Red Sox Suffer Another Frustrating Loss As September Slide Continues

Red Sox Suffer Another Frustrating Loss As September Slide Continues originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox returned to Fenway Park on Friday hoping a favorable weekend matchup would help them recover from a disappointing series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Instead, their September slide only became more concerning.

Boston failed to complete its comeback in a 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals, dropping its third consecutive game after previously winning five in a row. The Red Sox fell to 80-68 and moved 8 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. More importantly, Boston’s cushion over the Cleveland Guardians in the wild-card race shrank to five games.

With only 14 games remaining, the Red Sox are still in a strong playoff position. Their recent inability to take advantage of struggling opponents, however, is making the race far more uncomfortable than necessary.

Sonny Gray Unable To Overcome Early Damage

Sonny Gray entered Friday with 17 victories and a 2.69 ERA, but Kansas City scored three runs against Boston’s ace.

FINAL: Royals 3, #RedSox 2

— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 12, 2026

Carter Jensen delivered the game’s biggest hit with a two-run double. Salvador Perez added an RBI as the Royals built a 3-0 advantage. Gray settled down and completed six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out five while falling to 17-5.

The performance was good enough to keep Boston within striking distance. The Red Sox offense simply could not complete the comeback.

Kansas City starter Seth Lugo allowed seven hits over five innings but limited Boston to two runs. He struck out seven and earned his first victory in five career starts against the Red Sox.

MORE: Red Sox Receive Encouraging Update On Injured Ace

Red Sox Waste Late Opportunity

Boston finally broke through in the fifth inning. Mickey Gasper hit a solo home run before Wilyer Abreu drove an RBI double off the Green Monster, trimming Kansas City’s lead to 3-2.

That was as close as the Red Sox would get.

Boston produced its best opportunity to tie the game in the eighth when Trevor Story doubled against Nate Pearson. Story advanced to third on Nick Sogard’s fly ball to right field, placing the tying run only 90 feet away.

Caleb Durbin struck out to end the threat.

Royals closer Steven Cruz worked a scoreless ninth inning to secure his seventh save and complete Boston’s third consecutive defeat.

The loss was particularly damaging because it came against a Kansas City team that entered Friday in last place in the American League Central. The Royals improved to 66-82 while claiming their second straight victory.

Boston will attempt to even the series Saturday at Fenway Park. Ranger Suárez is scheduled to start against Kansas City right-hander Randy Dobnak.

The pitching matchup again appears favorable for the Red Sox. After three consecutive losses, favorable matchups are no longer enough. Boston must begin turning them into victories.

More Red Sox