Tolle has career-high 14 strikeouts, Red Sox beat A’s 13-1 for 9th straight win

In a dominating performance, the Boston Red Sox secured their ninth consecutive victory with a commanding 13-1 triumph over the Athletics on Friday night. Payton Tolle, the Red Sox's ace, delivered a career-high 14 strikeouts in six innings, marking the first instance since Chris Sale in 2019. Tolle's stellar outing began strong, remaining perfect through the first four innings before conceding a single run on two hits.

Wilyer Abreu's triple play a pivotal role in the game, driving in an impressive three runs. The Red Sox's rally commenced with Jarren Duran's two-run home run off the Green Monster in left field, igniting a five-run second inning. Jake Rogers contributed an RBI double, while Abreu added a crucial two-run double. Abreu's 380-foot double to right field would have been a home run in any other ballpark, excluding Fenway Park, as per Statcast.

The Red Sox expanded their lead with three more runs in the fourth inning, courtesy of Andruw Monasterio, Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida. Yoshida and Caleb Durbin each added additional runs, propelling the team to double-digit scoring, a feat they achieved for the second consecutive game. However, Jack Perkins struggled, giving up five runs on five hits over three innings, striking out three and walking three.

Despite Tolle's no-hit bid being interrupted by Tyler Soderstrom's leadoff homer in the fifth inning, the Red Sox maintained their relentless offensive momentum, ensuring a resounding victory. The Athletics will have the chance to retaliate as left-handed pitcher Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) faces off against Red Sox lefty Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) in the middle game of the series.