Payton Tolle throws immaculate inning in Red Sox win over Royals

Boston Red Sox rookie left-hander Payton Tolle delivered a historic performance on Sunday, pitching an immaculate inning to start the game against the Kansas City Royals. Tolle struck out Nick Loftin, Bobby Witt Jr., and Jac Caglianone on just nine pitches, marking the eighth immaculate inning in Red Sox franchise history and the first to occur in the opening inning since Pedro Martinez in 2002.

Tolle pitched six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out seven. Despite a nearly two-hour rain delay before the game, the Red Sox secured a 4-1 victory at Fenway Park. Caleb Durbin provided early offense with a solo home run, and Roman Anthony broke a 1-1 tie with a crucial two-out RBI single in the seventh inning. Trevor Story added insurance with a two-run single in the eighth.

Garrett Whitlock earned the win in relief, while Aroldis Chapman recorded his 34th save of the season. The win allowed the Red Sox to take the final two games of the three-game series, improving their record to 82-68.