Garrett Crochet went five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, including two homers, lifting his season ERA to 7.88 through five starts. It marked the toughest stretch of his tenure as a starter, a downturn the team can ill afford as it searches for a turnaround.
For four innings, Crochet showed signs of progress, keeping Detroit to one run while matching his season-high with eight strikeouts and displaying improved velocity. The first-inning rally from Willson Contreras gave Boston an early lead, but the fifth inning unraveled him: Jahmai Jones hit a solo shot and Dillon Dingler followed with a three-run homer to cap a five-run frame.
A key stat underscored the challenge: whenever a Red Sox starting pitcher fails to go six innings, Boston is 0-13 this season. The bullpen held the Tigers in check thereafter, but the offense could not keep pace after falling behind early.
After the game, Crochet spoke candidly to reporters, emphasizing that April losses do not define the season. “You can’t be out of the playoffs in April,” he said, stressing that there is time to improve. He acknowledged the hole but pushed back against the notion that it cannot be filled, pointing to his own track record as proof that a correction is possible.
Looking ahead, Boston will try to rebound in Game 4 of the series. Crochet suggested the corrective path is close: velocity and strikeouts are there, but he needs to stay out of hitters’ counts and execute when it matters. “Just a matter of doing it.”
