BOSTON — The highly anticipated matchup between Garrett Crochet and Chris Sale is set to electrify Fenway Park Friday night. Both pitchers share a unique bond, having been acquired by the Red Sox through significant trades with the Chicago White Sox, and they both possess impressive physical attributes and remarkable pitching capabilities.
Boston manager Alex Cora expressed his excitement over the encounter, emphasizing the energy both pitchers bring to the mound. “Should be fun tonight,” he remarked. “Those two guys are not facing each other, but there’s a lot of things they have in common – the primary one being their fierce desire to win. Expect a lot of hard fastballs.”
Chris Sale, a veteran of the game, made a substantial impact during his time with the Red Sox, including his stellar 2017 season where he struck out over 300 batters and played a crucial role in clinching the championship in 2018. Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet is carving out his path, as he approaches his 10th start with an impressive ERA below 2.00, aiming to follow in Sale’s formidable footsteps.
Cora acknowledged Sale’s extraordinary abilities, having already faced him since Sale’s trade to the Atlanta Braves in December 2023. In their previous matchup, Sale impressively struck out 10 batters in six innings during a Braves victory. “He’s special, he’s good,” Cora stated, noting the unique qualities of Sale’s slider and fastball. “We just have to be disciplined.”
Adding to the narrative, Cora shared his admiration for Sale, who has continued to thrive in the National League. He also relayed the strong camaraderie among past Red Sox champions like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts who remain supportive. “They watch what we’re doing. They care about me, which is the most important thing to me,” he reflected on their enduring connection despite the competitive nature of baseball.
This marquee pitching duel represents not only the present and future of the Red Sox but also serves as a pivotal moment for both teams looking for a mid-May spark. With high velocity and elite pitching on display, fans can expect an exhilarating evening at Fenway Park.