Mon Jun 30 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Red Sox Plunge Further Into Slump, Look to Crochet to Stop the Bleeding

**Boston, MA** – The Boston Red Sox’s struggles continued over the weekend, as they dropped two of three games to the Toronto Blue Jays, sinking to three games below .500. The team’s woes deepened with Sunday’s 5-3 defeat, marking their seventh loss in the last eight games.

Hoping to reverse their fortunes, the Red Sox will kick off a series against the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Fenway Park. Fans can look forward to a compelling pitching duel between two talented arms.

Garrett Crochet (7-4, 2.06 ERA), currently boasting the American League’s third-best ERA, will take the mound for Boston. Crochet is coming off a strong outing, pitching seven shutout innings against the Angels on June 25th, although the bullpen ultimately squandered his lead.

The Reds will counter with rookie sensation Chase Burns (0-0, 5.40 ERA), the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, making just his second major league start. Burns impressed in his debut against the Yankees, averaging 98 mph with his fastball and touching 100 mph.

**Key Matchups and Stats:**

* Crochet has a history against the Reds, posting a 0-1 record with a 6.43 ERA in seven innings across four appearances (primarily in relief).
* No current Red Sox batters have faced Burns previously.
* The Red Sox pitching staff has struggled lately, allowing at least five runs in seven of their last eleven games, a stark contrast to their previous six games where they held opponents to three runs or fewer.
* Carlos Narvaez is batting .327 at Fenway Park.

**Notes:**

* Marcelo Mayer may return to the lineup after being on the bereavement list.
* The Red Sox have lost three consecutive series.
* The Reds have won six of their last seven games.

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