Connelly Early gave Red Sox a chance to win despite high pitch count, lack of command

"I struggled getting a grip on the ball a little bit. But I gotta do a better job with figuring out how to keep my hand warm and go out there and be able to execute from pitch one."

"Early's four walks contributed to a high pitch count, which forced Red Sox manager Alex Cora to go to his bullpen in the fifth inning."

"Maybe Early got lucky and benefited from San Diego hitters similarly struggling to acclimate to the temperature. He might not have otherwise gotten away with his shaky mechanics."

The Red Sox lost 3-2 to the Padres, with Aroldis Chapman allowing the winning run in the ninth inning. Starting pitcher Connelly Early struggled with control, allowing three hits and four walks in four innings. Despite this, he limited the Padres to two runs. Early acknowledged his difficulties with grip due to cold weather but emphasized the need for improvement. The game remained low-scoring, with the Red Sox tying the game briefly before falling behind again. Early's high pitch count led to a bullpen change in the fifth inning.

Read at Boston.com