Dustin May’s first appearance pitching for the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night did not go as hoped, marking a difficult debut just six days after his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game, held at Fenway Park against the Kansas City Royals, exposed May’s struggles as he tried to settle into his new role.

Unsteady Performance Results in Loss and End of Win Streak

May’s outing lasted only 3⅔ innings, during which he allowed three earned runs on six hits, walked one batter, and hit two with pitches. His inefficiency was clear, requiring 91 throws to record 11 outs, a pace that disrupted the Red Sox’s rhythm on the mound. Boston’s pitching failed to contain the Royals, leading to a 7-3 defeat that ended their seven-game winning streak and handed May the loss in his first start.

May Reflects on Mixed Feelings After the Game

After the game, reflecting on the ups and downs across his innings, May said,

Started off good. Then just fell apart.

—Dustin May, Pitcher This candid admission highlighted the pitcher’s awareness of his early effectiveness and the subsequent difficulties that cost his team momentum during a key matchup.

Red Sox Offense Also Struggles to Support Pitching Efforts

The challenges were not limited to May’s pitching. The Red Sox lineup struggled against the Royals’ pitching staff, generating only three runs. Despite their impressive recent offensive performances, Boston‘s batters could not ignite the momentum needed to complement May’s efforts on the mound, leaving the team unable to continue their winning run.

Looking Ahead: Can May and the Red Sox Recover?

With the losing streak now halted, focus shifts to how Dustin May will adjust and improve in upcoming starts. Fans and analysts are keenly observing whether May can overcome this rocky debut and help the Red Sox regain their competitive edge. The team must also find ways to reignite its offense to support its pitching staff as the season progresses.