Oakland rookie Connelly Early shined in Boston, beating the Red Sox 2-1 in his second big league start. He logged 5.1 innings, one run, seven strikeouts and no walks, mixing a sinker with a sharper changeup to keep Boston off balance after an 11-strikeout debut in Sacramento. Early joined a rare club with 18 strikeouts across his first two starts, a mark last reached by Paul Skenes in 2024. Alex Cora praised his command as Boston’s offense again struggled with runners in scoring position, tightening the playoff picture.

Two-start sample size points to a high-upside rookie with a clean delivery and a versatile mix. The performance provides Oakland a blueprint: efficient innings, a varied arsenal, and a relentless approach through the lineup. The context of Skenes’ historic pace adds historical weight to Early’s early success and questions remain for Boston’s lineup and playoff odds.

Nationals aim to split the rain-delayed doubleheader with Atlanta, sending MacKenzie Gore against Chris Sale. Abrams and James Wood sit; Nasim Nunez leads off, with Daylen Lile, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews in the outfield. Josh Bell DHs; Andres Chaparro at first; Riley Adams behind the plate. Braves counter with Marcell Ozuna at DH, Sandy Leon catching, and Nick Allen and Nacho Alvarez added. Washington looks to halt a skid after a Pirates series.