Red Sox Notes: Alex Cora Likes Boston’s Compete Despite Sweep Vs. Tigers

The Boston Red Sox were swept for the first time this season.

After dropping back-to-back games against the Detroit Tigers via walk-offs, the Red Sox fell to 22-23 on the season.

Despite an uncharacteristic outing from Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman with the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth, manager Alex Cora wasn’t defeated following the 6-5 loss at Comerica Park.

“To be honest with you, this one wasn’t as tough as yesterday,” Cora told reporters in Detroit. “I think we competed the right way with a good job against the best pitcher in the big leagues. It just happened that we ran out of time, right? They scored in the ninth, but I’m pleased with the effort, the way we went about it.

“Obviously, we got swept here. It sucks, but I’m not even thinking about that. I thought the last two days we competed the right way.”

Chapman has been outstanding for the Red Sox so far this season with a 2.25 ERA across 16 innings of work in 18 appearances. He has surrendered four runs on 10 hits with 22 strikeouts and six walks with six saves.

Unfortunately, it was a lead-off walk to Andy Ibañez that came back to bite Boston almost immediately when he stole second on a 1-2 pitch, Connor Wong overthrew the base, allowing Ibañez to advance to third. Justyn-Henry Malloy singled to center to plate Ibañez and secure the win for Detroit.

“We hate to lose three in a row here,” Cora said. “But the way we played the last two, we’re pleased with that at least.”

Here are more notes from Wednesday’s Red Sox-Tigers game:

— Red Sox outfielders Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela combined for an outstanding catch in the outfield to rob Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter from hitting his 10th home run of the season.

Carperter launched a Liam Hendriks 95 MPH four-seam fastball offering to deep right which saw Abreu leap up for the catch. The ball went off the heel of Abreu’s glove and into Rafaele’s waiting bare hand.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ve seen that,” Hendriks said. “I’ve had a couple of interesting plays like that here … but that one was special.

“I’ve set a precedent now that they get a little gift every time they do something cool like that. Now, there’s two gifts in there for them. But yeah, that was special.”

— Boston placed pitcher Tanner Houck on the 15-day injured list before the game. Cora confirmed Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello would be the starters against the Atlanta Braves beginning Friday night at Fenway Park.

— Boston has lost eight consecutive one-run games, begining on April 24 against the Seattle Mariners, and are now 4-12 in such games.

— The Red Sox have lost three of their last five series, dating back to April 29 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Boston is 7-7 in series play, including 4-4 on the road.

— Boston begins a 10-game homestand Friday night against Chris Sale and the Braves. First pitch from Fenway Park is slated for 7:10 p.m. ET with NESN’s coverage beginning at 5:30.