Richard Fitts to start series opener; making second Fenway Park start

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Richard Fitts will make his third big league start on Friday night when the Red Sox return home to Fenway Park. Boston will open a crucial three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. The Sox are sitting four games behind the Twins and Tigers in the hunt for the postseason.

Fitts has been solid over his first two starts, hurling 10 2/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs with four strikeouts and four walks. Three of these walks came in his last start against the Yankees last week in the first inning.

He went five scoreless frames with two strikeouts versus the Yankees; his two strikeouts were Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

“I’m just super blessed and super thankful to have the opportunity to wear a Red Sox uniform now and hopefully for a long time to come,” Fitts said.

Red Sox offense lifeless; held to one hit in loss to Rays

Boston is coming off a 2-0 loss to the Rays, where they were held to just one hit. It was the first time the Sox had one baserunner in a loss since they faced the Yankees on Sept. 2, 2001. In that game, Mike Mussina was one strike away from throwing a perfect game until Red Sox’ outfielder Carl Crawford dropped a base hit into left center field.

The Red Sox offense has looked lifeless of late; leadoff man Jarren Duran is hitting .211 in the month of September with 17 strikeouts in 17 games. Rafael Devers is lost offensively, slashing just .188/.270/.295 over his last 30 games (112 at-bats). Devers sore shoulders aren’t helping matters and likely a massive reason leading to his struggles.

Red Sox' Jarren Duran's struggles in Sept. continue: 'Physically, I'm hurting'

The Twins are 2-1 against the Sox this season, taking the three-game series in their only meeting back in May. The last time the Twins came to Fenway Park was in April 2023 and lost two of three.

A series sweep of the Twins and the Red Sox will remain in the mix of things with six games left to play. A series loss to the Twins, and the season is essentially over. The Twins have struggled, losing six of their last 10 games and 20 of their last 30, allowing the Tigers to catch them in the standings.

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Key stats and Red Sox lineup

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Red Sox vs. David Festa: Has not faced any Boston batters.

Festa is making his 12th start of the season. He last pitched on Sept. 15 versus the Reds and took a no-decision in the Twins’ 9-2 win. The righty allowed two runs on three hits in 3 2/3 innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

Kyle Farmer has hit safely in a career high 11 straight games with an at-bat hitting .419 (13-for-31) with three doubles, three home runs, five RBI, and a 1.244 OPS over that span.

Carlos Correa went 0-for-3 in the Twins loss to the Guardians on Thursday, snapping his career-high-tying 16-game hitting streak.

Twins vs. Richard Fitts: Has not faced any Minnesota batters.

Red Sox (76-77) lineup vs. Twins (80-73):

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1. Jarren Duran LF

2. Rafael Devers 3B

3. Tyler O’Neill DH

4. Triston Casas 1B

5. Wilyer Abreu RF

6. Connor Wong C

7. Trevor Story SS

8. Enmanuel Valdez 2B

9. Ceddanne Rafaela SS

SP: RHP Richard Fitts (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

The first pitch is at 7:10 p.m. and can be seen on NESN, Fubo, and Sling TV, and it can be heard on WEEI 93.7 FM.