The Boston Red Sox gave their fans a strong win on Monday night as they defeated the Oakland Athletics 7 to 0. Garrett Crochet was the star of the game, pitching seven shutout innings while striking out 10 batters and allowing only three hits with no walks. His performance came at the perfect time, just days after a poor start against Cleveland that had raised questions about his late-season form.
Crochet’s control and rhythm were clear from the first inning. He kept hitters off balance, retired the side in order multiple times, and looked like the Cy Young contender many believe he can be. “Allowed only three hits, no walks, and striking out ten batters over seven innings,” wrote Over The Monster, noting the sharp contrast to his previous outing. With the win, Crochet improved his record to 15 and 5, and the Red Sox strengthened their playoff position.
Trevor Story provided the early spark with a solo home run in the first inning, his 24th of the season. The blast set the tone for Boston’s offense, which later included another homer from Carlos Narváez, along with hits from Jarren Duran, Alex Bregman, and Masataka Yoshida. ESPN highlighted how Story “went 2-for-4 with a home run and a double,” raising his totals to 90 RBI and 27 stolen bases this year.
Story’s night was also important for another reason. After injuries and defensive struggles in past seasons, he has become a steady presence in 2025, playing in more games than in any of his last three years combined. His power, speed, and ability to stay on the field have made him, as Pinstripe Alley described, “the Red Sox’s second-most valuable player in recent weeks.”
This victory also showed the value of Boston’s veterans. Aroldis Chapman, now 37 years old, has been almost untouchable in the bullpen with a 0.98 ERA and 29 saves, proving that experience can still carry weight in a division full of younger stars. Together with Story’s comeback season and Crochet’s rise, the mix of youth and veterans gives the Red Sox momentum as the final stretch of the season begins.
Boston’s 7–0 shutout in Oakland was more than just another win. It was a reminder that when the pitching is sharp, the bats are lively, and the veterans deliver, the Red Sox remain a dangerous team heading into the playoffs.