MLB wrap: Rafael Devers error precedes walkoff homer for White Sox

Thomas Lott

•
MLB wrap: Rafael Devers error precedes walkoff homer for White Sox image

This loss is going to be a tough one to swallow for the Red Sox.

Boston lost 6-4 to the White Sox on Thursday on a walkoff three-run homer off the bat of Nicky Delmonico.

And while that stinks for anyone involved with or simply rooting for the Red Sox, that's not what really stings. What stings is this game could well have been over had it not been for a Rafael Devers error.

With a 4-3 lead with one out in the ninth inning and the bases empty, Devers made a somewhat inexplicable gaffe in which he failed to field a slow rolling ground ball to third base.

The ball was firmly in his glove but he some how flipped it away, allowing Jose Rondon to reach first with one out.

Ryan Brasier would then give up a single to Yonder Alonso and the homer to Delmonico to end the game.

Who knows what happens if the bases are empty for Alonso's at-bat or even if there is just one runner on for Delmonico?

But we'll never know because Devers made that error and put a lot more pressure on Brasier in his save opportunity. The 22-year-old is second in MLB with nine errors this season and two have cost his team dearly in the last week.

If Boston had won on Thursday, it likely would have moved into sole possession of third place in the American League East with its fourth consecutive win.

Instead, it is still looking up at the Blue Jays for that spot and Alex Cora still has to contemplate how much he wants to play Devers in the field as he keeps costing this team.

Studs of the Night

Padres second baseman Ian Kinsler went 3-for-6 and finished a triple short of the cycle in an 11-2 win over the Braves.

Rockies outfielder David Dahl also finished a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs in Colorado's 11-6 win over the Brewers.

Twins starter Jose Berrios tossed seven innings of two-run ball in an 8-2 win over the Astros.

Rays starter Charlie Morton tossed 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with nine strikeouts in a 3-1 win over the Royals.

Dud of the Night

Reds outfielder Jesse Winker went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and was ejected in a 1-0 loss to the Mets.

Highlights

Astros right fielder Josh Reddick made a spectacular diving play to rob Eddie Rosario of extra bases.

In the same game, Byron Buxton robbed Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel of extra bases as well and made it look frighteningly easy.

What's Next

Cardinals (20-11) at Cubs (16-12) 2:20 p.m. ET — It's the first matchup of the year between Chicago and St. Louis and it just so happens to feature the top two teams in the National League Central. Jack Flaherty (3-1, 4.06 ERA) will take on Kyle Hendricks (1-4, 5.33 ERA) at Wrigley Field.

Thomas Lott