Red Sox 5, Royals 1

 

The Sox end their losing streak and set themselves up to possibly win the home series against the last-place Royals. Doesn't change a thing - this team is still going nowhere in the post-season.

Rutschman, Abreu, Durbin, and Sogard each had a one-run-or-more RBI base hit in the game, which was a refreshing change from the last week or so. Suarez pitched well, getting eight strikeouts and giving up but one run in seven complete innings. Even though the game wasn't on the line, the Sox gave Chapman a chance to throw a little in the ninth, and he didn't allow one single hit. Nice effort, but there's a reason Kansas City is 66-83.

The Yankees lost yesterday bit the Sox are still 4½ games back in the Wild Card standings and aren't catching up. Cleveland lost, too, and are six games behind Boston and won't be catching up to the Sox and giving Boston an easier path through the first-round of playoffs.

The rubber game of this weekend homestand series in this afternoon (3:05, delayed because of rain). Payton Tolle (9-6, 3.15) will pitch for the Sox against the Royals' Noah Cameron (9-8, 3.93). 

I don't care any more what happens in the game.