Daily News 19

Tag: Payton Tolle

  • Red Sox vs. Royals Preview: September 13 Game Preview

    Red Sox vs. Royals Preview: September 13 Game Preview

    Red Sox Offense Supports Suarez in Saturday Win; Contreras Returns for Series Finale

    The Boston Red Sox offense delivered with runners in scoring position Saturday, going 4-for-8 to back another strong seven-inning start from Ranger Suarez, who struck out eight batters.

    “It feels amazing [playing at Fenway Park],” Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu said. “Every time we’re winning, the crowd’s going crazy.”

    Rookie left-hander Payton Tolle will take the mound for Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. Tolle has yet to face Kansas City in his career, but he enters the start riding momentum after striking out double-digit batters twice in his last six outings — a feat he has accomplished three times this season.

    “He’s having fun out there,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “Some guys are very intense, lock in when they start, and he has to have fun. That’s what makes him go. He’s enjoying himself out there.”

    Contreras Activated Ahead of Sunday Start

    The Red Sox activated first baseman Willson Contreras from the injured list Saturday. After playing a pair of rehab games, Contreras is slated to start at first base for Sunday’s contest.

    Sunday Lineups and Pitching Matchup

    ROYALS (66-83)
    Loftin 3B, Witt Jr. SS, Caglianone DH, Perez 1B, Massey 2B, Lugo RF, Collins LF, Maile C, Tolbert CF
    Pitching: LHP Noah Cameron (9-8, 3.93 ERA)

    RED SOX (81-68)
    Anthony LF, Jones DH, Abreu RF, Contreras 1B, Rutschman C, Story SS, Durbin 3B, Sogard 2B, Eaton CF
    Pitching: LHP Payton Tolle (9-6, 3.15 ERA)

    First pitch: 3:05 p.m.
    TV/Radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7

    Key Matchup Notes

    • Royals vs. Tolle: Has not faced any Kansas City batters.
    • Red Sox vs. Cameron: Mickey Gasper 0-1, Jahmai Jones 0-2, Isiah Kiner-Falefa 0-4, Adley Rutschman 0-3.

    Stat of the Day

    Entering the series in Boston, Kansas City’s three most recent losses had come by a combined four runs.

    Additional Notes

    • The Royals have dropped five of their last eight games.
    • Kansas City native catcher Carter Jensen tied the franchise’s single-season rookie record with his 24th home run Saturday. He has now posted 12 consecutive hits for extra bases, the longest streak by any rookie since 1961.
    • Cameron has pitched shutout ball in three of his last five outings.
    • The Royals have been held to one or fewer runs in 26 different games this season. Conversely, no team has held their opponent to one run or fewer in more contests than the Red Sox (38).
    • Anthony Seigler was placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation after leaving Saturday’s game in the seventh inning with wrist soreness.

    Cam Kerry can be reached at [email protected].

  • Payton Tolle Hugs Dominic Canzone During Play at First Base

    Payton Tolle Hugs Dominic Canzone During Play at First Base

    Payton Tolle turned a routine baseball play into one of the most memorable moments of Boston’s 9-8 win over the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on Monday night, hugging Josh Canzone as he tagged him out at first base.

    Tolle’s hugs are usually reserved for his teammates, particularly Garrett Whitlock, when he returns to the dugout between innings. This time, the 23-year-old pitcher showed some affection in the middle of a play.

    Payton Tolle hugs Josh Canzone during play

    With one out in the top of the third inning, Canzone hit a 51 mph chopper in front of the mound. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Tolle charged the comebacker and sprinted toward the first-base line to cut Canzone off.

    Tolle stepped in front of Canzone a little more than halfway down the line, bringing both players to a stop. He then opened his arms wide and wrapped them around Canzone while tagging him out at the same time.

    Canzone placed his right arm around Tolle and smiled before heading back to the dugout.

    “It just kind of happened,” said Tolle. “I was right there in front of him, and I was like, ‘Bring it in for the big one.’”

    Did Tolle ever meet Canzone before the hug?

    “No, but we do [know each other] now,” Tolle said.

    Canzone must have been caught by surprise, right?

    “I mean, probably for a second,” Tolle said. “But then it’s like, ‘Yeah, this is just going to happen.’”

    Tolle brings energy after allowing homer

    The hug came moments after Tolle surrendered a towering home run to Randy Arozarena, cutting Boston’s lead to 3-2. Tolle quickly shook off the adversity and shared a lighthearted moment with Canzone.

    The spontaneous exchange reflected Tolle’s determination to enjoy the privilege of playing in the Major Leagues while bringing his distinctive personality to the game.

    Trevor Story, who ended Boston’s victory with a walk-off single, had to think for a moment when asked about the hug.

    “The guy gives hugs all the time, so I’m not sure which one you’re talking about,” quipped Story. “But yeah, that was funny, man. Payton’s just a special person. He plays the game like a little kid, which I feel like we all should.”