{
  "id": 10496366,
  "title": "Red Sox reactions: Adley Rutschman finishes strong in meaningless loss",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/red-sox-reactions-adley-rutschman-finishes-strong-in-meaningless-loss",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T17:39:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/red-sox-reactions-adley-rutschman-221144103.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Boston Red Sox experienced a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Tampa Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, despite finishing the regular season with a strong 87-75 record. The team had turned things around from a 32-46 start on June 25, posting a .659 winning percentage and clinching a .840 winning percentage in July. This July month was their best-ever for a single month in franchise history.\n\nDespite the regular season being largely irrelevant, as the Cubs had already clinched home-field advantage in the World Series, the Red Sox still had some positive experiences. Catcher Adley Rutschman had a strong final week, homering and walking in the game while going 10-for-30. Tanner Houck made his first start since May 12, 2025, after recovering from Tommy John surgery in just 13 months. He pitched well for three innings, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk.\n\nThe Red Sox finished the season with a 41-40 home record, including this game, after a Nor'easter forced Major League Baseball to move the location from Boston to St. Petersburg. First baseman Wilyer Abreu threw out Michael Conforto at home for the final out of the top of the ninth inning, putting him in line for his third straight Gold Glove. Willson Contreras returned to the lineup after being hit in the hand by a pitch on September 17, going 0-for-2 but getting several at-bats before the postseason. Patrick Sandoval pitched well in two relief outings during the final week, although he walked too many in the ninth inning.\n\nThe Red Sox now face a rematch of last year's AL Wild Card round, with Boston heading to Yankee Stadium for a best-of-three series starting on Tuesday at 8 p.m.",
  "summary": "Instant reactions from the Red Sox’ 6-2 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday:",
  "key_points": [
    "Red Sox lose 6-2 to Tampa Rays in meaningless game.",
    "Adley Rutschman homers, walks in final week of season.",
    "Tanner Houck makes first start since May 2025 after Tommy John surgery."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}