Red Sox Garrett Crochet Sets Strikeout Record in Yankees Victory

Garrett Crochet has emerged as a dominant pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, setting franchise records with 32 strikeouts over his last three starts, a feat not seen since Jon Lester in 2009 and unmatched since Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez in 2019. Despite allowing five earned runs in his recent six-inning outing against the Yankees, Crochet struck out nine batters—including Aaron Judge three times—and improved to a 6-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, showcasing his growing role as a potential ace for the team. However, while Crochet's pitching has been a bright spot, the Red Sox continue to struggle defensively, leading MLB in errors with 58 in 66 games, a weakness highlighted by analyst Buster Olney and acknowledged by Manager Alex Cora. Boston's defensive miscues have persisted even in victories, undermining the team's overall performance despite strong offensive and pitching efforts. Crochet's performance signals hope for the Red Sox's pitching future, but the team must address fundamental defensive issues to become a true contender in a competitive division.