TAMPA, Fla. — The Boston Red Sox showcased their resilience once more, overcoming a challenging game to secure a 6-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 21, 2025. This win marked another late-game rally, with Trevor Story delivering the decisive blow in the ninth inning, a single that broke a tie and propelled the team to triumph. The victory was particularly significant as it highlighted the strong performance of left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, who made his first start for the Red Sox since joining the team in the trade involving Rafael Devers earlier this season.
Manager Alex Cora opted for the same lineup as the previous night, emphasizing the importance of securing wins, regardless of the manner in which they come. “It’s huge,” Cora remarked about the late-game heroics. “I’d rather have them early, but this is where we’re at, and we know our situation. We’re going to suffer, but it’s fun. They’re playing for each other, giving everything they have.” With only seven games remaining in the season, the Red Sox are firmly in contention for a playoff spot, currently holding the second American League wild-card position, just ahead of Cleveland and Houston.
Harrison’s performance was pivotal in achieving this win. The 24-year-old lefty, who debuted with the Red Sox on September 10 in a relief role, had not started a major league game since June 10 with San Francisco. During the interim, he honed his skills in Triple-A Worcester, refining his pitches and improving his control. Facing a formidable Tampa lineup that included three players with over 25 home runs each, Harrison delivered a solid outing, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings, while striking out five batters.
Cora praised Harrison’s command on the mound, stating, “Amazing. Strike-throwing, the fastball is legit, and when he’s around the zone, he’s tough to hit.” Harrison threw 60 of his 86 pitches for strikes, resulting in a striking 70 percent strike rate, and managed to induce 11 swings and misses during his outing.
Reflecting on his approach, Harrison emphasized the importance of attacking hitters. “First and foremost, it was just getting ahead, attacking the zone and really, really throwing the slurve with conviction,” he said. His ability to navigate traffic, particularly in the sixth inning when he faced a single and a walk, showcased his composure under pressure.
Despite Harrison’s strong performance, the game remained tense. After he exited with the lead, relievers Justin Wilson and Justin Slaten struggled, allowing the Rays to tie the game in the seventh inning. Yet, the Red Sox demonstrated their determination, rallying in the ninth to clinch the win. Enmanuel Rafaela, who had struggled before this game, played a crucial role by reaching second base following a fielding error. Story’s timely hit then drove him in, marking Story’s 95th RBI of the season.
Looking ahead, the team is set to welcome back outfielder Wilyer Abreu, who has been sidelined for the past 30 games. His return is expected to further bolster the lineup as the Red Sox push for a playoff berth.
“We’re a tough team,” Story stated, reflecting on the nature of close contests. “I think that’s a sign of a good team and being able to win close games. Tough games like this are what’s going to need to happen in the postseason. Because these are the type of games we’re going to play, they’re not going to be easy. So that’s just kind of part of how we want to embrace that, because that’s what it’s going to be going forward.”
With the season drawing to a close, the Red Sox must continue to perform under pressure as they strive for postseason success. The upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays promises to be critical, as they seek to close the gap on the division leaders and secure their place in October baseball.
