On Friday night, the Boston Red Sox welcomed the Kansas City Royals to Fenway Park for their first of three matchups over the weekend and were promptly handed a 6-1 loss.
Kansas City's arms stifled Boston's offense in this one, as they recorded just five total hits, two walks and struck out 10 times. Their lone run came from a Ceddanne Rafaela (2-for-3) double in the second inning. Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Tyler O'Neill, Connor Wong, Romy Gonzalez, Dom Smith and David Hamilton all went hitless.
The Red Sox' pitching staff wasn't much better. Cooper Criswell made the start in his return from Triple-A Worcester, and he gave up five runs in the first four innings. Luckily, he was able to go two more to save the bullpen.
Cam Booser followed, pitching a clean inning, and Greg Weissert got the last two, allowing one run on a solo shot by MJ Melendez.
The loss drops Boston to 51-42 overall and 22-25 at home. These two teams will meet for the middle game of the series where the Red Sox will look to tie it back at one game apiece.
