Red Sox

Pivetta struck out seven and didn’t allow a run in his start against the Chicago White Sox.

Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta’s rollercoaster ride through the 2023 season is nearing an end, and he’s heading into the offseason strong.

There have been plenty of ups and downs for Pivetta on the mound, and a few twists and turns, too, as he moved between the starting rotation and the bullpen for Boston.

On Saturday though, despite a 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox, Pivetta had another strong start and earned a no-decision in his individual record. The right-hander struck out seven and only walked one. He gave up three hits and zero runs through seven innings.

“He’s finding the strike zone with good stuff so that was a good one. He’s got one more left,” Cora said of Pivetta. “It’s been fun to watch, especially the last two and a half, three months. He likes to compete, always available, and in tough conditions that was really good.”

Pivetta is winding down 2023 on a high note. He’s gone at least five innings in each of his last three outings (all starts), and twice has gone over six innings. In that timeframe, he’s recorded 23 strikeouts, including 10 against the Yankees on Sept. 12.

“I feel like I’ve been consistent this second half, I feel like I’ve been contributing the way that I need to,” Pivetta said. “I still have a ton to work on, I still need to be more consistent in the zone, getting ahead of guys better. But, being able to put things together slowly has benefitted me a lot.”