Just days after their massive trade that sent Rafael Devers to San Francisco, the 21-year-old Red Sox rookie, Roman Anthony, stepped into the spotlight with an impressive performance. His first major league home run helped the team secure the win, extending Boston’s win streak to a season-high six games.
Anthony Shares His Thoughts After Breakout Performance That Landed Another Win
On Monday night in Seattle, Anthony proved to fans that the hype surrounding him is well-founded. Facing Mariners ace Logan Gilbert, the rookie crushed a 2-2 fastball 391 feet to right-center in the first inning, snapping an 0-for-12 slump.
The solo shot, his first in the big leagues after just seven games since his Triple-A Worcester call-up, gave Boston an early 1-0 lead in their 2-0 victory. After the game, during his interview with NESN, Anthony expressed his thoughts on the shot: “It was awesome.” Talking about the Red Sox’s current momentum, he said, “We’re rolling right now; it’s fun. Winning’s fun.”
Roman Anthony after the Red Sox season high 6th straight win 🎙️
“We’re rolling right now, it’s fun. Winnings fun.” pic.twitter.com/NeD6DczAKS
— NESN (@NESN) June 17, 2025
Anthony’s approach against Gilbert, a 2025 All-Star candidate fresh off a right elbow flexor strain, ended up being quite effective: “We know he’s got a great heater; he is a great pitcher.” Speaking of his approach, Anthony said, “Just try not to be late. Try to find a way to score, help the team win.”
Despite seeing heavy spin and changeups since his debut, Anthony was unfazed by Gilbert’s fastball-heavy attack, showcasing the pitch-to-pitch adjustments he credited for his success. “Adjustments are huge,” he noted. “If you can make pitch-to-pitch adjustments, you’ll be all right.”
Boston’s pitching staff, as Anthony praised, was “unbelievable.” Lucas Giolito (3-1) delivered six scoreless innings, allowing three hits, one walk, and striking out a season-high 10. His escape from a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the third, fanning J.P. Crawford, Julio Rodríguez, and Cal Raleigh, set the tone for the match.
Giolito retired his final 12 batters, while relievers Justin Wilson and Greg Weissert held Seattle scoreless. Closer Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth for his 13th save in 14 chances.
The Red Sox added a second run in the third when Jarren Duran’s two-out triple set up Abraham Toro’s RBI infield single, leveraging a diving stop by Seattle’s rookie second baseman Cole Young. Boston’s defense made sure the Mariners’ threats in the seventh and eighth innings died down.
With Boston’s 41-31 record and a six-game streak, Anthony’s emergence softens the sting of Devers’ departure. If he continues to adjust and deliver, the Red Sox could ride their young star deep into October.