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Payton Tolle Honors Late Mother in Mother’s Day Start as Red Sox Fall 4–1 to Rays

The 23-year-old left-hander marked the day with personal rituals that reflect the family story behind his path to Boston.

Overview

  • Tolle, who took the mound Sunday after a rainout moved his turn, worked five innings and gave up three runs in Boston’s 4–1 loss to Tampa Bay at Fenway Park.
  • He warmed up to Danzig’s “Mother,” wore a glove inscribed with his mom’s phrase “You’re so pretty,” flashed his on‑mound “I love you” hand sign, and had posted an Instagram tribute the day before.
  • He said the weekend was “really tough” and, asked what his mom would tell him after the start, answered, “Suck it up and do better.”
  • Willson Contreras left in the first inning after a hit-by-pitch to his right hand, with quick scans negative, while catcher Mickey Gasper went 3-for-4 and drove in Boston’s only run.
  • The outing followed a strong early-season stretch and a journey shaped by his late mother’s influence and scout Chris Reilly’s push that helped lead to his 2024 selection at No. 50 overall.