4/20/26 Full Show - Red Sox put exclamation point on Marathon Monday 2026 with a win

The WEEI Afternoons episode from April 20, 2026, opened with a dramatic Red Sox victory on Marathon Monday, fueled by Seidan Raffaella’s two-RBI double that broke a 3-3 tie, despite early struggles including Sonny Gray’s early exit due to a hamstring issue. The hosts celebrated the win as a morale-boosting moment for a team plagued by offensive inconsistency, though they tempered enthusiasm with concerns about key injuries and the regression of ace Garrett Crochet, whose once-dominant sweeper has lost effectiveness due to a mechanical shift. The conversation pivoted to broader Boston sports narratives: a fiery debate over Nike’s controversial 'runners welcome, walkers will be tolerated' Boston Marathon ad, which Andy Hart and Fitzy defended as satirical humor amid accusations of 'pace shaming'; a dominant Celtics 123-91 win over the 76ers, lauded for Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s historic performance and team depth; and the looming A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots, seen as a strategic move likely to involve a future first-round pick. The episode took a darker turn with a scathing critique of the Bruins’ heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss to the Sabres in Game 1, where a 2-0 lead collapsed in the final minutes due to missed opportunities, poor execution, and defensive lapses, particularly from Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy. The hosts also scrutinized the Patriots’ attempt to suppress the Mike Vrabel scandal through crisis management, highlighting a culture of secrecy in professional sports. The broadcast closed on a lighter note, reflecting on the absurdity and charm of minor league entertainment—including a Mickey Mouse impersonator and a national whistling champion—while expressing cautious optimism about the Red Sox’s future despite ongoing challenges.