Garrett Crochet dominates in thrilling start against former team

On April 13, 2025, in a tightly contested game in Chicago, Garrett Crochet made a mark in his first start against his former team, the Chicago White Sox, as the Boston Red Sox emerged victorious with a 3-1 score. The matchup was of particular significance, as Crochet had been traded from the White Sox to the Red Sox in December 2024 for a package that included Chase Meidroth, who broke up Crochet's potential no-hitter with a single in the eighth inning. Prior to that hit, Crochet had dominated the game, striking out 11 batters over 7 1/3 innings, showcasing his skills and resilience on the mound. The Red Sox had faced a rough patch prior to this game, having lost five of their last six matches. The victory allowed Boston to steady the ship and avoid a series sweep, a crucial win as they continued their season. Trevor Story contributed significantly to the win, hitting a two-run double in the sixth inning when Boston had two outs and runners on first and second. With the wind at his back, Story's fly ball fell just within reach of Brooks Baldwin, who was unable to make the catch, leading to a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum in favor of the Red Sox. Subsequently, Story also hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, underscoring his impact on the game. Crochet's performance was particularly noteworthy not only due to the strikeouts but also his efficiency; he threw 96 pitches, with 65 of them being strikes. The workhorse left-hander's ability to dominate the hitters paid off, and he improved his record to 2-1 for the season. Following the game, Boston's pitcher Garrett Whitlock faced some challenges, allowing an RBI single to Matt Thaiss. However, the team maintained their lead, and closer Aroldis Chapman secured his third save of the season, finishing the game effectively. This win provided a glimmer of hope for Boston, showing that they could capitalize on their talent despite recent struggles. Shane Smith, starting for the White Sox, pitched a solid game, allowing only two runs in six innings, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the loss. The matchup between the two teams highlighted the competitive nature in the league, particularly with players like Crochet making strong statements in their games following trades. As the season continues, both teams look to build upon these performances, with Crochet eager to establish himself further in the Red Sox lineup and the White Sox looking for consistency on the mound.