A season full of dramas unfolding at the center of Fenway Park. The recent one came against the Milwaukee Brewers, which is another chapter in the Red Sox’s difficulties. Yes, losing all three games in the series is a worrisome situation. But it is the management choice that has once again turned heads and is asking the question: Why are they doing this?
The Red Sox are 27-31 and nine games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. Their recent play has been hampered by inconsistent pitching and an attack that can’t take advantage of chances. The starter’s pitch count stayed surprisingly low. And suddenly, a strange thing happened. The manager came out of the bench, which is always a sign for a pitcher change, and everyone in the stands let out a collective gasp. And the day was called for the starting pitcher.
Starting pitcher Brayan Bello was taken out of the last game of the series after only 77 pitches. Even though the team was ahead 3-2 and had a runner on base. The choice by manager Alex Cora to bring in the bullpen cost the Red Sox the game, as they lost the lead and ended up losing in extra innings. Bello, who has made seven starts this season and has a 4.08 ERA, was unhappy about it.
In the post-game interview, when asked about it, he didn’t mince a word. “I feel a little bit frustrated that I was taken out of the game with 77 pitches. I felt like I had a little more in the tank, but at the same time it’s their decision and you have to respect that,” Bello said through an interpreter.
Brayan Bello on only making it through 4.2 IP with 77 pitches
“I felt like I had a little more in the tank, but at the same time it’s their decision and you have to respect that.” pic.twitter.com/n2O7IfPGrn
— NESN (@NESN) May 28, 2025
He said, “Respect that,” but it was clear what he really meant. A player of his caliber and potential wants to fight and see his work through. When a pitcher feels strong and proud, being pulled with such a low throw count is a blow to his pride and competitive spirit. And it’s not something he has been dealing with for the first time.
Bello has been taken out early before. When he was taken out of the game in his last four starts, his pitch counts were around 90. Fans and observers alike were surprised by the choice to withdraw him early against the Brewers, especially because the bullpen was already tired from the last few games. But calling out a pitcher in the mid of the game and still losing it?
It gives a clear picture of the pitching and offense, which have also been problems.
Red Sox swept in Milwaukee: Offensive woes and pitching decisions under scrutiny
The Boston Red Sox’s recent series against the Milwaukee Brewers showed that they have major problems with both their pitching choices and their offense. Alex Cora and company must address these problems soon.
The Red Sox lost the first game of the series by a score of 3-2. Garrett Crochet pitched well, striking out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings and giving up two runs. But the offense had a hard time taking advantage, only scoring two runs late in the game. The Brewers took the lead with Jackson Chourio’s home run, and even though the Red Sox made a late push, they couldn’t catch up.
The Red Sox’s offense problems continued in the second game. Even though they were ahead 1-0 in the sixth inning, the squad couldn’t keep the lead. In the ninth inning, Christian Yelich tied the game. Then, in the tenth inning, he hit a walk-off grand slam that gave the Brewers a 5-1 win. The Red Sox utilized seven pitchers in the game, which shows how hard the bullpen had to work.
The final of the series was another heartbreaker for the Red Sox. Brayan Bello pitched well at first, giving up only two runs in 4 2/3 innings. But the choice to take him out after only 77 pitches raised eyebrows, especially when the bullpen couldn’t keep the advantage. The Brewers tied the game in the ninth and won 6-5 with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the tenth.
The Brewers’ sweep of the Red Sox shows they are having a hard time. The team’s recent losing streak is due to inconsistent offense and bad pitching choices, such as taking Brayan Bello out of the game too soon. Can they do it better, or will the decision like this keep on losing games for the Red Sox?
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