Full Breakdown
Red Sox Blast White Sox 14-2 in Fenway Return
8/5/2026, 5:06:09 PM
Core Event: Red Sox dominate White Sox at Fenway
On August 4, 2026, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago White Sox 14–2 at Fenway Park. Third-baseman Caleb Durbin delivered a first-inning grand slam, and Jarren Duran added a solo homer immediately after. The Red Sox added runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth innings, including two-run homers by Wilyer Abreu. Starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval allowed two runs on six hits with four walks and five strikeouts over five-plus innings, earning his first major-league win since May 7, 2024. Reliever Brayan Bello closed with three scoreless innings and recorded his first career save.
Background & Context
The victory came days after the trade deadline, when Boston added catcher Adley Rutschman, catcher Jake Rogers, outfielder Eli White and pitcher Erik Miller. Interim manager Chad Tracy noted the roster influx required “a lot on my mind” as the team prepared for the series opener. The Red Sox entered the game on a six-game winning streak, holding a 61-51 record and the second wild-card spot.
Data & Statistics
- Runs by inning: 6 (1st), 0 (2nd-4th), 2 (5th), 6 (6th), 0 (7th), 1 (8th).
- Home runs: Durbin (grand slam), Duran (solo), Abreu (two solo shots), Ceddanne Rafaela (RBI single), Masataka Yoshida (RBI double), Willson Contreras (RBI single), Andruw Monasterio (two-run single).
- Hits: Red Sox 14, White Sox 10.
- Pitching: Red Sox pitchers combined 8 strikeouts; White Sox starter Davis Martin surrendered nine runs on 10 hits with one strikeout before exiting in the sixth.
- The Red Sox have now won 24 of their last 27 games.
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy emphasized the need to “settle” after the West Coast trip. White Sox manager Will Venable called the loss “a pretty good spanking.” Boston’s bullpen manager praised Erik Miller’s debut, noting a “soft landing” for his first appearance, while Bello’s three-inning save kept the high-leverage relievers rested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was a lot on my mind when I woke up,” — Chad Tracy, interim manager
- “The small ball gets a lot of attention because early on we kind of got going and the identity it created, finding ways to score runs when we’re not hitting for power,” — Chad Tracy
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans in the sellout crowd of 37,669 witnessed the early surge, noting the “thunderous” atmosphere after Durbin’s grand slam. Observers highlighted the seamless transition of newly acquired players, particularly Rutschman’s presence in the dugout.
What’s Next
The Red Sox will host the White Sox again on Wednesday, with Chicago right-hander Sean Burke (7-5, 3.04 ERA) facing Boston left-hander Sonny Gray (13-2, 2.93 ERA).
