Jarren Duran was standing on third. Rafael Devers had just drawn a walk. Rob Refsnyder, Boston’s lefty crusher, was at the plate. It felt like the Red Sox were finally cooking with a chance to break through against their former ace, Chris Sale. Then, in an instant, the inning collapsed. Devers got caught dancing between first and second, a needless gamble, and just like that, the third inning was over. Refsnyder never even got a swing. It wasn’t just bad baseball. It was sheer carelessness.

That tone repeated itself over and over Friday night at Fenway, as the Red Sox gift-wrapped a 4-2 win for the visiting Braves. Sale, sharp and efficient, didn’t need help, but Boston gave it to him anyway. Duran got picked off in the sixth. Nick Sogard tried stretching a single off the Monster and got gunned down in the seventh. Each out on the bases ended a rally before it had a chance to breathe. And it all fed into a sobering truth: the Red Sox didn’t lose because of talent. They lost because they beat themselves.

After the game, manager Alex Cora didn’t mince his words. He didn’t blow up or sugarcoat. Instead, he delivered a pointed, six-word gut check aimed at the heart of his team: “We need to slow it down.”

Then he expanded: “When you’re not winning games — because we’re not playing bad, it should be the other way around. Just let it happen. Sometimes that’s the best way of doing it.” That quote hit differently. Because he’s not wrong—this isn’t a team in shambles. They’re in nearly every game. But being close means nothing when you keep tripping over your own feet. The Sox are now 4-12 in one-run games. That’s not bad luck—that’s self-inflicted.

And let’s be honest, this wasn’t just about rookies making aggressive mistakes. This was aimed at leaders. At Devers, who’s been through enough wars to know better. At Alex Bregman, who was brought in to bring a veteran presence and poise. If the top of your order is pressing, the rest of the clubhouse feels it. Momentum doesn’t start in the dugout, it starts in the details.

Cora didn’t sound frantic; rather, disappointed. If the Red Sox truly aim to improve their season’s course, they must first lend an ear. In situations like these, taking it slow could be the key to moving forward.

Alex Cora needs to lead through the mess, not just around it

So, where does Cora go from here? There comes a time when the need for concrete action surpasses maintaining a composed attitude. It’s not merely a matter of communication now; it involves transforming behaviors. It all begins with making choices during gameplay. Perhaps it’s necessary to limit the freedom to steal bases without caution. Being bold is commendable when it’s done wisely. However, if players are consistently being caught out or thrown out at moments, it’s not about hustling anymore; it’s about taking risks under the guise of determination.

The team lineup is another aspect to consider in this situation. Cora has been known for adapting to games in the past. Maybe it’s time for a more intentional change, not just to boost the offense but also to show accountability. Veteran players going through a patch might benefit from a break while young players who keep making the mistakes need to prove themselves again. These decisions may be tough. But they are often the ones that can change the course of a season.

Above all, Cora has to gauge the atmosphere within his team. If natural leadership is not arising and individuals such as Devers or Bregman are failing to establish the right atmosphere, then he must step in. Be assertive with his message. This is the moment when Cora’s approachable demeanor towards players faces a challenge.

In the end, it all comes down to: can Cora be the one to demand urgency without losing the room? Can he challenge without coddling? He has successfully accomplished this in the past. However, time is running out and the opportunities for redemption are limited.