[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Finish Sweep of Royals, Set Up Division Series Clash

Kansas City, MO — The Boston Red Sox continued their strong postseason run Wednesday night, defeating the Kansas City Royals 6–2 to complete a two-game sweep in the American League Wildcard Series and advance to the Division Series.

Boston seized control early, scoring four runs in the second inning led by Ceddanne Rafaela delivering the key two-run homer to center field. The Red Sox lineup consistently pressured Kansas City pitching with timely contact, including 3 extra-base hits and drawing 3 walks. Boston added two more runs in the third to extend the lead to 6–0, effectively putting the game out of reach. Right-hander Kutter Crawford (1-0) was dominant on the mound for Boston, working 7 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out seven; Game Score 60. He kept the Royals off balance all night and earned the win, with Nick Pivetta closing out the final 5 outs in relief. Kansas City managed solo scoring chances later in the game, led by Salvador Perez (3 for 3, 2 Doubles) and Maikel Garcia (2 for 4), but could not string together enough offense to threaten seriously.

Triston Casas capped an impressive series at the plate and was named series MVP after hitting .500 (4 for 8) with a double, home run, three runs, three RBI, and one walk across the two games. The Royals, who outhit Boston 9–8 on Wednesday, were undone by missed opportunities and an early deficit they could not erase. With the victory, the Red Sox moved on to face the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, scheduled to begin Friday, as Boston looks to carry its momentum deeper into the 2024 postseason.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #15)

American League Wildcard Round: Wins 2-0
American League Wildcard Round MVP: Triston Casas