Garrett Crochet Dominates As Red Sox Blank Orioles 3-0

BALTIMORE (AP) — Garrett Crochet pitched eight outstanding innings in his first start with his big new contract, and the Boston Red Sox blanked the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 on Wednesday night. The left-hander delivered the strongest outing of his big league career, earning a collective round of applause from his teammates at Camden Yards. This performance came just a day after he finalized a six-year, $170 million contract extension with the team, solidifying his position as a key player for the Red Sox.

Trevor Story opened the scoring for Boston with a solo home run off Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin in the second inning, marking his first home run of the season. Story's drive was particularly significant as he had struggled with injuries in recent seasons, hitting just five homers over the last two years. His power resurgence is seen as a vital boost for the Red Sox as they aim to turn their season around.

Boston's offensive effort continued in the fifth inning when Rafael Devers, who had been struggling at the plate, finally broke through with his first two hits of the season, including an RBI double. Prior to this game, Devers was 0 for 21 with 15 strikeouts, making his contributions in this matchup even more crucial. Ceddanne Rafaela also played a key role, driving in Campbell with a single before scoring on Devers' double.

In total, Crochet allowed only four hits and one walk while striking out eight Orioles batters, throwing 102 pitches throughout his dominant outing. "That’s the reason he’s here. That’s the reason we committed to him," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora after the game, highlighting Crochet's importance to the team's success. "The pitch count was in check, the stuff was good, and he’s the guy that we wanted out there." This performance not only helped the Red Sox snap a four-game losing streak but also showcased the potential of their investment in Crochet.

Aroldis Chapman closed out the game for Boston, recording his first save in a Red Sox uniform. The veteran left-hander threw 18 pitches in the ninth inning, becoming the first relief pitcher in MLB history to record a save for seven different teams. This milestone adds to Chapman's legacy as one of the most prolific closers in the game.

Kristian Campbell, another player who recently signed a lucrative contract extension, also made headlines by going 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles. Campbell's performance marked a promising start to his career, as he now has the second-most extra-base hits across his first six big league games in Red Sox history, trailing only Will Middlebrooks.

Looking ahead, the Red Sox are set to face the Orioles again on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in the series finale. Tanner Houck, who is still searching for his first win of the season, will take the mound for Boston. He will be opposed by Charlie Morton, who is also looking to bounce back after a rough start to the season. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET, and fans are eager to see if the Red Sox can build on this momentum.

The Orioles, coming off this disappointing loss, will be hoping for a better performance, especially with star shortstop Gunnar Henderson eligible to return from the injured list. As both teams prepare for the final game of the series, the stakes are high for the Red Sox to continue their upward trajectory and for the Orioles to regain their footing.

In summary, the Boston Red Sox's victory over the Baltimore Orioles highlighted the potential of their recent acquisitions and the importance of key players stepping up in critical moments. With Crochet leading the charge on the mound and contributions from Story, Devers, and Campbell, the Red Sox are poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.