Aroldis Chapman Shines in Red Sox’s 4-3 Win Over Rays

BOSTON, Mass. — Aroldis Chapman delivered a stellar performance Wednesday night, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.

The win marked the Red Sox’s second consecutive series victory against an American League East opponent. Pitcher Walker Buehler contributed significantly by throwing seven innings, providing crucial support for a taxed bullpen.

In the eighth inning, Justin Wilson and Greg Weissert combined to hold the Rays scoreless, paving the way for Chapman to close the game. The 37-year-old only needed 12 pitches to retire the side, achieving his 12th save of the season with a strikeout against Rays outfielder Josh Lowe, ending the game with a blazing fastball clocked at 102 mph.

Boston signed Chapman to a one-year contract following a season with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he posted a 3.79 ERA. Since joining the Red Sox, he has shown impressive performance, boasting a 1.59 ERA and 0.88 WHIP.

This season, Chapman has maintained elite velocity, throwing his slider at an MLB-leading average speed while his fastball sits at 98.6 mph. Remarkably, he has also shown improved control, reducing his walk rate from over 14 percent in past seasons to just 8.2 this year, with only nine walks through 28 1/3 innings.

Notably, Wednesday’s game was Chapman’s fifth straight appearance without issuing a walk. He has not allowed an earned run since May 27, recording 11 strikeouts and only one walk in his last eight outings. As Chapman continues to impress, he is solidifying his role as the Red Sox’s closer, effectively eliminating any ninth-inning uncertainties as the team aims to ascend the AL standings.