SEATTLE — There were numerous storylines developing for the Red Sox on Saturday night in what was shaping up as a satisfying, early-season victory.
From the strong pitching of Kutter Crawford to the tremendous plays on defense by Trevor Story and rookie Ceddanne Rafaela and some nice contact hitting from Pablo Reyes, the Sox seemed primed to clinch at least a split of this four-game series against a tough opponent in the Mariners.
But when it came time for Boston to close it out in the bottom of the 10th, closer Kenley Jansen wasn’t available due to back tightness.
That proved to be costly when a two-run lead slipped away. Young superstar Julio Rodríguez came through with a walk-off single to cap the three-run rally that gave Seattle a 4-3 win over the Red Sox.
Jansen woke up with discomfort in his back, but hoped he could get it loose in time to pitch. His back didn’t cooperate. That same ailment slowed the big righty late in Spring Training.
“Tried to come to the ballpark and get ready, but [the back] wouldn’t allow me to so I’ve got to be smart,” Jansen said. “If I go out there and aggravate it, it could be worse for a week or two so I’d rather lose one day or two.”
Without the man who has 421 career saves, manager Alex Cora turned to Joely Rodríguez.
