Rob Refsnyder ‘Apologized’ For Miscue In Red Sox’s Loss

The Boston Red Sox held a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Tigers shortstop Trey Sweeney hit a high fly ball to left field with runners on second and third. What should have been a routine catch for Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder turned into Detroit taking a 2-1 lead and eventually winning the game.

“I should catch that every time,” Refsnyder told reporters following the loss, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “I apologized to Nick (Pivetta). Disappointed that I didn’t catch it. The wind took it a lot further than I thought. But that’s all on me, and I should have caught it.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora recognized the Tigers third base coach and Cora’s brother Joey takes chances with runners in scoring position.

“The ball took off, and (Refsnyder) just missed it,” Cora told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “(The Tigers) took a gamble with the run at second. … The third base coach is very aggressive. Sometimes, he makes decisions based on catching people off guard. In that one, not every third base coach will send that runner. Just an aggressive send and it paid off for them.”

The one-run lead was all Detroit needed with Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal on the mound for the Tigers. Skubal allowed one run on four hits while striking out eight for his league-leading 16th win of the season.

“He’s probably the best pitcher in the American League right now,” Cora said. “… That was a statement game for him. He should probably win the Cy Young. … That guy is amazing. You have to tip your hat.”