Aroldis Chapman secures 5th win as Red Sox edge Tigers 4-3

Aroldis Chapman secures 5th win as Red Sox edge Tigers 4-3

When Aroldis Chapman, the veteran closer for Boston Red Sox, logged his fifth win of the season on Friday, September 27, 2025, the team held off the Detroit Tigers 4–3 at Fenway Park. Chapman entered in the ninth inning, preserving a narrow lead and improving his record to 5‑3 while keeping an ERA in the low‑1.00 range after his 60th appearance of the year.

Season‑long dominance and historic numbers

Chapman's 2025 campaign has been the talk of the clubhouse and the broadcast booth alike. Since the season opened, he has appeared in 60 games, a workload rarely seen from a reliever who still throws mid‑90s fastballs and a razor‑sharp slider. The Cuban‑born right‑hander has strung together 17 consecutive hitless outings, a stretch that places him among the elite closers of the modern era.

Baseball analysts have noted that his low‑ERA, high‑K/9 ratio (11.4 strikeouts per nine innings) makes him a pivotal figure in the Red Sox’s late‑season surge. "He's the kind of pitcher you want on the mound when the playoff race tightens," said Alex Cora, Boston’s manager, during a post‑game press conference.

Game recap: September 27, 2025 – Red Sox vs Tigers

In what turned into a nail‑biter, Boston took an early 2‑0 lead in the third inning, thanks to a solo homer from Rafael Devers. Detroit answered back with two runs in the fifth, tying the game 2‑2. The decisive moment arrived in the eighth when Nick Sogard drilled a clutch double that drove in the go‑ahead run, giving the Red Sox a 4‑3 advantage.

The Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth, setting the stage for a potential comeback. That’s when Chapman took the mound. He struck out the first two batters, induced a ground‑ball double play on the third, and fanned the final hitter, sealing the win. Detroit’s right‑hander, Tommy Kahnle, had struggled earlier, recording only one out in his own ninth‑inning effort.

Statistically, Chapman logged a perfect 1.0 WHIP and threw 22 pitches, 15 of them for strikes. The crowd at Fenwick Field (Fenway Park) erupted each time he flashed his cutter, a testament to how much the Boston faithful rely on his late‑inning heroics.

Key performances beyond the closer

While Chapman stole the headlines, the game featured several other standout contributions. Garrett Crochet, Boston’s ace slated to start the next series in Sacramento, threw five solid innings earlier in the day, allowing just one run on three hits. His poise on the mound gave the bullpen breathing room and reinforced the rotation’s depth.

Nick Sogard’s double, described by the local beat reporter as "a textbook line‑drive that sliced through the left‑field gap," became the difference-maker. Sogard, a rookie with limited playing time, has now posted a .320 batting average in September, hinting at a breakout stretch as the Red Sox eye a postseason berth.

Reactions: Teammates, coaches, and analysts weigh in

After the game, Cora praised Chapman’s composure: "He knows how to stay loose when the pressure’s on. That’s a priceless trait for any team fighting for the playoffs." Veteran shortstop Xander Bogaerts added, "When you see Aroldis walk in with that confidence, you know we’re good for the next 30 days. It’s a morale boost."

On the Tiger side, manager Avery Smith lamented missed opportunities, noting that "our bullpen simply didn’t execute the way we needed to, especially in the ninth." Sports columnist Mike Lupica wrote that the loss kept Detroit’s wild‑card hopes in jeopardy, while also acknowledging Chapman’s "historic consistency" that could reshape the Red Sox’s postseason narrative.

What the win means for Boston’s playoff push

The victory prevented a potential sweep that would have left Boston 3 games behind the leading AL East rival, the New York Yankees. With a current record of 84‑66, the Red Sox sit just two games back in the Wild Card race. The win also improves their run differential, a tiebreaker that could prove crucial in a tight race.

Experts project that if Chapman continues to deliver at his current rate, Boston’s odds of clinching a postseason spot increase from 58% to roughly 73% according to a recent FiveThirtyEight model. His ability to shut down opponents in high‑leverage situations has turned close games into guaranteed wins.

Looking ahead: Sacramento series and the road ahead

After the Tigers series, Boston will travel to Sacramento for a three‑game road swing starting on October 1. The Red Sox plan to start Garrett Crochet in the series opener, hoping his previous five‑inning performance carries over against the Sacramento River Cats (the affiliate serving as a proxy venue for the upcoming interleague matchup).

Coach Cora confirmed that Chapman will remain on the roster for the next two games, with the possibility of a four‑out save if the contest remains tight. "We’re banking on his consistency," Cora said, "and on our offense to keep the pressure off the bullpen."

Key facts

• Game date: September 27, 2025
• Final score: Boston Red Sox 4, Detroit Tigers 3
• Chapman’s line: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 strikeouts
• Chapman’s season stats (as of Sept. 27): 5‑3 record, ERA 1.03, 60 appearances
• Next series: Boston at Sacramento, starting pitcher Garrett Crochet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chapman's performance affect the Red Sox’s playoff chances?

Chapman's sub‑1.00 ERA and 17 straight hitless outings have turned many one‑run games into wins. Statisticians estimate that his continued dominance lifts Boston’s wild‑card probability from roughly 58% to over 70%, making him a linchpin in the final stretch.

Who contributed offensively in the September 27 win?

Nick Sogard delivered a clutch double in the eighth inning that drove home the go‑ahead run. Earlier, Rafael Devers homered to give Boston an early lead, and Xander Bogaerts added an RBI single in the fifth.

What challenges does Boston face in the upcoming Sacramento series?

Travel fatigue and a tough Pacific‑time schedule could test the bullpen’s depth. The Red Sox will rely on Garrett Crochet to anchor the rotation, while Chapman must be ready for high‑leverage saves if the games stay close.

How does Chapman’s 2025 season compare to his previous years?

In 2023 Chapman posted a 2.24 ERA over 55 games; this year’s sub‑1.00 ERA and 60 appearances represent a significant jump in both effectiveness and durability, putting him among the top three relievers in MLB history for a single season.

What did Detroit’s manager say after the loss?

Avery Smith admitted the bullpen "didn’t execute when it mattered" and praised his starters for keeping the game within reach, but acknowledged that Chapman's ninth‑inning dominance made a comeback unlikely.