Boston snapped a long wait for a home series win, beating the Texas Rangers 6-3 on Saturday. The victory marked the Red Sox’s second home series win of the season, improved their Fenway record to 12-21, and set up a chance at a Sunday sweep after Jake deGrom l
When the Red Sox finally strung together multiple wins at Fenway Park, it didn’t come as a celebration of perfection. It came as something harder—relief.
Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers gave Boston its first home series win since early April, ending a drought that lasted more than two months. The last time the Red Sox recorded a series win at Fenway Park was on April 8 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Home wins have been difficult for Boston all season. With the win on Saturday, the Red Sox improved to a 12-21 home record—still the worst mark in Major League Baseball. But a series win is a series win, especially when it comes against a pitcher of Jacob deGrom’s caliber.
Interim manager Chad Tracy didn’t hide how long it had felt. “It’s been a minute,” Tracy said after the game of securing multiple wins at home. “It feels good. It’s no secret … we all know we have to play better at home. We’ve played two really good ballgames here to start. Won a series there (in April) and have a chance to go sweep one. so it feels good for the guys. for sure.”.
For Boston, the breakthrough started with deGrom, even if his outing wasn’t his sharpest. The 37-year-old right-hander worked six innings, allowed six hits, and gave up two earned runs while striking out five. He left the game tied at 2-2, handing the rest to the Rangers’ bullpen.
That’s where Boston’s offense did the work.
Ceddanne Rafaela drove in two runs with a timely RBI single in the seventh inning. putting the Red Sox ahead 4-2. His production came after a strong performance the night before, when he hit a two-run home run and two doubles. Rafaela connected the sudden spark to the conditions. crediting the warm weather for Boston’s bats getting hot—suggesting that Saturday’s stretch of 90-degree temperatures helped keep the momentum going.
Texas did get a response in the top of the eighth. Jake Burger brought the Rangers within one with a solo home run, making it 4-3. But Jarren Duran answered quickly, launching a two-run homer to extend Boston’s lead to 6-3. That held up as the final score.
Whether this home surge becomes a true turning point will be tested in the games ahead. Still. the numbers from the Red Sox’s last 11 home games show they’ve been playing with more bite: they’ve hit .282 with 57 runs scored. 40 extra-base hits. a .340 on-base percentage. a .465 slugging percentage. and a .805 OPS.
“I think every win matters, especially at home,” Rafaela said to NESN’s Adam Pellerin. “We want the fans to be happy and that’s what we try to accomplish. Show up tomorrow and get the win.”
On Sunday, Boston will try to complete its third series sweep, with first pitch set for 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on NBC.
Boston Red Sox Texas Rangers Fenway Park Jacob deGrom Chad Tracy Ceddanne Rafaela Jarren Duran MLB