How Alex Cora Addressed Kenley Jansen’s Blown Save Vs. Dodgers

The Red Sox on Saturday let a win over a World Series contender slip through their fingers for a second straight day.

A Freddie Freeman eighth-inning grand slam doomed Boston in its series opener against Los Angeles on Friday night. The visitors were primed for a bounce-back victory in the middle game at Dodger Stadium when they entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead, but Kenley Jansen was not able to secure a save. The Red Sox closer surrendered a game-tying home run to former teammate Kiké Hernández and the Dodgers went on to win 7-6 in 11 innings.

Boston manager Alex Cora employed a very matter-of-fact approach when he spoke about Jansen’s misstep after the game.

“We had the lead in the ninth and they hit a homer against one of the best closers in the big leagues,” Cora told reporters per MassLive. “We passed the baton all the way to the ninth and had our anchor. It just didn’t happen.”

Jansen, like Cora, was quick to turn the page after the Red Sox dropped a second straight game coming out of the All-Star break. The four-time All-Star didn’t see any purpose in dwelling on the verdict, as there is “nothing you can do about it” once the contest is decided.

Boston will try to salvage its weekend set in Chavez Ravine on Sunday night. First pitch for the finale is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.