Overview

• Rafaela drilled a 1-0 changeup from Tommy Kahnle off the center-field wall for a triple, scoring Romy Gonzalez for a 4-3 win over the Tigers at Fenway Park.
• The victory clinched Boston’s first playoff berth since 2021 and was Rafaela’s third walk-off of the season after two earlier walk-off homers.
• Boston fell behind 3-0 after starter Kyle Harrison allowed three early runs before the bullpen stifled Detroit and the lineup mounted a steady comeback.
• Rafaela has hit safely in six of his last seven games and is 11-for-26 (.423) with a 1.118 OPS over that stretch.
• Manager Alex Cora and teammates hailed Rafaela’s big-moment poise, and Cora told the clubhouse the focus now shifts to pursuing a World Series title.