Payton Tolle’s immaculate inning, Roman Anthony’s key hit lift Sox past Royals
Red Sox Defeat Royals 4‑1, Tolle Posts First Immaculate Inning in Boston Since 2002
Boston, MA – The Boston Red Sox rolled to a 4‑1 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on Sunday, a win that was punctuated by a historic start from rookie left‑hander Payton Tolle. Tolle, 23, recorded an immaculate inning—nine pitches, three strikeouts—to open the game, the first such feat by a Boston pitcher since Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez on May 18, 2002.
The game was delayed by nearly two hours because of rain. The start time was pushed back 90 minutes on Saturday after a forecast called for rain; the first pitch was eventually thrown 1 hour and 50 minutes later. Despite the weather setbacks, the Red Sox went on to win the three‑game series, capturing the final two games.
Tolle’s first‑inning dominance was the foundation for Boston’s success. He struck out Nick Loftin on a called strike, then retired Bobby Witt Jr. and Jac Caglianone on consecutive strikeouts. He finished the game with six scoreless innings, seven strikeouts and only four hits. “It was a great start,” Tolle said after the game. “I just kept my eye on the ball and let the hitters come in.”
Boston’s offense capitalized early. Caleb Durbin opened the scoring with a solo home run on the first pitch from pitcher Noah Cameron, a shot that landed in the first row of seats above the Green Monster. Trevor Story added a two‑run single in the eighth inning off Nate Pearson, which gave the Red Sox a cushion they never relinquished. In the seventh inning, Roman Anthony hit a go‑ahead single after reliever Connor Thomas walked the first two batters; Anthony’s line drove in his team’s only run of the night.
Kansas City’s lone run came in the third inning when Carter Jensen hit a pinch‑hit single that produced the Royals’ only RBI. Jensen’s hit tied the game at 1‑1 before the Red Sox took a 3‑1 lead in the top of the third, after which Boston held the Royals at bay for the remainder of the game.
Garrett Whitlock earned the win for the Red Sox, finishing 7‑1 for the season. Aroldis Chapman secured his 34th save and the 401st of his career, closing the game on three consecutive outs.
In other news from the Red Sox club, first baseman Willson Contreras returned from the 10‑day injured list on Sunday after missing the first two games of the series with a strained left hamstring. Contreras, who had a career‑best 26 home runs and 79 RBIs entering the game, went 2‑for‑3 and scored a run in the 4‑1 win.
Injury updates also include infielder Anthony Seigler, who was placed on the 10‑day injured list with right wrist inflammation following a swing that hurt him in a 5‑1 loss to the Royals on Saturday.
Looking ahead, Kansas City will send right‑hander Michael Wacha (9‑8, 3.25 ERA) to the mound for the opening of a three‑game series in Houston on Tuesday. Boston will start left‑hander Patrick Sandoval (1‑5, 4.58 ERA) in the series opener against Texas on Tuesday.
The Red Sox’s victory keeps them firmly in the playoff race, while the Royals remain a stretch target for Boston as they pursue a strong finish to the season.
