Just when the Boston Red Sox looked like they were falling out of the wild card race, they were pulled back in by an unexpected force.
The Sox were swept by the red-hot Diamondbacks from Aug. 23-25 and dropped the first two games of their five-game bout with the Blue Jays. Boston bounced back to take the following two games from its division rival, but Wednesday's win was special.
Brayan Bello tore through Toronto's batting order efficiently and accurately on Aug. 28. The 25-year-old starter posted eight scoreless, two-hit innings and fanned nine Jays en route to the longest start of his young career.
Bello appeared in complete control throughout the game. He's known for letting his emotions get the better of him on the mound, but he seemed looser and more relaxed against Toronto. He may be finding a late-season rhythm — Bello has allowed one run or fewer in three of his last four starts.
El Niño. pic.twitter.com/tJXXYctQST
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 29, 2024
The best start of Brayan Bello's career and a loss for the Twins helps Red Sox gain a game in the wild card
The sterling start from Boston's youngest arm came at just the right time. The Red Sox lost momentum against the D-Backs and to begin the series against the Jays, but Bello's outing could set them right. One of the Sox's closest wild card opponents has also faltered recently, and now is their time to take advantage.
The Minnesota Twins have lost four of their last five games and are fresh off a three-game sweep by the Braves. Chris Sale posted six innings and allowed just one run at Target Field on Aug. 28. The Red Sox are now three games back in the wild card with one more game against Toronto remaining and a few winnable series coming up.
The Red Sox will play the streaking Tigers, Mets and White Sox before their toughest stretch of the season begins in mid-September. The Tigers and Mets won't be beaten easily, but if Boston can get its bats back on track, it could walk away with three series wins in early September.