The Boston Red Sox arrived at Citi Field on Friday night looking more like exhausted travelers than a Major League Baseball team—and somehow still managed to beat the New York Mets 6-2.
After sweeping the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, the Red Sox headed to O'Hare International Airport for what should have been a routine flight to New York. Instead, mechanical trouble with their charter aircraft derailed their plans.
The first delay came before departure. By 2 a.m., after hours of waiting, the Red Sox returned to a Chicago hotel. When the team returned to O'Hare on Friday morning, another mechanical issue grounded them again.
After nearly 24 hours of delays and hotel shuffles, the Red Sox finally touched down at Citi Field at 5:05 p.m. ET—roughly two hours before game time, which had been pushed back from 7:15 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. to give Boston a chance to prepare.
Despite the exhaustion, the Red Sox came out swinging. They struck in the top of the first inning, with second baseman Anthony Seigler leading off with a double and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida following with a two-run double. Boston finished with 6 runs on the night, while the Mets managed only 2.
The loss stung for the Mets, who had every advantage. They were at home at Citi Field with their fans, had rest and ample preparation time—everything except the ability to capitalize on it.
Losing to a team that arrived just hours before first pitch after such a travel ordeal is the kind of defeat that resonates across a division basement team's clubhouse.
For the Red Sox, the victory becomes part of their season narrative: a team that can compete no matter what challenges arise off the field.
The All-Star break comes next, giving both teams a breather. The Mets will have time to regroup; the Red Sox will have earned their rest.
