Red Sox (MLB)
Despite winning the 2013 World Series, the Boston Red Sox have endured a post-championship slump this season. As of Monday, their win-loss record was 67-88, putting them in last place for the American League East and 25.5 games back for the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. Unfortunately, back-to-back World Series titles are not looking possible for the Sox.
However, the Red Sox were able to win the series against the Baltimore Orioles this weekend. The Sox won the first game on Friday 5-3, giving Red Sox pitcher Allen Webster the win. The Orioles were able to overtake the Red Sox on Saturday at a score of 2-7. The Red Sox won a close game against the Orioles on Sunday with a score of 3-2, giving pitcher Joe Kelly the win. During this series, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (also known as “Big Papi”) broke the Red Sox franchise record with his eighth straight year of more than 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in (RBIs).
The Red Sox will play the Tampa Bay Rays today and tomorrow at Fenway Park.
Patriots (NFL)
The New England Patriots are starting their season off strong with a win-loss record of 2-1. The Pats lost their first game of the season 20-33 to the Miami Dolphins but regained their mojo last week when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-7.
On Sunday at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots narrowly defeated the Oakland Raiders 16-9. Only one touchdown was scored during the entirety of the game. The touchdown happened in the second quarter, when quarterback Tom Brady completed a six-yard pass to receiver Rob Gronkowski, who caught the ball in the end zone. The remaining points scored for the Patriots were the work of kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who scored three field goals and clinched the win for the Patriots.
The Raiders were predicted to be 14-point underdogs but came close to tying the game when running back Darren McFadden appeared to score a six-yard touchdown with one minute and two seconds left in the game. Fortunately for Patriots fans, McFadden’s touchdown was called back because of holding on the offense. Though it was an uphill battle, the Patriots managed to pull out “an ugly win,” as Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman said in a post-game interview.
The Patriots will face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sept. 29.
Revolution (MLS)
The New England Revolution are having a solid season, currently ranked third in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference. Their win-loss-tie record for the 2014 season is 13-13-3.
Prior to this weekend, the Revolution had a five-game winning streak, defeating Chivas USA, Toronto FC, Sporting KC, Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact. However, this winning streak ended on Saturday when the Revolution lost to the Columbus Crew 0-1. Columbus Midfielder Federico Higuain scored the game’s only goal in the 48th minute of play.
The Revolution’s next match will be on Sept. 26 against Sporting KC at Sporting Park in Kansas City.