Red Sox Ace Garrett Crochet Smashed for 11 Runs in Nightmare Outing
Red Sox Ace Garrett Crochet Smashed for 11 Runs in Nightmare Outing
It was a night to forget for Garrett Crochet and the Boston Red Sox as the Minnesota Twins unleashed an offensive onslaught at Target Field on Monday. Crochet, the Red Sox's undisputed ace and a Cy Young finalist just a year ago, endured the worst start of his professional career, failing to even make it through the second inning. In a staggering collapse, Crochet surrendered 10 earned runs (11 total) on nine hits in just 1.2 innings of work. The Twins' hitters seemed to anticipate every pitch, tagging the lefty for two home runs and chasing him before the third inning could even begin.
The final score of 13-6 barely reflects how one-sided the game was early on, as Boston found themselves in an 11-0 hole before many fans had even settled into their seats. Victor Caratini delivered the most significant blow for Minnesota, a three-run blast in the second inning that effectively ended Crochet’s night. For the Red Sox, who have built their 2026 strategy around a dominant starting rotation, seeing their leader struggle so mightily is cause for immediate concern, especially given the peripheral data from the outing.
Injury Fears Amid Velocity Drop
The most alarming aspect of Crochet’s performance wasn't just the runs allowed, but a noticeable dip in his trademark velocity. His fastball averaged just 94.5 mph, nearly two full miles per hour below his typical marks from last season. This drop, combined with a total lack of command—Crochet failed to record a single strikeout for the first time in 68 career starts—has ignited fears of a potential underlying injury. Red Sox Nation is understandably on edge, as losing Crochet for any extended period would be a devastating blow to their playoff hopes.
However, both Crochet and manager Alex Cora were quick to downplay the injury narrative after the game. Crochet attributed the struggles to "spotty command," stating that while he had gotten away with mistakes earlier in the season, the Twins made him pay for every hanging breaking ball. Cora echoed those sentiments, insisting that Crochet felt healthy coming out of the game and that the staff is viewing this as a "flush it and move on" moment rather than a medical emergency. Nonetheless, the baseball world will be watching closely when he takes his next turn in the rotation.
Twins' Surprising Surge
On the other side of the diamond, the Minnesota Twins continue to be one of the early-season surprises of 2026. Their disciplined approach at the plate forced Crochet to throw 58 pitches in less than two innings, and their power was on full display with home runs from Caratini and Ryan Kreidler. The Twins moved to 10-7 with the victory, proving they can compete with the AL's elite when their bats are clicking.
Minnesota's ability to capitalize on Crochet's lack of velocity suggests a well-scouted game plan. While the Red Sox look to regroup, the Twins are riding high on a wave of offensive confidence. As the series continues, the focus remains on the health of Boston's ace, but for one night, the Twins were the undeniable kings of the Twin Cities.
