Rafaela's Homer Sparks Red Sox Rally Past Dodgers

Rafaela Leads Offensive Surge

Rafaela delivered the decisive blow in Boston’s comeback, launching a two-run home run to left field in the seventh inning. The 405-foot shot gave the Red Sox a 5-4 lead and ignited a five-run frame that ultimately secured the victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox (58-51) overcame an early deficit to defeat the home team Dodgers (69-41) by a final score of 9-4 on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. The win marked the third for Boston’s starter Brayan Bello, improving his record to 3-6.

Early Scoring and Dodgers Response

Boston took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Duran singled to center field, driving in Durbin. The Red Sox extended their advantage to 3-0 in the third inning. Rafaela scored on an error, and Sogard crossed the plate as Yoshida reached first on a fielding error by Dodgers first baseman Freeman, with Contreras advancing to second.

Los Angeles responded in the fourth inning when Freeman singled to center field, scoring Ohtani to make it 3-1. The Dodgers took the lead in the fifth inning. After Alfonzo singled to center, Tucker scored, but E. Hernández was thrown out at second.

A Dodgers challenge of the call was upheld. Shortly after, Ohtani homered to right field (386 feet), scoring Alfonzo to give Los Angeles a 4-3 advantage.

Bello’s Strong Start and Relief Effort

Brayan Bello earned the win after pitching four innings. He allowed three hits and one walk while striking out three batters. Although he did not allow an earned run, he did permit hits and walks, so his outing was not hitless or perfect.

Ranger Suarez pitched 4.2 innings for Boston, allowing four hits, three earned runs, two walks, and two strikeouts. Jovani Moran pitched 0.1 innings, giving up three hits and one earned run.

Cole Irvin took the loss for the Dodgers, pitching six innings and allowing eight hits, six earned runs, three walks, and five strikeouts. His record dropped to 0-1. Edgardo Henriquez pitched one inning, allowing one hit and one strikeout.

Will Klein pitched 1.1 innings, giving up three hits, one earned run, one walk, and three strikeouts. Evan Phillips pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one walk and no hits or runs.

Late Inning Rally

The Red Sox tied the game in the seventh inning. Rafaela’s home run was followed by a double from Monasterio to left field, which scored Abreu and Yoshida, with Durbin reaching third. Duran grounded out to the pitcher, scoring Durbin and advancing Monasterio to third, making it 8-4.

In the ninth inning, Narváez hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Jones to finalize the 9-4 score.

The game drew an attendance of 47,903 fans. The Dodgers remain at 69-41, while the Red Sox improve to 58-51.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816342