Kutter Crawford showcased a varied arsenal during Saturday’s game, employing his sweeper and cutter early on before relying on his dominant four-seam fastball as his go-to pitch in the later innings. Despite the Red Sox’ 4-3 10-inning loss to the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, Crawford delivered an outstanding performance.
The 27-year-old right-hander pitched six solid innings, surrendering just one unearned run, three hits, and one walk while striking out seven batters. Notably, one of the three hits allowed by Crawford came on a bunt.
In the first three games of the season, Red Sox starting pitchers have collectively yielded only three earned runs, one walk, and 11 hits while racking up 19 strikeouts across 17 innings. However, Boston’s record fell to 1-2 on Saturday due to closer Kenley Jansen’s absence in the 10th inning and Joely Rodriguez’s subsequent blown save, resulting in the loss.
Reflecting on his performance, Crawford remarked, “They hit the fastball pretty well. So we knew kind of spin it early (with breaking balls) and then I kind of started pitching backwards. I started using the four-seamer a little bit more and it worked out.”
Mariners hitters struggled against Crawford’s four-seam fastball, going 0-for-6 against it from the third inning onward. Known for possessing one of the best fastballs in the game, Crawford held opponents to a batting average of just .164 with an expected batting average of .177 against his fastball in the 2023 season.
Tanner Houck praised Crawford’s fastball, noting its deceptive nature and quick delivery. Crawford showcased an impressive array of pitches throughout the game, including six different ones: 30 sweepers, 24 cutters, 20 four-seam fastballs, six knuckle-curves, two splitters, and two sliders. He induced 10 swings and misses, with five coming from his sweeper. On average, his four-seamer clocked in at 93.3 mph, peaking at 94.4 mph.
The progression of Kutter Crawford, a 16th-round draft pick in 2017, highlights his emergence as one of Boston’s premier pitchers. This journey began to unfold last year, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Tanner Houck, a first-round pick in the same draft year, attributes Crawford’s success in part to his relentless work ethic. According to Houck, the beauty of baseball lies in its meritocratic nature, where size, strength, or speed are not the sole determinants of success. Instead, what truly matters is one’s ability to compete and deliver results on the field. Regardless of draft round or background, individuals who demonstrate unwavering commitment and effort can carve out meaningful roles on any team. This principle extends beyond baseball and applies to life in general; consistent hard work and dedication inevitably yield positive outcomes. Houck emphasizes that Crawford’s journey exemplifies this philosophy, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and individuals alike.
