The Philadelphia Phillies boast one of the top starting rotations in baseball, and the Boston Red Sox are experiencing it firsthand.
The Red Sox struggled to generate offense in the first two games of their road series against the Phillies this week, totaling only three runs and 12 hits in both games (which they lost). Following two runs from eight hits in Monday’s unusual 3-2 loss, they managed just one run on four hits in Tuesday’s 4-1 setback.
Boston’s hitters have been overmatched by Philadelphia’s starting rotation. Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez allowed only three runs while accumulating 22 strikeouts over 15 innings.
After Sánchez’s outstanding complete game on Tuesday, Alex Cora provided a candid evaluation of his team’s recent struggles on offense.
Two of the top throwers in the major leagues. “That’s why they’re strong,” Cora stated following Tuesday’s defeat. “To compete in October, we must discover a method to defeat those teams.”
A challenge for the Red Sox is that their newcomers had never encountered Wheeler or Sánchez prior, complicating an already tough task.
Nonetheless, Boston’s batting order has been sluggish for some time, going back to prior to the All-Star Break. The Red Sox have tallied two runs or less in five of their past seven contests, averaging 2.1 runs per game and recording a 3-4 record in that timeframe.
Having defeated the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals a few weeks back, Boston still must demonstrate its ability to hit against high-quality pitching. This will be crucial if the team aims to reach the playoffs and have a strong performance in October.
The Red Sox aim to save the series finale and prevent the sweep on Wednesday against Jesús Luzardo, who holds an 8-5 record with a 4.29 ERA, a 2.87 FIP, and ranks seventh in strikeouts in the National League. Boston will respond with Lucas Giolito, who boasts a 6-2 record and a 3.59 ERA.
The Red Sox’s offensive woes in Philadelphia are not entirely surprising given the caliber of the pitchers they’ve faced, but the timing and severity of the struggles have raised concern. Boston entered this crucial road series hoping to make a strong statement, particularly as the postseason race begins to intensify. Instead, they’ve run into a brick wall in the form of the Phillies’ elite starters.
Zack Wheeler set the tone in the series opener. The veteran right-hander, known for his velocity and command, kept the Red Sox off balance all night. He struck out 11 batters over seven innings and allowed just two runs, both of which came without sustained rallies. Boston’s lineup simply couldn’t string together meaningful at-bats, and their lone scoring opportunities fizzled before they could create any serious damage.
Cristopher Sánchez followed up Wheeler’s dominance with a performance that may have been even more impressive. The 27-year-old left-hander delivered a complete game, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 and walking none. He became the first Phillies pitcher to record a complete game this season and made quick work of a Boston team that looked increasingly frustrated and outmatched at the plate.
While Alex Cora was quick to credit the opposing pitchers, his comments also carried a challenge to his team. The implication was clear: if the Red Sox want to be taken seriously as playoff contenders, they must elevate their performance against top-tier arms. Beating up on struggling teams or taking advantage of lesser starters won’t be enough.
Cora also pointed out the lack of familiarity some of his hitters had with Wheeler and Sánchez, suggesting that scouting and preparation could not fully replicate the experience of facing such talent in real time. That said, he emphasized the need for adjustments and growth, particularly as the Red Sox prepare for a critical stretch run.
Indeed, the recent numbers are troubling. Over their last seven games, the Red Sox have scored just 15 runs combined. In that span, they’ve been held to one run or fewer on four occasions and failed to hit a home run in half of those games. Their inability to drive in runners in scoring position has been especially glaring, with several key at-bats ending in strikeouts or weak contact.
The struggles are not confined to one or two players. Across the lineup, even reliable contributors like Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran have cooled off. The bottom half of the order has been particularly quiet, offering little support and placing added pressure on the top hitters to carry the load.
As they prepare to face Jesús Luzardo in the series finale, the Red Sox must find a spark. Luzardo is another left-handed pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff, and if Boston’s recent history against lefties is any indication, it could be another uphill battle.
Lucas Giolito will take the mound for Boston, and he’s quietly put together a strong campaign. If he can keep the game close, the Red Sox will at least have a chance to escape Philadelphia with a win and avoid a demoralizing sweep.
More than just a single game, Wednesday’s contest represents a test of the Red Sox’s resolve. A win would help restore some momentum and keep them in the thick of the playoff race. A loss, on the other hand, would not only extend their losing streak but also deepen concerns about their ability to compete against elite competition.
As October approaches, the urgency is growing. And if Alex Cora’s message is any indication, the Red Sox know they must respond—starting now.
