Fenway Park, Boston – Rafael Devers delivered one of the most dominant offensive performances of his career on Friday night, propelling the Boston Red Sox to a commanding 19-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. In the first game of a scheduled doubleheader, Devers drove in a career-high eight runs, highlighted by a towering grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning that capped a 13-run outburst by Boston. His performance not only led the Red Sox to their largest run total in nearly four years but also placed him atop Major League Baseball’s leaderboard in RBIs and home runs.
Devers’ offensive explosion began in the sixth inning when he crushed a three-run homer to deep center field, pushing the Red Sox further ahead in a game that had already begun slipping from Baltimore’s grasp. But his defining moment came two innings later. With the bases loaded and the Fenway faithful on their feet, Devers launched a grand slam into the night sky, cementing his place as the offensive catalyst in what became one of Boston’s most lopsided wins in recent memory. The eighth inning, which featured 13 Red Sox runs, marked the team’s most productive inning since scoring 14 in a single frame against the Florida Marlins back in 2003.
Devers, now leading all of baseball with 47 RBIs and 12 home runs, was surgical in his approach at the plate, working counts and punishing mistakes with elite-level bat speed and discipline. Notably, his grand slam came off Emmanuel Rivera, a utility infielder pressed into pitching duties as the Orioles exhausted their bullpen options. Rivera was tagged for eight earned runs in just one-third of an inning, underscoring the desperation in Baltimore’s dugout as Boston’s offense showed no mercy.
The Red Sox lineup from top to bottom was relentless. Rob Refsnyder contributed four RBIs, including a two-run double that extended the lead early. Jarren Duran also added three RBIs, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. Every Boston starter recorded at least one hit in the game, and the club racked up a total of 19 hits on the night. The team’s approach was a model of patience and power, taking advantage of Baltimore’s miscues while converting nearly every scoring opportunity into runs.
While the offense grabbed headlines, the pitching staff played its part in maintaining control. Starter Chase Anderson was lifted early, but Garrett Whitlock entered in relief and delivered two scoreless innings, stabilizing the game and earning the win. Manager Alex Cora praised the balance of the team’s performance, calling it a “complete effort on both sides of the ball.” He singled out Devers’ leadership and poise as a key factor in the team’s recent surge.
On the opposing side, the Orioles were left with few answers. Six different pitchers took the mound, but none could stem the tide. Manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the overwhelming challenge posed by Boston’s offense, stating that his team “didn’t execute when it mattered” and that the Red Sox “punished every mistake.” The loss was a sobering moment for an Orioles squad that entered Fenway looking to gain ground in the AL East.
The second game of the doubleheader was postponed due to heavy rain that moved in shortly after the opener concluded. It has been rescheduled as part of a day-night twin bill on Saturday, giving both clubs time to regroup. For Boston, the delay offers a chance to carry the momentum of their offensive eruption into the weekend, while the Orioles will look to reset and rebound.
As for Devers, his performance solidified his status as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game and sparked early-season MVP discussions. With the Red Sox climbing in the standings and the heart of the summer schedule approaching, Devers’ ability to consistently deliver in key moments could prove pivotal. Friday’s showing was not just a statement win—it was a glimpse into how far this Red Sox team can go with their star third baseman leading the charge.
