Alex Cora Credits Fans For Making Fenway ‘Uncomfortable’

When Hunter Dobbins went down with an injury, the Boston Red Sox were down, but not out.

The Red Sox bullpen combined to allow three runs over 7 1/3 innings, giving the offense a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth. After Roman Anthony drew a walk, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a walk-off home run, and the Fenway Park crowd turned into a frenzy.

Coming into 2025, the Red Sox were 77-85 at home over the last two seasons. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has talked about turning Fenway into a difficult place to play, and that was the case on Friday.

“You guys know I feel about this thing,” Cora said, gesturing to the Fenway Park crowd. “Tonight was real, and we appreciate that. [The fans] got here early, and it was very loud. It was on us to make this place uncomfortable, and tonight was uncomfortable, and you could feel it.”

Opposing teams haven’t had an easy time in Fenway this year. The Red Sox are 30-20, well ahead of their pace in previous years.

On top of the atmosphere, Jarren Duran has nearly mastered the monster, while opponents have a hard time fielding balls hit hard to left field. Rays outfielder Jake Mangum was flummoxed by a fly ball hit off the wall on Friday.

The Red Sox play two more games against the Rays in Boston before the All-Star break. With the win on Friday, they jumped to third in the American League East, a half game above the Rays. If the season ended today, they’d hold the second American League Wild Card spot.