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.