Full Breakdown
Red Sox Rally Past Athletics 5-4 on Back-to-Back Homers
8/1/2026, 12:54:16 AM
Core Event
On Thursday night at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Oakland Athletics 5–4. After falling behind 4–3 in the eighth inning, Boston tied the game when Wilyer Abreu homered on a 422-foot changeup from reliever Luis Medina. Contreras followed on the next pitch, a 414-foot blast that gave the Red Sox a 5–4 lead they held to the finish. Sonny Gray worked seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and earning his 13th win of the season. Aroldis Chapman closed with his 26th save.
Data & Statistics
- Home runs: Abreu (16th of the season) and Wilson Contreras (23rd).
- Pitching: Gray (13-2) struck out five, walked two; Oakland starter Mason Barnett (recalled on July 22) allowed three runs in five innings.
- Relief: Greg Weissert recorded his first hold since June 25 (and first in a one-run game since May 20).
- Offensive support: Ceddanne Rafaela contributed a two-run double; Lawrence Butler added two hits and two runs for Oakland.
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy highlighted the team’s resilience, noting the importance of “big at-bats in big spots” and praising the dugout’s energy after the back-to-back homers. Abreu described his eighth-inning swing as an effort to “feel comfortable at the plate” after a stretch of chasing pitches. Contreras framed the win as a collective belief, emphasizing the Red Sox’s ability to “beat anybody” when they trust each other.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We won the series. That’s all that matters,” — Wilyer Abreu
- “I’ve been battling this all series and maybe the last series, too,” — Wilyer Abreu
- “Trying to feel comfortable at the plate, looking for good pitches to hit. I felt like I was chasing a lot of pitches, and that’s because I didn’t feel good at the plate.” — Wilson Contreras
- “We’re the Boston Red Sox. That was the first thing that came to my mind. We are able to win. We are able to beat anybody, and we keep believing in each other. We’re gonna be good.” — Chad Tracy, interim manager
What’s Next
Boston departs for Los Angeles on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Dodgers, with left-hander Ranger Suárez slated to start. The game also marked the third Red Sox victory in four attempts as the trade deadline approaches at 6 p.m. later this week.
