Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox hit a bizarre home run that deflected off an outfielder’s glove and the Pesky Pole at Fenway Park, contributing to a 6-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Labor Day. The unusual play, initially ruled foul but overturned after video review, marked Story’s 23rd homer of the season and highlighted a key moment in the game.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Red Sox leading 5-3, Story sent a 306-foot fly ball down the right-field line. Cleveland right fielder Jhonkensy Noel attempted a leaping catch, but the ball bounced out of his glove, struck the foul pole, and fell to the ground. Umpires initially called it a foul ball, but crew chief Jordan Baker overturned the decision after review, awarding Story a home run and extending Boston’s lead to 6-3.
The game itself was a struggle for both starting pitchers. Red Sox starter Brayan Bello labored through five innings, allowing three runs on six hits with four strikeouts and three walks, while Guardians starter Parker Messick was pulled after 3.2 innings due to inefficiency. Boston’s offense, despite racking up 14 hits, left 12 men on base and went 4 for 14 with runners in scoring position, making Story’s homer a critical breakthrough.
Story’s blast proved decisive as the Red Sox bullpen held strong. Justin Wilson pitched a scoreless sixth inning on just six pitches, and although Kyle Manzardo hit a solo homer off Steven Matz in the seventh to make it 6-4, Aroldis Chapman secured the win with his 28th save of the season. The victory improved Boston’s record to 77-62, their ninth win in 12 games.
This home run was historic, being the shortest non-inside-the-park homer in MLB this season at 306 feet. It drew comparisons to a similar play from 19 years earlier, when current Red Sox manager Alex Cora hit his only career home run at Fenway in a game against the Blue Jays, where the ball was mishandled by the outfielder.
Story’s performance this year has been impressive, with 86 RBI, his highest since 2018, and he is on pace for a potential 100 RBI season. Manager Alex Cora praised Story’s contributions, noting his improved batting average and role as a game-changer for the team.
The win kept the Red Sox in tight playoff contention, tying them with the New York Yankees for the top American League Wild Card spot and placing them just 2.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. With 23 games remaining in the season, Boston is focused on maintaining their momentum for a postseason push.
This peculiar incident adds to the rich history of Fenway Park and underscores the unpredictable and entertaining nature of baseball, where even the most unusual plays can have significant impacts on games and seasons.