On April 5, 2023, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox faced off in an interleague matchup at Fenway Park in Boston. Both teams were coming off of disappointing seasons in 2022, and were looking to turn things around in the early part of the 2023 season.
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to generate much offense in the early innings. Pirates starter Mitch Keller and Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi were both effective, keeping the opposing batters off-balance with a mix of fastballs, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches.
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The Red Sox broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning, with a two-out RBI single from Xander Bogaerts that scored Rafael Devers. The Pirates had a chance to tie the game in the top of the sixth inning, with runners on second and third and one out, but Eovaldi got out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout.
The Red Sox added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning, with an RBI double from J.D. Martinez that scored Alex Verdugo. The Pirates had a chance to get back into the game in the top of the eighth inning, with runners on first and second and one out, but Red Sox reliever Adam Ottavino struck out the next two batters to end the threat.
The game ended with a 2-0 victory for the Red Sox, as Eovaldi and Ottavino combined to shut out the Pirates over nine innings. The Pirates’ Keller also put in a strong outing, allowing just two runs over six innings, but the Pirates’ offense was unable to get much going against the Red Sox pitching staff.
The game was not without its controversies, however. In the top of the sixth inning, Pirates manager Derek Shelton was ejected for arguing a call at third base. The call was eventually upheld, but the Pirates were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunity.
Overall, the game was a well-played contest between two teams looking to turn things around in the early part of the 2023 season. While the Red Sox came out on top, the Pirates showed that they have the potential to compete with some of the best teams in the league. With a long season ahead, both teams will look to build on their performances and make a push for the playoffs.
The game was also notable for the return of Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who missed most of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury. Benintendi went 1-for-3 with a walk in the game, and showed no ill effects from his injury.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox played a competitive game on April 3, 2023, with the Red Sox ultimately coming out on top with a 2-0 victory. The game showcased the talent and competitiveness of both teams, with strong performances on the mound and at the plate. Fans of both teams can look forward to many more exciting matchups between these two talented teams throughout the season.