BOSTON — In a game that felt like it could swing the momentum of the entire series, Alex Bregman didn’t just rise to the occasion — he defined it. On a cool night at Fenway Park, Bregman’s two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted the Boston Red Sox to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, sealing a pivotal win in this tightly contested series.
The atmosphere was electric from the first pitch, as two of baseball’s most storied franchises met in a midseason clash that carried October intensity. Both teams came into the series needing a spark, and for the Red Sox, Bregman provided just that.
“This is why you play the game,” Bregman said postgame, sweat still glistening on his face as he addressed reporters. “You want to be in those moments. You want to feel that energy. And when you connect… man, there’s nothing like it.”
Back-and-Forth Battle
The Dodgers struck early, with Mookie Betts leading off the game with a double and later scoring on a sacrifice fly from Freddie Freeman. Boston answered in the third with an RBI single from Rafael Devers, tying the game 1-1.
In the fifth, Max Muncy launched a solo shot to reclaim the lead for Los Angeles, but the Red Sox were quick to respond. A Jarren Duran double, followed by a sac fly, brought the game level again.
With the game tied 2-2 heading into the seventh, tension thickened with every pitch. The Dodgers leaned on their bullpen, bringing in right-hander Brusdar Graterol, who had been lights-out for much of the season. But Bregman, who had been 0-for-3 on the night, stepped to the plate with one out and a runner on first.
On a 2-1 pitch, Graterol threw a 98 mph sinker that didn’t sink enough. Bregman turned on it, launching it over the Green Monster in left field. Fenway erupted.
Bregman Delivers When It Counts
Bregman’s homer marked his 14th of the season and arguably his most important. Since being acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade, the former Astros star has slowly but surely become a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup.
“He’s got that clutch gene,” manager Alex Cora said. “There are guys who want the moment, and there are guys who own it. Tonight, he owned it.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave credit where it was due. “That’s a big-time player making a big-time play. You tip your cap, then you regroup.”
Late-Inning Drama
The Dodgers didn’t go quietly. In the top of the ninth, trailing 4-2, they loaded the bases with two outs against closer Kenley Jansen, a former Dodger himself. Will Smith drew a walk to cut the lead to 4-3, but Jansen struck out Chris Taylor on a high cutter to end the game and secure the win.
“You dream about those moments,” Jansen said, grinning. “But you also sweat through every second of them.”
Implications Moving Forward
With the win, the Red Sox not only gain a crucial edge in the series but also build momentum as the season’s second half heats up. Now just one game out of the final AL Wild Card spot, every win feels like it carries double the weight.
For the Dodgers, the loss stings, especially after stranding nine runners on base. But in a season full of ups and downs, they remain atop the NL West and focused on the long haul.
“We’re built for the big picture,” said Freeman. “We’ll bounce back. It’s a long season.”
Final Thoughts
In a game rich with stars and storylines, it was Bregman who stole the show. From his bat flip to his fist pump rounding first base, it was clear that this was more than just another win. It was a message: the Red Sox are here, and they’re not backing down.
“That’s why we brought him here,” Cora added. “He’s a leader. He’s a gamer. And tonight, he reminded everyone in baseball exactly who Alex Bregman is.”
As Fenway Park emptied into the night, the cheers still echoed through Lansdowne Street. In a season of defining moments, Bregman just delivered one for the highlight reel.