Did Terry Francona Mistake Hand Red Sox Victory Over Reds?

Playing a double-header presents a manager with a challenge. Playing a suspended double-header makes things even more complicated, especially when the previous day’s starters only threw three innings.

The Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds picked up the game they started Tuesday in the top of the fourth inning on Wednesday. Red Sox manager Alex Cora elected to give the ball to his scheduled Wednesday starter, Brayan Bello. Reds manager Terry Francona inserted left-handed reliever Sam Moll into the game.

The Reds jumped out to a quick lead in the fourth and gave the ball to Moll up a run. The lefty was effective, retiring all six hitters he faced. He struck out the side in the top of the fifth inning before hitting the bench.

Later in the game, Boston was able to tie the game via a Carlos Narvaez sacrifice fly.

With the game still tied in the eighth inning, right-hander Lyon Richardson ran into trouble. Abraham Toro recorded a base hit and was lifted for Nate Eaton, who quickly stole second base. Narvaez grounded out to advance the runner to third and bring up Wilyer Abreu.

Usually, two outs and a runner on third in a tie game would be a spot for Francona to call on a lefty. Cincinnati has three lefties in their bullpen, and Sam Moll had already been used. Brent Suter, another option, threw 56 pitches on Monday, which may have limited his availability.

With another game later in the day, Francona elected to stick with Richardson, rather than inserting lefty Taylor Rogers. Richardson has struggled greatly against lefties this season, and Abreu quickly singled in the go-ahead run. Trevor Story then doubled home another run to increase the lead to two.

Francona might have hoped Cora would remove some of his lefties early in the game, allowing the Reds to deploy their right-handed bullpen arms. Cora stuck with his lineup for most of the game and reaped the rewards later on.

Aroldis Chapman took the mound in the ninth and retired the side as the Red Sox took the second game of the series over the Reds, 5-3.