sox entered the game with a 4-6 record in their last 10, needing a statement win to stay within striking distance of the AL East lead. Instead of relying on home runs, Boston’s small-ball approach—sacrifice flies, stolen bases, and situational hitting—produced runs in bunches. The win snapped a two-game losing streak and gave the rotation a lift after a shaky outing from Brayan Bello on Sunday.
Manager Alex Cora praised Gray’s adaptability. “He’s been pitching to contact less and trusting his stuff more,” Cora said. ” Gray’s resurgence is particularly notable given the challenges of pitching at Coors Field, where the thin air typically favors hitters.
J. Cron, underscores the legitimacy of his recent success. 08 mark in April.
This performance further solidifies his role as a cornerstone of Boston’s rotation, especially with Chris Sale still on the injured list. The Rockies, meanwhile, continue to struggle with consistency on both sides of the ball. Their offense ranks 18th in run production, and their pitching staff has allowed the third-most home runs in the league.
The team’s inability to string together hits with runners in scoring position has been a recurring theme, dropping them to 25-28 on the season. Manager Bud Black acknowledged the need for adjustments, particularly against pitchers like Gray who can exploit their aggressiveness. What’s next: The Red Sox head to San Diego for a three-game set against the Padres starting Friday, while the Rockies remain home to face the Dodgers. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
This win underscores the Red Sox’s pitching depth and the value of role players delivering in key spots. With Gray’s strikeout surge and contributions from Abreu and Eaton, Boston shows it can win without its usual offensive stars, a critical edge in the tight AL East. The small-ball execution also signals a tactical shift under Cora, prioritizing run production over power—a necessity given the injuries to Devers and Martinez.
Frequently asked
- How many strikeouts did Sonny Gray record in the game?
- Sonny Gray struck out 11 Colorado Rockies batters over six innings, his third straight start with at least 10 strikeouts.
- Which Red Sox players drove in runs?
- Wilyer Abreu and Nate Eaton each drove in two runs, while Alex Verdugo added an RBI single in the eighth inning.
- Where was the game played?
- The game was played at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, the Rockies’ home ballpark.
- What’s next for the Red Sox after this win?
- Boston travels to San Diego for a three-game series against the Padres, beginning Friday night.
- How did Nolan Arenado perform in the game?
- Nolan Arenado collected two hits but was unable to drive in any runs, leaving five Rockies stranded on base.
- What’s Gray’s ERA over his last five starts?
- Sonny Gray’s ERA over his last five starts is 2.89, a sharp improvement from his 5.08 mark in April.
Source
- Red Sox beat the Rockies 5-2 behind Sonny Gray’s 11 strikeouts
ESPNespn.com24 Jun, 3:30en
