Boston Red Sox outfielders Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a miraculous moment during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The duo combined for an extremely rare 9-8 putout, preventing a potential go-ahead home run for Tigers’ designated hitter Kerry Carpenter. This play, which occurred in the seventh inning of a game that ended in a 6-5 loss for the Red Sox, showcased the extraordinary coordination and reflexes of the two outfielders.
With the score tied at 5-5, Carpenter launched a high fastball from Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks deep into the right-center field. Abreu, the Red Sox’s right fielder, initially tracked the ball back to the wall, leaped, and caught it, but the ball bounced off his glove and back into play, seemingly setting it up for a home run. Rafaela, the center fielder, quickly ran over to support Abreu and retrieved the ball from the field with his bare hand, then placed it into his glove for the out. His swift reaction was instrumental in thwarting Carpenter’s potential home run.
Rafaela celebrated the catch by hoisting his glove above his head and showing the ball to the crowd, while Abreu high-fived Rafaela in celebration. Hendriks, amazed by the play, lifted his arms in disbelief, acknowledging the incredible feat that not only saved a home run but turned it into an out. This rare 9-8 putout, known for its difficulty and rarity, was the first time the Red Sox had achieved this since September 14, 2003, when the Minnesota Twins’ Michael Ryan lost the ball in the sun, and it hit off his head before being caught by Dustan Mohr.
Despite the heroic efforts of Abreu and Rafaela, the Tigers managed to secure a walk-off win in the ninth inning. Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman walked Andy Ibanez, the lead-off hitter, who then stole second base. Tigers’ manager AJ Hinch sent Justyn-Henry Malloy to pinch-hit, and he delivered a game-winning single to center field. The walk-off win completed a three-game sweep for the Tigers, and they will look to continue their winning streak against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Red Sox, meanwhile, will face the Atlanta Braves on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET, aiming to bounce back from their loss.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for more updates on sports and baseball news.