Red Sox grind out victory after 24-hour travel ordeal
NEW YORK — The Boston Red Sox turned a logistical nightmare into a seventh consecutive victory on Friday night, beating the New York Mets 6-2 at Citi Field just hours after finally landing following a nearly 24-hour travel delay. The team’s chartered flight from Chicago, originally scheduled for Thursday night, was grounded by a pair of mechanical issues, leaving the Red Sox stranded until well into Friday afternoon.
Boston landed at LaGuardia Airport at 4:30 p.m. ET, with first pitch pushed back from 7:15 to 7:51 p.m. to allow players time to prepare. Sonny Gray took the mound and delivered six solid innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven, as the Red Sox improved to 11-2 in their last 13 games.
“I don’t think anyone’s probably experienced that before,” Gray said after the game. “It was wild, for sure.”
How the delay unfolded
The Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday afternoon. The team typically flies out a few hours after the final out, but a mechanical issue with the “tug” — the vehicle used to push the plane back from the gate — delayed their departure. A second mechanical problem grounded them in Chicago overnight and into Friday.
A team spokesman confirmed the Red Sox arrived at Citi Field around 5 p.m., less than three hours before the revised first pitch. Interim manager Chad Tracy noted the team would report later than usual for Saturday’s afternoon game to allow for rest.
“We’ll definitely probably have a little bit of a later show,” Tracy said. “Just out of necessity to let people rest, we’ll do it.”
This is the second time in recent weeks that flight issues have disrupted Boston’s travel. On June 25, the Red Sox were stuck in Denver until the early morning hours after a series against the Rockies, arriving in Boston around 5 a.m. ET before a scheduled game against the New York Yankees. They won that game and swept the four-game series.
Stakes high for both clubs ahead of All-Star break
Friday’s game opened the final series before the All-Star break for both teams. For the Red Sox, the win pulled them to 2 1/2 games back of the third American League wild-card spot, keeping alive their hopes of a playoff push after a sluggish first half.
The Mets entered the series in a different position, sitting comfortably atop the National League East. Manager Carlos Mendoza’s club had been playing well, but the loss to Boston snapped a modest momentum as the break approaches. New York’s lineup featured leadoff hitter A.J. Ewing, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Carson Benge, but they managed only two runs against Gray and Boston’s bullpen.
Key performances
Gray’s outing was his third consecutive quality start, lowering his ERA to 3.18. Offensively, the Red Sox got contributions from Anthony Seigler, who reached base three times, and Masataka Yoshida, who drove in a pair of runs. Rookie shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng also made several defensive plays that preserved the lead.
For the Mets, Nolan McLean took the loss, allowing five earned runs over 5 2/3 innings. Francisco Alvarez provided the only offensive highlight with a solo home run in the fourth inning.
Broader implications: Boston’s resilience and travel concerns
The Red Sox’s ability to win after such a chaotic travel experience underscores a growing trend: teams that endure logistical disruptions are often able to rally, especially when veteran leadership stabilizes the clubhouse. Boston’s recent stretch — winning seven straight and 11 of 13 — suggests the team has developed a resilience that could serve it well in the second half.
But the repeated flight issues raise questions about MLB’s travel logistics. While charter flights are standard, mechanical failures and delays are not uncommon, and the compressed schedule of a 162-game season leaves little margin for error. The Red Sox have now experienced two significant delays in less than three weeks, and while they have performed well in those situations, not every team can absorb such disruption.
What this means for the trade deadline
The Red Sox’s hot streak has shifted the front office’s calculus ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. A team that looked like a seller a month ago now appears to be a potential buyer, especially in the starting pitching market. If Boston continues to win, general manager Craig Breslow may look to add a bat or another arm to bolster the postseason push.
The Mets, by contrast, are in a stronger position and may be looking to add complementary pieces rather than overhaul their roster. Their primary focus will be on keeping their rotation healthy and ensuring that hitters like Lindor and Soto stay productive through the dog days of summer.
Looking ahead
Saturday’s 4:10 p.m. start at Citi Field will test both teams’ recovery. The Red Sox will rely on a rested bullpen and a resurgent offense, while the Mets will look to even the series before the break. With the All-Star game looming, both clubs will also be monitoring player health closely — one more injury or delay could alter their trajectories for the rest of the season.
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