Was This The Most Electric Red Sox Showdown Of 2025?

All eyes were on the mound at Oracle Park on Friday night as the Boston Red Sox looked to close out a 7-5 win over the San Francisco Giants.

With the lead on the line, Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman made quick work of Heliot Ramos to open the inning. That brought up Rafael Devers, hitless in four at-bats and now staring down his former teammate with the game in the balance.

The history between the two added a layer of tension, the kind that makes even a routine save situation feel bigger than the box score. It was a moment steeped in emotion and history, as noted by Juliet Hurwitz of Over the Monster. Devers famously took Chapman deep back in 2017, and this was their first true showdown since becoming opponents again.

Before the first pitch, the two shared a brief nod. “I wasn’t able to see [Raffy] before the game, but during the at-bat I was able to say hi,” Chapman told reporters postgame, as transcribed by NESN.

Chapman came out on top, striking out Devers swinging on a 101.8 mph fastball to secure his 14th save of the season.

The Red Sox offense had already done its part. Ceddanne Rafaela turned in a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a solo shot to give Boston the lead for good in the sixth. He also doubled, singled, and scored twice.

Boston’s bullpen held firm after a rocky start from Hunter Dobbins, who gave up three early runs.

The win pushed Boston closer in the playoff hunt, while a viral nod between former teammates became the lasting image of the night.