August 28, 2023. The Boston Red Sox find themselves seven games over .500 and 4.5 out of the final playoff spot. Their playoff hopes, while slim, are still alive. The upcoming three-game set with the Astros is a virtual must-win.
Chris Sale started the first game of the series, struggled with efficiency, and exited with two outs in the fifth inning trailing by a run. Enter Kyle Barraclough. To his credit, Barraclough retired the first batter he faced, stranding two runners.
The Red Sox regained the lead in the bottom of the inning, and oddly enough, the bullpen remained quiet.