Boston Red Sox Defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 with Strong Pitching Performance from Kutter Crawford

The Boston Red Sox secured a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, with pitcher Kutter Crawford delivering a standout performance on the mound. Crawford allowed just one run in six innings, striking out six batters and walking three. The win snapped a streak of losses for the Red Sox, who had dropped seven of their last 10 games before facing the struggling Pirates.

Pittsburgh’s ace Mitch Keller struggled in the game, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks in six innings. Despite a strong start, Keller was unable to contain the Red Sox offense, with Masataka Yoshida hitting a two-run homer off him in the sixth inning to put Boston ahead.

The Pirates made a late push with Connor Joe hitting a pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Red Sox’s lead. Kenley Jansen closed out the game for Boston, striking out the side in the ninth inning to secure his fifth save of the season.

The Red Sox will look to continue their winning streak in the series finale on Sunday, with LHP Martín Pérez set to take the mound for the Pirates. The Red Sox have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the game.

In other news, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas left the game early with left rib discomfort, while infielder Rafael Devers and outfielder Tyler O’Neill could potentially return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians, according to manager Alex Cora. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.