Rafaela's walk-off triple sends the Red Sox back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Fenway Park was electric today when Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a walk-off triple near the center field wall, helping the Red Sox defeat the Tigers 4-3 and clinch their first direct postseason spot since 2021.

Romy Gonzalez ignited the go-ahead rally with a one-out single to center off losing pitcher Tommy Kahnle. Immediately after, Rafaela connected on an 87-mph changeup, driving Gonzalez home from first base.

Trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning, the Red Sox began their comeback. The bullpen’s strong effort set the stage for the offense to mount a rally.

Carlos Narváez sparked the Red Sox’s tying rally in the eighth inning with a go-ahead single against right-hander Kyle Finnegan.

Nate Eaton entered as a pinch runner for Narváez, successfully stealing second and advancing to third on a passed ball off catcher Dillon Dingler’s throw. Then Jarren Duran drove in a run with a single to left field, leveling the score.

Nate Eaton came in as a pinch runner for Narváez, stole second base, and moved to third on a passed ball from catcher Dillon Dingler. Following that, Jarren Duran hit a run-scoring single to left field to tie the game.

Left-hander Kyle Harrison struggled in his second start for the Red Sox, lasting only three innings while allowing seven hits, three runs, three walks, and striking out six.

Afterward, Red Sox manager Alex Cora managed the bullpen like it was postseason, with relievers consistently shutting down the opposition and giving the offense enough time to take the lead.

Aroldis Chapman threw a fierce slider, striking out Spencer Torkelson in the top of the ninth and leaving a potential go-ahead runner stranded at third base.