Tolle Struck Out 14 and Boston Still Found Time to Score 13

Fenway Park hosted what can only be described as a nature documentary last night — specifically, the one where a larger predator finds a smaller creature and doesn't let go. The Red Sox dismantled the Athletics 13-1 in a game that was over roughly as soon as it started. Payton Tolle was the story on the mound, dealing six innings of one-run ball while racking up 14 strikeouts. Fourteen. The man was practically asking hitters to leave their bats in the dugout and save everyone some time. Jarren Duran chipped in at the plate with a homer and two RBI, because apparently Boston felt offense deserved representation too. For Oakland, Jack Perkins lasted three innings and surrendered five earned runs before someone in the dugout decided mercy was a virtue. The Athletics' lone run stands as a participation trophy in what was otherwise a thorough and enthusiastic dismantling.