Red Sox Notes: Boston Hopes Offense Turns Around During Road Trip

The Red Sox offense fell short against the Mariners at Fenway Park on Thursday afternoon.

Boston suffered a 4-3 loss to Seattle, losing the series at home against the American League West side for the first time since 2014.

Bryan Woo and the Mariners bullpen showed the Fenway Faithful why they have one of the best pitching staffs in MLB. Boston struck out 12 times, dropping it to 5-10 when it strikes out more than 10 times in a game.

“He’s (Woo) got good stuff, but we have to make adjustments for the game,” Alex Cora told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame show. “We were getting beat in certain areas, and he just kept going there. Did better against the bullpen, caught a little ground with them, but it wasn’t enough.”

Rafael Devers’ hitless streak continued with a 0-for-4 outing. He’s 0-for-16 during his slump and 1-for-16 in close and late situations, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford. However, Cora isn’t too worried about Boston’s star slugger.

“Like I said, dominated the strike zone, but swinging and missing in the strike zone, that’s something we have to work in, mechanics-wise,” Cora said. “The group is grinding, he’s grinding. He knows it. Hopefully, we find it in Cleveland.

The Red Sox only mustered four hits Thursday afternoon. Alex Bregman continued his strong start to the season with a 2-for-3 outing, including one home run. The two-time World Series champion typically is known for starting the season slow, but he’s been one of Boston’s most consistent hitters to start the year.

“He’s the player I expected, so I’m not surprised,” Cora said. “He controls the strike zone. He doesn’t swing and miss. He doesn’t panic with two strikes. Just a consistent approach throughout the week, the series. He’s in a good spot. It’s a great start.”

Here are more notes from Thursday’s Red Sox-Mariners matchup

— It wasn’t a great day for Garrett Crochet. The left-hander struck out nine in five innings. However, he walked five batters and gave up four runs on five hits. He generated a game-high 17 swings and misses and reached a season-high 98.4 mph on his fastball, per Baseball Savant. But the 25-year-old knows he can be better for the Red Sox.

— Kristian Campbell’s production slowed down in the final weeks of the month. He struck out four times Thursday against the Mariners, with pitchers utilizing their heaters to get the better of the rookie. However, Cora didn’t sound the alarm on the 22-year-old.

“I mean, it’s gonna happen in the big leagues,” Cora said. “Good stuff, good mix. They used the sinker to speed him up. They used a slider off the plate to make him chase. Just one of those days in the big leagues. That’s gonna happen. He’s just a kid, and he’s learning the process.”

— Boston called up Luis Guerrero from Triple-A Worcester for Josh Winckowski. Guerrero pitched two innings and struck out one batter while giving up as many hits.

— The Red Sox begin a six-game road trip when they take on the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Friday. First pitch is scheduled at 7:10 p.m. ET on Apple TV+.