BOSTON — Nick Pivetta took the mound for the Crimson Sox, maybe for the ultimate time because the high-energy 31-year-old enters free company this upcoming offseason with 48 hours left within the common season.
As anticipated, the potential send-off at Fenway Park to open the primary of Boston’s ultimate three matchups, towards the Tampa Bay Rays, sparked a response from Pivetta who’s spent the 4 and half years in Boston. Pivetta tipped his cap to the appreciative Fenway Park crowd after handing the ball over within the seventh inning and soaked within the second.
“It is my final begin, up to now, for me being a Crimson Sox,” Pivetta stated after Boston’s 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay. “It has been a hefty 4 years, virtually 5 years for me, and there is a lot to be pleased about. The alternatives I have been given, and tried to reap the benefits of each single one in every of them. But in addition had numerous assist alongside the way in which and there have been lots of people round which have helped information me and numerous them are within the dugout, and have been within the dugout and numerous the teaching workers. So it is actually emotional for me.”
Pivetta added: “Boston’s turn into fairly the house for me and my spouse, Kristen, and we actually get pleasure from it right here and really feel actually snug.”
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The Crimson Sox acquired a wonderful efficiency from Pivetta because the right-hander tossed six consecutive shutout innings earlier than surrendering two runs within the seventh, ending the evening at 6 2/3 innings of permitting 4 hits and one stroll with six strikeouts. Boston’s offense did not help Pivetta with any type of run manufacturing, not scoring its single run till the underside half of the seventh body, though it did not spoil what might be a sentimental finale for Pivetta in Boston.
“He likes it right here,” Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora stated. “He likes the environment, he likes to compete. In the direction of the tip, he was sitting there in my seat (within the dugout) and was like, ‘It is a good view.’ … He works so exhausting. It is intense, we speak about it. And at the moment he was speaking concerning the feelings, having flashbacks and all that stuff, no matter.”
Listed here are extra notes from Friday evening’s Rays-Crimson Sox sport:
— The Crimson Sox acquired Pivetta in 2021 from the Philadelphia Phillies earlier than embarking on their final postseason run, which ended within the American League Championship Collection. Pivetta has since grown right into a dependable, blue-collar arm of versatility, able to offering innings from the rotation and bullpen. He ends 2024 having recorded a 2.08 ERA in his ultimate 5 begins at Fenway Park (31 1/3 innings).
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“I believe it is simply the buildup of all of it,” Pivetta defined. “There’s not too many moments the place you have been given a chance like I’ve and to be with a very nice group just like the Crimson Sox, I am very fortunate and I am very, very grateful for that.”
— Boston’s first 5 batters went a mixed 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts whereas Triston Casas, the No. 3 hitter, recorded the group’s solely extra-base hit (a double) within the backside of the sixth inning.
— Opposing groups have held the Crimson Sox to 1 run or scoreless 31 occasions this season.
— Boston dropped to an excellent 80-80 on the season and 24-26 when going through division opponents, together with 5-6 towards Tampa Bay.
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— The Crimson Sox and Rays return for his or her second-to-final matchup of the yr on Saturday. First pitch from Fenway Park is ready for 4:10 p.m. ET, and you may catch the stay motion, plus a full hour of pregame protection, stay on NESN.
