Red Sox Pitcher Payton Tolle Throws Rare Immaculate Inning

A perfect start to the game

Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle had a perfect start to Sunday's game. The pitcher, who is 23 years old, threw an immaculate inning to open the matchup against the Kansas City Royals.

Tolle needed only nine pitches to strike out the side. He started the game by throwing a called third strike past Nick Loftin. Next, he got Bobby Witt Jr. and Jac Caglianone swinging to complete the rare feat.

Caglianone was the only batter to get his bat on a ball during the inning. He fouled his very first pitch to the left side. When Tolle got two strikes on Caglianone, most of the fans in attendance stood up and cheered loudly. Tolle pumped a fist once the strikeout was secured and the inning was over.

Joining Red Sox legends

This historic performance puts Tolle in some elite company. He became the first Boston pitcher to throw an immaculate inning to open a game since Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez did it. Martinez accomplished the feat at Fenway Park against the Seattle Mariners on May 18, 2002.

In total, this was the eighth immaculate inning in Red Sox history. It was only the second time a Boston pitcher has done it in the first inning of a game.

The last Red Sox pitcher to throw an immaculate inning before Sunday was former left-hander Chris Sale. Sale achieved his feat on Aug. 26, 2021, at Fenway Park against the Minnesota Twins.

What it means for the next game

Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers (MLB, Wed, 16 Sep): Texas Rangers win 48%, Boston Red Sox win 52%; projected score Texas Rangers 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Rangers +2.5.

Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers (MLB, Thu, 17 Sep): Texas Rangers win 48%, Boston Red Sox win 52%; projected score Texas Rangers 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Rangers +2.5.