Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs, Cooper Criswell pitched seven innings without allowing a run, and the Boston Red Sox defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-0 on Tuesday night, ending a four-game losing streak.
O’Neill’s first homer, a two-run blast in the opening inning, was followed by a mammoth 465-foot shot in the third inning off Ty Blach, extending the Red Sox lead to 6-0.
“It’s always satisfying to connect like that,” O’Neill remarked. “As long as it clears the wall and contributes to the team, that’s what counts.”
In the fourth inning, O’Neill faced a bases-loaded situation but was struck out by Anthony Molina on a 2-2 curveball, ending the threat.
Criswell (4-4) recorded four strikeouts, allowed five hits, and threw a career-high 105 pitches. Despite two singles starting the sixth inning for Colorado, Criswell induced a double play from Brendan Rodgers and a groundout from Brenton Doyle.
“He kept the ball down and generated a lot of ground balls,” noted Rockies manager Bud Black. “We just couldn’t figure him out.”
Criswell’s lengthy outing provided much-needed rest for Boston’s bullpen, earning a raucous reception from Red Sox fans as he exited after the seventh inning.
“With the offense putting up runs early, my game plan was to attack the strike zone and let them put the ball in play,” Criswell explained. “Solo home runs can’t beat you.”
The Red Sox had a scare in the sixth inning when third baseman Rafael Devers remained down briefly after diving for Ezequiel Tovar’s line-drive single. Despite holding his right shoulder in discomfort, Devers continued after a trainer’s evaluation.
“We were obviously concerned,” manager Alex Cora admitted. “But thankfully, he’s alright. He just jammed it a bit. He’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
