The Red Sox blitzed Falter in the first inning. Boston scored five runs, buoyed by outfielder Jarren Duran’s three-run homer, as the Royals fell 8-5. Falter threw 38 pitches in the opening frame. He left a few pitches over the plate and the Red Sox took advantage.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/royals as Red Sox-Royals Series Marks Critical Inflection Point For Kansas City. Look, it's fair to say that every series is critical for the Kansas City Royals for the rest of the season. But this trip to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox feels extra consequential.