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Alex Cora Sends Message After Red Sox’s Historic Walk-Off Against Angels

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 6:28 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels (28-33) looked like they were on their way to sweeping the Boston Red Sox (30-34) at Fenway Park after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning on Wednesday. However, their pitching staff wasn't up to the task.

The Red Sox tallied five runs in the bottom of the frame thanks to RBI singles by right fielder Wilyer Abreu and first baseman Abraham Toro, a RBI walk by third baseman Marcelo Mayer, and a two-run double by shortstop David Hamilton. Los Angeles followed up with three more runs in the second before Boston tied the game in the fourth with an Abreu sacrifice fly and a RBI single by catcher Carlos Narváez.

Each squad scored two more runs, setting up a walkoff two-run homer by Red Sox center fielder Cedannae Rafaela in the bottom of the ninth that tucked just inside of the right field pole. The ball traveled 308 feet, which is the shortest walkoff home run that went outside the park since the advent of Statcast in 2015, via MLB.com's Sarah Langs.

Boston manager Alex Cora sounded off about it postgame, via MassLive's Christopher Smith.

“To say we needed this one is an understatement," he said. The Red Sox are just 3-7 in their past 10 games including Wednesday's win.

"Red Sox players yell 'pesky' whenever a ball is hit down the right field line," Smith added. "Of course, from their angle in the dugout, they typically don’t know if it’s fair or foul off the bat."

Alex Cora: “To say we needed this one is an understatement.”
Cora said Red Sox players yell “Pesky” whenever a ball is hit down the right field line. Of course, from their angle in the dugout, they typically don’t know if it’s fair or foul off the bat
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) June 4, 2025